PDC NEWS COMMENTARY

March 2012
Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC) National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

T H E A C T I V I T I E S O F NLD A N D D O M E S T I C O P P O S I T I O N F O R C E S T HE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Despite of repeated assurances given by USDP government for free and fair by-elections to be held on April 1, it is found clearly that they are doing suppression and restrictions on NLDs election campaign tours and other political and social activists. And it is also found that USDP and its comprador organizations are escalating their campaigns on maligning and disparaging NLD and its leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by all possible unethical means they can access. A book under the title Lin Let Kye Sin (shining star), written by someone under the pseudonym Aung Myat Oo was published in early February, in which the author made personal attacks on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and with her portrait on the cover of this book. Similarly a candidate named U Tin Yi from Peace and Unity Party (PUP) who will contest in the same Kawhmu constituency sent objection letter dated February 6 to Union Election Commission (UEC) by making libellous attacks on her and also he distributed copies of his objection letter on internet. In fact, this PUP party is the proxy and comprador party of USDP and its leaders are former red flag (communist) party member U Ohn Lwin and former Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) member U Tun Shwe who have reportedly being funded by the then Information Minister Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan in the age of SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) government. Former red flag member U Ohn Lwin is the member of study group called Students of Political Economy which was constituted in 2003 and he wrote many libellous articles on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in state-run daily papers. And then he split from this study group and formed his own New Generation Students of Political Economy in March 2005 and he continued his libellous attacks on pro-democracy forces. The then SPDC government granted this group 10 mobile phones and this man U Ohn Lwin resold these mobile phones at the black market with handsome profit margin. And then one of the members of this group, U Tin Tun, nephew of red flag communist party leader Thakin Soe, sent complaint letter dated May 25, 2007 to SPDC government News and Periodical Corporation Managing Director U Soe Win. Another leader of PUP, U Tun Shwe, is the editor-in-chief and publisher of East Village news journal and he also wrote many pro-government articles under the pseudonym Min Lwin in staterun daily papers. Moreover he formed swallow informant group for sending information on activities of NLD and other organizations to World News Analyzing Working Committee led by Information Minister Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan. Apart from that, he acted as governments tout at the press conference by asking pre-arranged questions there and attacked the pro-democracy forces. So the then SPDC Information Minister Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan granted him East Village news journal publishing license, a housing at Room 1, Building 3, Kway Ma Housing, Ward No. 22, South Dagon Township and landline phone and mobile phone. Rangoon South District Election Commission (EC) dismissed the U Tin Yis objection letter on February 10 but he appealed against this verdict to Rangoon Region EC again and NLD had to face
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this trial again on February 27 at this office. Then the Rangoon Region EC passed its final verdict by dismissing plea and issued the list of candidates in that constituency including the name of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar National Congress party which was granted registration by UEC on January 23, 2012 might be the proxy party of USDP. Kaung Myat Thu (policy department) from this party made libellous attacks on NLD party and 88-Generation student leaders in his articles. Unidentified persons left the letter maligning Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the doorstep of the residence of NLD candidate from Sagaing Region, Amrapura constituency Dr. Zaw Myint Maung at the night of February 18. Similarly a man called Fish Min Swe who has made libellous attacks on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD party in articles appeared in state-run daily papers, distributed similar letters maligning her and her party in Thonegwa Township, Rangoon Region and then NLD had to lodge complaint to the department concerned on February 29. Daw Aung Suu Kyis elder brother U Aung San Oo filed the letter of administration lawsuit against his younger sister for the premises and house on it inherited from his mother Daw Khin Kyi in pursuant of Burmese Customary Law. Rangoon Region west district court heard this civil case on February 10. It is found that USDP party and its government harassed and made restrictions on election campaigns of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by various possible means. NLD party applied for using Ba Htoo football stadium as their election campaign venue ground in Mandalay to be held on February 4-5 but USDP government Sports Minister U Tint San and Myanmar (Burma) Football Federation (MFF) passed the bucks between them and then they finally rejected the request. And then NLD had to apply for another venue Maidan ground in Mandalay for their election campaign rally. The authority concerned also rejected this request so that NLD had to announce on February 4 postponing their rally to people in Mandalay. Pathein University authorities made abrupt announcement which says the students will be examined on February 7 as the pretests, the same date Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would hold her campaign rally in this city. Sport Minister U Tin San also banned Daw Aung San Suu Kyis campaign rally to be held on February 15 at the Hlegu football ground but UEC overruled his ban and finally granted this ground later to NLD for her campaign rally. Moreover Mogaung Township EC issued order on February 19 banning scheduled campaign rally to be held on February 23-24 at Namti village tract on security ground. NLD held press conference on February 20, protested against banning of their campaign rallies scheduled to be held at football grounds by Sports Ministry. After this press conference, Mandalay mayor U Phone Zaw Han granted a venue in Mandalay for NLD campaign rally by issuing his order on February 19. During Daw Aung San Suu Kyis campaign tour to Kachin State, the authorities from state capital Myitkyina ordered to close all internet caf in this city on February 24, the date of her arrival to the city so that foreign and domestic journalists accompanying her faced a lot of troubles in reporting their news. NLD Zabuthiri constituency candidate Daw Sandar Min held her campaign meeting at Aung Chan Thar village on February 21 and then the village electrification committee noted down the names of about 100 villagers who attended this meeting and then these names were deleted from their electricity supply application list. Then the candidate Daw Sandar Min visited village electrification committee on February 23 to lodge her complaint against this action. The committee retorted her as
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saying, You can lodge your complaint anywhere. We did it under the order given by our higher authority. Electrification project is being implemented in this village by our party (USDP) and we cannot provide electricity to those who gave their support to our rival party NLD. So you can lodge your complaint anywhere. And then Daw Sandar Min told media that she lodged her complaint to township administrative committee and Naypyitaw election commission. Unidentified persons destroyed NLD party signboard erected in front of the party office at Ottarathiri Township by knife on February 24. NLD party candidate U Min Thu will contest from this constituency. Similarly the party signboard at Seiknanphoen village in Pobbathiri Township constituency was destroyed by unidentified persons in the morning on February 25, party candidate Daw Sandar Min who would contest in this constituency said. Township Administrative Officer from Pobbathiri Township rejected the application of NLD for using a paddy field in this township for Daw Aung San Suu Kyis campaign rally during her campaign tour in Naypyitaw by giving excuse of no open space available, NLD party candidate Zeya Thaw who would contest in this constituency said on February 29. USDP party general secretary U Htay Oo said on February 2 that they would heartily welcome Daw Aung San Suu Kyi if she won in upcoming April 1 by-election. But at its secret election campaign meeting, USDP party high command instructed its party offices and cadres to do in their utmost efforts for winning all 48 vacant seats in these by-elections, to help their candidates by pouring all resources of finance and manpower available, to gather information on weak points and drawbacks of their contenders from NLD party and disseminate this information to the voters by clever manner, giving 5 million kyat as campaign expenses to each constituency and ready to give additional grant as and when necessary, and decided to protect the country from being the slaves of two masters, the meeting minute leaked outside says. It is learned that Irrawaddy Region, Myaungmya Township administrative officer threatened his subordinate wards and village tracts administrators at the departmental meeting held at Myashwewah Hall, No. 4 Ward, Myaungmya on February 16 that they would be fired from their jobs if their USDP candidate lost in this constituency. Under pressure from township administrative officer, the abbot from Ywatanshe village, Myaing Township, Magwe Region requested NLD to cancel their scheduled fund raising fun fair to be held in this village. Similarly Mandalay Chanayetharzan Township No. 6 Police Station questioned the promoters and organizers of Pwint Thit Lwin art exhibition to be held for NLD fund raising. In the meantime Myanmar Radio and TV Director General U Thein Aung warned the staffs at the special meeting held on February 24 not to greet and welcome Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she comes to Naypyitaw for recording and shooting her televised election campaign address. Military Affairs Security (MAS) and Police Special Branch (SB) have not yet harassed openly the election campaign tours of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi but they are closely watching and monitoring these tours. USDP party general secretary U Htay Oo said that since they took much time in drafting 2008 constitution, it had not many points to be amended but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said to Tomas Quintana on February 3 that she believed some of the chapters and articles in this constitution were not beneficial to the people so that they must be amended. After meeting with EU delegation she also said at the press conference held on February 29 that EU should not be in hurry for lifting sanctions imposed on Burma and they should wait until the completion of upcoming by-elections.

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It is learned that NLD hired 3 private security staffs for security of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as they are facing increased threats on her life during these election campaign tours.
T HE R ELATIONSHIP BETWEEN E THNIC G ROUPS AND T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

In February, USDP government met New Mon State Party (NMSP), Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), Karenni Nationality Progressive Party (KNPP), KNU/KNLA Peace Council, All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB), Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS), and National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) NLD(LA), and they also met with some exile political leaders who wished to go back Burma. Out of 11 member organizations of United Nationality Federal Council (UNFC), negotiations and meeting between USDP government and nine member organizations are underway and the remaining two organizations, National Unity Party of Arakan (NUPA) and Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), had got contact with them and they believed they would reach ceasefire agreements with all of the organizations within 3 months, USDP government union level peace negotiation team member and Railway Minister U Aung Min said on February 15. Opposition ethnic armed forces, unarmed organizations and some individual political leaders see the opportunity to meet with USDP government as the signs of recognition by the government. It is learned that they approached peace brokers and facilitators for getting opportunity to meet with USDP government. The government offered two ethnic armed organizations operating on IndoBurma-Bangladesh border for peace talk with them but the government had not yet extended such offer to them, Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO) Information Department In-charge Min Thang said on February 2. NMSP peace talk delegate Nai Soe Myint said that they could reach five-point preliminary agreement with government delegation led by Rail Minister U Aung Min at the state level peace talk held in Mawlamyine on February 1.NMSP held its emergency central committee meeting on February 18 to discuss matters on ceasefire with the government troops. On February 25, NMSP delegation led by Vice-chairman met government delegation led by U Aung Min in Mawlamyine again and they signed ceasefire agreement there. Under this agreement, they agreed to begin their political dialogue within 45 days. It is learned that NMSP liaison office in Mawlamyine was reopened on February 26 after that. USDP government delegation led by U Aung Min met with DPNS and PNLO delegations in Chiang Mai on February 5 separately and held the informal meetings with them. It also learned that the government delegation FDB which is comprised of 7-member 88-generation political outfit, KNPP, and NLD-(LA) in Chiang Mai separately on February 6 and U Aung Min urged them to come back Burma and joined hands with them for the country, and in return, the political opposition groups suggested the government delegation on what they should do in priority. KNU/KNLA Peace Council led by Brig. Gen. Htein Maung signed preliminary ceasefire agreement on February 7. Similarly, with the facilitations provided by peace brokers, 1988 uprising student leader Moe Thee Zun met U Aung Min in Bangkok on February 8 and discussed on matters relating to going back Burma, he disclosed to BBC. On February 9, the government delegation led by U Saw Khin Soe met with ABSDF delegation for preliminary talk in Mae Sot, Thailand.

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The ethnic Karen armed groups DKBA, KPF and KUN/KNLA Peace Council met with KNU 6thBrigade on February 3 in Sonesimyaing village, Myawady Township and discussed on reconciliation among them and to prevent from being sowed dissension by the government, it is learnt. It is learned that since there are differences among KNU troops on ceasefire agreement with government, a mass rally was held for three days starting from February 8 in a place in Phapon Township to take public opinion on peace talk and ceasefire agreement. Despite of reaching ceasefire agreement between KNU and USDP government, the fighting continued in Hlinebwe, Karen State and Belin, Mon State on February 8 and 9 in which 3 government army officers were killed. It is learned that KNU central committee member Pado Mahn Nyein Maung has not yet been released and even he was produced before the Insein court for further cases on February 9. During 45-day period after signing the ceasefire agreement, the government troop have not yet withdrawn from their outposts from KNU 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5thand 6thBrigades controlled areas and they even made reinforcements and dumping arms, rations and ammunitions to their troops so that the next round of talk with government was still uncertain, KNU general secretary Naw Si Phora Sein said on February 15. KNU signed preliminary ceasefire agreement but they would renegotiate in further talks to be held in March to consolidate the current ceasefire situations to make them better than before, KNU joint secretary (1) Maj. Saw Hla Ngwe said at the press conference held on February 22. KNU vicechairman Pado David Thar Kapaw criticized the current separate peace talks with ethnic armed groups on February 28 as saying planned non-inclusive political talk agenda of government is only for driving wedge among these groups and to divide and rule among them only. USDP government signed ceasefire agreement with DKBA led by Brig. Gen. Saw La Bwe but starting from February 19, the renewed fighting erupted again with government controlled Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion 1011 and the relations between them strained. In early February, platoon commander Lt. Nyunt Tin and eight soldiers from Myawady Township, Shwe Kokko village based BGF 1019 battalion came and joined with DKBA Kalobuhtaw military command with their arms and then the combined forces of BGF 1011 and 1019 made surprised attack on Kalobuhtaw military command in the early morning of February 19 and seized over 30 arms. On the same day, DKBA forces retaliated to this incident by firing on BGF 1011 troops traveling in a car in Myaing Gyi Ngu area which killed 3 soldiers and wounded Capt. Aye Win Min and a private. On February 20, sniper from BGF 1011 fired on DKBA staff officer Maj. Win Maung with rifle which gave injuries in his hand. The peace building group of government intervened to settle this incident but BGF Commandant Brig. Gen. Maung Maung Ohn refused on February 22 to return the arms seized by his troops and then two DKBA battalions led by Maj. Maung Lay and Maj. Ye Chit Oo, stationed at Myaing Gyi Ngu were under siege by combined forces of about 700 personnel from BGF battalions 1011, 1012 and 1019. Then DKBA announced that their 3-month long ceasefire agreement with government had been void. And then the union level peace building team intervened in this incident and President U Thein Sein reportedly instructed BGF Directorate Director on February 23 to return all seized arms to DKBA. At the meeting between USDP government delegation led by U Aung Thaung and KIO delegation held in Ruli, China, both sides agreed to refrain from escalating military operations and to negotiate on deployment of both sides for avoiding unnecessary problems in confidence building process but
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renewed fighting were reported in Sinbo and Waimaw in Kachin State and Kutkai in northern Shan State. KIO secretary general Dr. Laja said on February 29 that all government troops operating and stationed in KIO controlled areas must withdraw from their positions and outposts first for signing ceasefire agreement with them. UEC reportedly allowed former KIO leader Dr. Tuja to contest in election as independent candidate from Mogoung constituency in Kachin State. His partys application for registration was denied by UEC in 2010 general election. It is learned that similar renewed fighting between government troops and ceasefire armed group Reunification Council of Shan State/ Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) were reported in six townships under command of Kentung military command in February. These renewed fighting erupted when the government troops put pressure on them to withdraw to the designated HQ for RCSS/SSA at Mone Taw, Mone Htar in eastern Shan State near Thai-Burma border, it is learnt.
T HE A CTIVITIES OF NLD AND D OMESTIC O PPOSITION F ORCES

Tens of thousands of local people lauded to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with heartily welcome when she visited Rangoon and Irrawaddy Regions and Kachin State in February for her NLD election campaigns. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who would contest from Kawhmu constituency in Rangoon Region made her household registration at a small Karen village called Wathinkha on February 4. She made her election campaign tours to Pathein and Myaungmya cities in Irrawaddy Region on February 7. In her speeches delivered at these mass rallies, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that she would do her utmost efforts for rule of law, internal peace and health, education and employment for the people. She made similar campaign tours to Kawhmu, Rangoon Region on February 11, Hlegu and Mayangon Townships in Rangoon Region on February 15 respectively. She said in her speeches on rising commodity prices, unemployment issue, marching to democracy goal by joining hands with Tatmadaw (armed forces). She made election campaign tour to Pyapon, Irrawaddy Region on February 17. She said in her campaign speeches on right to sell their farm produce freely by farmers and uplifting education sector for the development of the country. She visited Kawhmu constituency on February 21 for the second time and made similar campaign tours to Namti and Myitkyina in Kachin State on February 23 and 24 respectively and she delivered her address to the people in these mass rallies. In these campaign trips, she said on restoring internal peace and emergence of federal union. She delivered her address to local people in Thonegwa Township in Rangoon Region on February 26 too. At the same time, she received visiting foreign dignitaries, bosses of international organizations and foreign missions in Burma. She received UN special rapporteur for human rights in Burma Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana on February 3 and discussed on human right situations in Burma, and businessmen from Asean Business Club (ABC) and discussed on economic investment matters. Executive Director Mr. Ryuhei Hosoya from UNESCO Director Generals office came and met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on February 10 and conferred Madanjeet Singh award for 2012 to her. She received Germany Economic Cooperation and Development Minister Mr. Dirk Niebel on February 14 and discussed on policy matters adopted by EU for upcoming by-elections in Burma. She also met former Thai PM from Democratic Party Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and ASEAN secretary general Mr. Surin Pitsuwan on February 18 and 22 respectively and discussed on the role of Thai and ASEAN in democratization process of Burma. She received International Trade Union Confederation
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(ITUC) delegation on February 18 and discussed on labour rights and forming free trade unions in Burma. She also received EU parliament delegation for ASEAN affairs on February 29. At the same time, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received foreign and domestic journalists too. In her interview with China Guandong based Southern Peoples Weekly she told them that China should not see Burma only as the market for Chinese companies. She also met visiting RFA Burmese Service chief Daw Nyein Shwe on February 21. NLD party leaders are also trying hard in their organizational works in both inside and outside of the party. They have target to recruit up to one million party members in reorganization of their party. They have already sold over 500,000 copies of party membership applications during this period of over one month and they had already received over 50,000 applications by the end of February. NLD party Information Department In-charge U Ohn Kyaing said on February 27 that the party instructed all of its party branches across the country to send these applications back to party HQ at the earliest possible date. In scrutinizing the applications of former party members, the party had accepted the application submitted by Dr. Myat Nyarna Soe, upper house MP of National Democratic Force (NDF), as the new party member in reorganized NLD party, the official announcement made at press conference held on February 19 says. Democratic Party (Myanmar) (DPM) general secretary Daw Nay Yi Ba Swe (daughter of late PM U Ba Swe) who contested in 2010 general election had reportedly submitted her party membership application to NLD party. NLD party branch offices across the country are being reopened and these reopening ceremonies were attended by party patrons and central executive committee members. Even under her heavy workload and tight schedules, party president Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended Bogyoke Aung San epic film shooting office opening ceremony, reunion with former student political prisoners, 65thAnniversary Union Day, and Myanmar Childrens Day ceremony which falls on 97thBogyoke Aung Sans birthday. Meiktila constituency independent candidate Daw Myint Myint Aye who defied partys decision in selecting candidate for this constituency conducted her election campaign by using NLD logo and then party Meiktila Township branch office organizing committee is planning to sue her, it is learnt. 88-Generation student leaders, former political prisoners, All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), Generation Wave, Myanmar Youth Association, Myanmar Development Committee (MDC), Best Manure, etc and political activists are found rallying around NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and doing public awareness activities actively. Best Manure group announced on February 2 at the former political prisoners get together function held in North Okkalapa that they would do political and social works for the people overtly. Myanmar Youth Association organized and sponsored paper reading session and symposium on freedom from fear by new generation students in Rangoon on February 5. Former political prisoners group organized and led the discussion meeting of academics and scholars on Union Budget Appropriation in Rangoon on February 7. The first get together meeting of student leaders in different ages was held in South Okkalapa on February 8. New Generation Youths Association, Best Manure, and ABFSU issued a joint statement entitled Let flowers bloom rather than bullets, our beloved Burma and distributed these statements along with roses at busy junctions and crowded places. Organizing committee for official emergence of ABFSU (Upper Burma), information department incharge Ko Aung Kyaw Moe said on February 1 that they had started their mission for forming ABFSU. Rangoon south district student union was formed in the third week of February. About 10
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organizations of students and youths conducted fun fair for war victims in Kachin State at Shwedagon taboung pagoda festival under the title white hands in hands. Ethnic Chin students of various universities from Kalay Myo issued a statement on Chin National Day which falls on February 20 which says that they would work for forming Chin Student Union based on existing Chin Literature and Cultural Committee. 88-Generation student leaders visited cities in States and Regions and they held Discussion meeting on introductory to open society with local social organizations and youth organizations. They conducted such meetings in Hinthada on February 20, Myitkyina on February 23-24, Mandalay and Pyinoolwin on February 25, Yamethin and Myingyan on February 26 respectively. They held their press conference on January 21 to explain their opinions and views to the people and they published their press briefings at this press conference as a book for publicizing their opinions and views and then the book releasing ceremony of this book was held on February 21. Labour movements were seen during this period too. About 1,800 workers from Tai Yi footwear factory owned by Chinese national started their strike on February 6 outside their factory in protest of cutting 10,000 kyat each from their wages. They demanded to increase their wage and remove some repressive regulation imposed on them. The officials from government Labour Department intervened to settle the dispute but the employer refused to fully give overtime pay and full attendance bonus as demanded by the strikers. Then over 1,200 workers continued their strike and remaining about 600 workers accepted the offer given by employer. The workers who reported to work formed Trade Union (Tai Yi footwear factory) on February 28 and striking workers reportedly sent their petition to trade dispute arbitration court to settle their 17-point demand. It is learned that over 1,600 workers from nearby New Way footwear factory also staged sit-in strike on February 9 to make their demands. In peasants movements, paddy and bean farmers from Khayan Township, Rangoon Region applied to Township Police Force officer for holding peaceful demonstration against falling prices of their farm produce and unable to repay their agricultural loans. It is learned that their application was rejected. 49 farmers signed their petition and sent it to Khayan and Thanlyin city development committees (municipal committees) on February 15 in protest of building road connecting Peinkan village in Khayan Township and Pagantaung village in Thanlyin Township as it could damage a lot of paddy fields along this road. Ten farmers whose farmlands of 50 acres were seized for cement factory project of Zaykabar Company to be built at the place near Hnitone village, Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State lodged their complaint to village headman but the headman didnt take any action on their complaint and then they had to lodge their complaint directly to President again, it is learnt. Eight farmers from Mengwi village, Namkham Township, northern Shan State refused to accept compensation given for laying gas pipeline on their fields and then it is learnt that the officials concerned summoned and threatened them on February 13. Diversity and Peace Party had to cancel their farmland and development talk show which was planned to be held in Mingaladon after the township authorities refused to give them permission. In the meantime, the anti-price rise movements took place too during this period. Sixteen local people from Pathein staged protest demonstration at butcher licensee bidding held at Irrawaddy Region Pathein city development committee (municipal committee) on February 2 in protest of rising meat
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prices of pork, beef, mutton etc. Of these demonstrators, 14 were arrested and they were released on bail later. Rangoon based MDC demanded to sell mobile phone SIM cards at cheaper price of 5,000 kyat each on February 20 and then they distributed leaflets on this issue at Meegwet market in Hlinetharyar, Nandawon market in South Okkalapa and North Okkalapa in Rangoon Region and then about 20 leaflet distributors were temporarily arrested at South Dagon Township, No. 70 Ward administrative office, it is learned. Protest movement against Shwe Gas project in Rakhine State took place too. Rakhine youths staged protest against this project by wearing T-shirts bearing words of Stop Rakhine Shwe Gas Project, Provide round the clock electricity to Rakhine people with Rakhine gas on February 3 at All Sittwe city traditional tug-of-war festival. The police force restricted and banned their movement then. Rakhine Nationality Development Party (RNDP) held the paper reading session under the title Achieving round the clock electricity supply in Rakhine with Rakhine natural resources Shwe gas on February 26 at Rangoon Shwegondaing Doe Yoe Yar restaurant. The artistes performed at fund raising concert for HIV/AIDS patients in Rangoon on February 2 in collaboration with Aye Metta Health Care Foundation. Song writer and singer Saung Oo Hlaing performed at his solo concert under the title Heart Offering Night and all the proceeds from this concert were donated to charity of Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS) (Rangoon) and Social Works fund of 88-Generation students. In religious movements, all-faith prayer meeting was planned to be held on February 12 at wedding hall of Zaygyo Hotel in Mandalay and deposit had been paid to the hotel but it had to be cancelled after the ban of Mayor and it was held in modest ceremony at the roadside instead. Peaceful prayer meeting for releasing all political prisoners was held in Sittwe city, Rakhine State on February 25 and it was attended by about 150 persons. State Sangha Maha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na or the highest monk body in Burma) lifted its one-year ban order on Shwenyawah abbot U Pyin Nyar Thiha and allowed him again to preach sermon on February 6 but government ministry of religion refused to lift the ban order so that the abbot had to cancel all scheduled sermon preaching ceremonies. Before leaving his monastery, Shwenyawah abbot begged alms food in Kyimyindine Township for 3 days starting from February 15 along with nuns and fellow monks. The devotees bid him farewell emotionally by crying. And then he donated all offertories he received to Hlinetharyar fire victims. In fear of erupting popular uprising, a minister of Rangoon Region government, district administrative officer and one layman were sent to this abbot on February 16 to warn him not to letting himself being used by the politicians. On February 19, abbot left his Kyimyindine Sadu monastery and moved to a compound near Hmawbi town along with his about 100 student monks. Similarly police special branch arrested and questioned abbot U Gambira on February 10 who was released from prison recently and released him next day for unlocking sealed monastery without permission, criticizing Ma Ha Na and defying summon order issued by Ma Ha Na three times. His Maggin monastery was resealed again and unsealed in the afternoon of February 10. The news appeared in state-run daily papers on February 19 threatened that the government would take serious action against Ashin Gambira by law. Mandalay Masoeyein monastery abbot U Wiseitta Thara Bi Wuntha aka U Wirathu said on February 24 that he must advance his struggle to next stage for releasing all remaining political prisoners who
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are still behind bars across the country as his current campaign of writing and sending letters to authorities demanding the release of these prisoners bore no fruits. Former political prisoner and teaching abbot from Leikpyakan monastery, Ngahtatgyi pagoda, Rangoon U Gawthita defied the eviction order issued by Ma Ha Na and he said on February 29 that he would continually sojourn in this monastery. In the meantime, Shweparami abbot Ashin Sandar Dika donated 12.8 million kyat on February 27 for production of Bogyoke Aung San epic film. As the movements of ethnic political parties, five ethnic parties met UN special rapporteur for human rights in Burma Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana on February 3 and discussed with him. Friends of Democracy political parties organized 65thAnniversary Union Day. On this occasion, six brethren ethnic parties called for joining hands for the emergence of peaceful, equal and genuine union. The representatives sent by 17 political parties which will contest in upcoming by-elections met UEC on February 14 and asked for letting international observers to monitor the by-elections. Similarly opposition parties in parliament deliberated in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) on reducing role of military domination in the parliament, stopping civil war and rebuilding armed forces as lean and modern lethal force and its mission should be only for the defending the country from foreign military intervention. Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) said that they would reregister their party only after monitoring the freedom and fairness of by-elections but Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) reportedly reregistered their party with UEC on February 26.
T H E USDP G O V E R N M E N T A N D D O M E S T I C S I T U AT I O N T HE S ITUATION OF T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

Power struggle and heated debates between parliament and government were found in parliament sessions convened in February. At the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw session convened on February 7, the parliament bills committee proposed to give the government employees with the new increased pay scale based on 1959-60 pay scales. The deliberation was led by lower house speaker Thura U Shwe Mahn and it was passed unanimously without any objection but governments finance minister objected this motion on February 16 in the parliament as saying increasing pay scale to this level would increase budget deficit to 6.6 trillion kyat from current 2.517 trillion kyat in 2012-13 financial year so that it would be impossible yet for implementation and they could increase the salary and benefits of over 30,000 government staffs serving in remote and far-flung areas only instead. Home Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko also said that the government would take action against the corrupt government officials with Prevention of Corruption and Controlling of ill-gotten wealth and assets Law. House of People (lower house) presented to the parliament on some ongoing and completed river water pumping projects and reservoir projects which were unbeneficial to the people so that these projects should be either stopped or turning them into profitable and beneficial to the people. This motion was voted for division in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on February 16 and passed by overwhelming majority votes. After turning down by government on pay scale increase motion passed by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, house of people speaker Thura Shwe Mahn sent his message dated February 21 again to Pyidaungsu
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Hluttaw urging to increase the salaries of the government staffs without failure and he criticized the current reforms going at a snails pace. U Thein Seins government proposed to use negotiation and compromise method in selecting the ward and village tract administrative officer at the grassroots level rather than the secret ballot method but he parliament bills committee proposed to use secret ballot method. Then this motion was voted for division in the parliament and secret ballot method proposed by bill committee won by over 40 votes. Highly debated and controversial Additional Budget for 2011-12 Financial Year Bill, Revised Budget for 2012-13 Financial Year, Union Budget for 2012-13 Financial Year Bill were pushed through hurriedly in voting process by USDP MPs U Aung Thaung and U Htay Oo in parliament and passed easily by dominant ruling USDP votes while lower house speaker Thura U Shwe Mahn was on his 5day goodwill visit to China. So some MPs in parliament dissatisfied and discontented on it. Governments Information Department censored lower house speaker Thura Shwe Mahns speeches delivered at parliament in their radio and TV, Thura Shwe Mahn said on February 27 to reporters. President U Thein Seins government cut its defence spending to 14.39% of budget in 2012-13 financial year but the budget allocation and appropriation to other ministries are vague and unclear so that the actual defence spending might be more than the figure mentioned in the budget allocation to defence ministry. The MPs questioned on spending of 14,559.9098 million kyat by two ministries, border affairs ministry and Myanmar industrial development ministry. The minister replied to that question that the fund was used in building modern industries and they had successfully manufactured up to 12 fighter planes. And also Science and Technology Deputy Minister Dr. Ko Ko Oo replied to parliament on February 6 that their ministry was doing nuclear research works, prevention of radiation, nuclear waste disposal management research and test flying of unmanned aerial vehicles. Similarly over 170,150 million kyat spent by Presidential Office were not mentioned clearly in detail budget headings, it is learnt. It is also learned that 611 billion kyat earmarked for special projects under Presidential Office budget appropriation in 2012-13 financial year is not mentioned in detail primary headings too. It is assumed that some portions of spending under Health Ministry and some ministries might include spending for armed forces. In Burma, unlike democratic countries, the government prepared the budget and spent them by themselves and finally they presented this spent budget to parliament for approving and passing it. In democratic countries, the budget is prepared by government and then they have to introduce this money bill to parliament for passing it. Only after being passed and approved by parliament, the government can use the money in budget passed by the parliament. In his presidential address to 65thAnniversary Union Day, he said on the role of the Armed forces that the people need to join hands with Armed Forces in building the modern and efficient fighting force otherwise the country may face intervention and jungle law imposed by powerful countries. Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Hla Min replied to parliament on February 6 that the country did not need yet to apply the National Service Law though the strength of the armed forces has not yet reached the number of one million servicemen. C-in-C of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing who was appointed by Senior Gen. Than Shwe was confirmed in his post by President U Thein Sein upon completion of his one-year probationary period, the order published in Burma Gazette dated February 3 says.
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The Times of India reported on February 1 that Burma Navy participated in naval exercises with Indian Navy being conducted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in Bay of Bengal. Senior Official of Thai military told Japan Kyodo News on February 7 that Burma was interested in Cobra Gold war game conducted annually led by US and participated by Thai, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia etc. The New York Times reported on February 8 that at the invitation of Burmese government, US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mr. David Petraeus planned to visit Burma during this year. It is learned that representatives of US Coast Guard came to Burma and inspected the port facilities in Burma from January 6 to 10. Cabinet reshuffle was made in Mandalay Region government. The portfolios interchanged between Minister for City Development (municipal) and Mayor U Phone Zaw Han and Finance and Revenue minister in this region government U Aung Maung, state-run daily papers reported on February 28. Despite of objections made by MPs in parliament, it is found that Military Appointment General is continuing transfer of redundant and retired servicemen to civilian ministries. Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin signed notification dated February 2 appointing Brig. Gen. Myo Myint Than (Navy/1248) as ambassador. In the meantime, senior officials of USDP government received visiting foreign dignitaries including from UN. Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Myo Myint, Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Hla Min, Border Affairs and Development Minister Lt. Gen. Thein Htay and Home Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko received UN special human rapporteur for Burma Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana on February 1. President U Thein Sein and House of People Speaker Thura U Shwe Mahn received EU High Commissioner for Development Mrs. Andris Piebalgs on February 13 who was in Burma for discussion on providing US$ 200 million aid. The responsible officials from Union Peace Commission, Union Election Commission, Social Welfare and Relief Ministry, Labour Ministry, Border Affairs Ministry and USDP party received UN secretary generals special envoy for Burma Mr. Vijay Nambia on February 13. These two foreign dignitaries, Mrs. Andris Piebalgs and Mr. Vijay Nambia attended 3-day Economic Development Policy Conference held at Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) in Naypyitaw. This conference was funded and supported by Rangoon based UN office and EU. It is learned that this conference was also attended by Economics Nobel laureate Dr. Joesph Stiglitz, UNDP Assistant Administrator Dr. Ajay Chhibber, Vahu, and many economists from both foreign and domestic among others. President U Thein Sin received ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan who was in Burma on February 20-21 in person. House of People speaker Thura U Shwe Mahn left Burma on February 21 to pay 5-day goodwill visit to China. The main reason behind leaving the tight schedule of parliamentary business behind while it was in session is still not yet known until now but it is learned that he spoke words which will be nice and sweet to the ears of Chinese leaders when he met Chinese National Peoples Congress (NPC) Chairman (Chinese parliament speaker) Mr. Wu Bangguo such as supporting Chinas one-China policy by Burma, the approaches made by western countries would not have any impact on Sino-Burma relations etc.

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T HE S OCIO - ECONOMIC S ITUATION OF T HE P EOPLE

Despite of propaganda made by USDP government on achieving ceasefire agreement with all ethnic armed forces within three months, renewed fighting were erupted even with the armed group which had already reached ceasefire agreement with them so that the local people had to suffer the impact of ongoing fighting. They also suffer the forced recruitment of soldiers and collecting levies by both sides of armed groups. Those who went to neigbouring countries for seeking greener pastures to be freed from economic hardships being faced in Burma had to suffer the miseries of illegal migrant workers and danger of being exploited by human traffickers. An official from central task force of prevention of human trafficking said on February 8 that they could expose and cracked 94 China-bound human trafficking cases or 61.9% of total cases in 2010 and most of the victims are Burmese young ladies intended for selling them as brides to Chinese nationals. Under the intense pressure of civil war and abject poverty, it is found that drug production and trafficking are increasing too. Joint task force raided three houses in Pakha village, Lwetawkham village-tract, Tachileik Township in eastern Shan State, and found and seized over 8.7 ATS tablets and equipments using in producing these ecstasy tablets and four small arms. Similarly joint task forces arrested former anti-drug force staff U Maung Myint along with 8 Kg of heroin from him while they were conducting their anti-drug operations in Namkham Township in eastern Shan State as the number of young drug addicts was increasing. According to the International Narcotics Control Board 2010 Report, Burma ranks at the second largest producer of opium in the world. The budget allocation for education in 2012-13 financial year is just 4.7% of the total budget so that it is too low in comparison with other countries which have 14% to 20%. In health sector too, Medicines Sans Frontier announced on February 23 that medicines for TB and HIV/AIDS patients were badly needed. UN special rapporteur for human rights in Burma Mr. Quintana also warned that the human right situation in Burma can return back to the previous situation. Visiting research academic from Human Right Watch (HRW) David Mathison said on February 24 that he frankly talked with government officials on human rights violations against over 70,000 people in Kachin State.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S S U R E

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi repeatedly warned to international community that the trend of reversing the current progress by government still existed, see governments activities and functions in neither optimism nor pessimism, wait until the by-election is over before lifting sanctions imposed on Burma but the signs of US, EU, Japan etc are competitively trying to provide aids and grants again to USDP government are seen. US Secretary of State Mrs. Clinton signed order on February 6 to lift sanction imposed under antihuman trafficking law of US. Under this exemption given by this order, international financial institutions can provide technical assistance to Burma again. At the press conference held on February 2, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Mr. Kurt Campbell said that the discussions and negotiations were underway between congress and government to lift economic sanctions on Burma which was first imposed on May 20, 1997. US State Department Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Affairs Mr. Michael Posner said on February 3 that US government urged Burmese government to allow independent electoral observers at home and abroad to monitor the upcoming by-elections.
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Visiting EU High Commissioner for Development Mrs. Andris Piebalgs said on February 13 that they would provide more development aids to Burma only after watching and monitoring freedom and fairness in the results of forthcoming by-election results. EU made an announcement on February 17 which lifted visa ban imposed on total 87 persons of Burmese presidents, MPs and their family members. Visiting 11-member EU parliamentarian delegation for ASEAN affairs including its President met house of nationality (upper house) speaker U Khin Aung Myint and they raised question to him on the role of Burmese armed forces. World Bank executive director Juan Jose Davos told ABC news on February 22 that World Bank could resume providing fresh grants and loans only after Burma had repaid their dues on previous loans.
// End of Report // Thursday, March 15, 2012 // End of Translation // Sunday, March 18, 2012

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