Dec 28, 12:10 AM EST
Pakistan's Bhutto Killed in Attack
By SADAQAT JAN and ZARAR KHAN
Associated Press Writers
AP Photo/B.K.Bangash
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Benazir Bhutto's assassination couldn't come at a more intense time as the country is two weeks away from a general election. Correspondent Roger Kaplinsky reports.
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Bhutto Killed in Suicide Attack
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Benazir Bhutto, 1953-2007
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Pakistan in Turmoil: Bhutto's Death Deepens Political Crisis
Oct 18: Bhutto Returns After 8-Year Exile
Oct 18: Suicide Blast Mars Bhutto's Homecoming
Nov. 9: Bhutto Placed Under House Arrest For One Day
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RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) -- Enraged crowds rioted across Pakistan and hopes for democracy hung by a thread after Benazir Bhutto was gunned down Thursday as she waved to supporters from the sunroof of her armored vehicle. The death of President Pervez Musharraf's most powerful opponent threw the nation into chaos just 12 days before elections, and threatened its already unsteady role as a key fighter against Islamic terror.
The murder of Bhutto, one of Pakistan's most famous and enduring politicians, sparked violence that killed at least nine people and plunged efforts to restore democracy to this nuclear-armed U.S. ally into turmoil.
Another opposition politician, Nawaz Sharif, announced he was boycotting Jan. 8 parliamentary elections in which Bhutto was hoping to recapture the premiership, and Musharraf reportedly weighed canceling the poll.
Bhutto, 54, was struck down amid scenes of blood and chaos as an unknown gunman opened fire and, according to witnesses and police, blew himself up, killing 20 other people.
Musharraf blamed Islamic terrorists, pledging in a nationally televised speech that "we will not rest until we eliminate these terrorists and root them out."
President Bush, who spoke briefly by phone with Musharraf, looked tense as he spoke to reporters, denouncing the "murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy."
U.S. intelligence officials said they were trying to determine the validity of purported claims of responsibility by al-Qaida, stressing they still couldn't say who was responsible.
Bhutto's death marked yet another grim chapter in Pakistan's bloodstained history, 28 years after her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, another ex-prime minister, was hanged by a military dictatorship in the same northern city where she was killed.
Her death left her Pakistan People's Party leaderless and plunged the Muslim nation of 160 million into violence and recriminations, with Bhutto supporters accusing Musharraf's government of failing to protect her in the wake of death threats and previous attempts on her life.
As the news spread, supporters gathered at the hospital where Bhutto had been taken, smashed glass doors, stoned cars and chanted, "Killer, Killer, Musharraf."
At least nine people were killed in violence across the nation.
Musharraf called senior staff into an emergency meeting to discuss a response to the killing and whether to postpone the election, an Interior Ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. Musharraf also announced three days of mourning for Bhutto, with all businesses, schools and banks to close.
The killing appeared to shut off a possible avenue for a credible return to democracy after eight years under Musharraf's increasingly unpopular rule, and left a string of unanswered questions, chiefly whether it could strengthen Musharraf by eliminating a strong rival, or weaken him by sparking uncontrollable riots.
The U.S. was struggling to reformulate its plan to stabilize the country based on a rapprochement between Bhutto and Musharraf. Bhutto had returned in October after nearly a decade in exile hoping for a power-sharing deal with Musharraf, but had become his fierce critic, accusing elements in the ruling party of backing militants to kill her.
Pakistani analysts were plunged into gloom.
"This assassination is the most serious setback for democracy in Pakistan," said Rasul Baksh Rais, a political scientist at Lahore's University of Management Sciences. "It shows extremists are powerful enough to disrupt the democratic process."
Analyst Talat Masood, a retired general, said: "Conditions in the country have reached a point where it is too dangerous for political parties to operate."
Sharif, another former premier who now leads an opposition party, demanded Musharraf resign immediately and announced his party would boycott the elections, seen as vital to restoring democracy. He also called for the resignation of Musharraf, a former army chief who toppled Sharif in a 1999 coup.
"Musharraf is the cause of all the problems. The federation of Pakistan cannot remain intact in the presence of President Musharraf," he said.
Next to Musharraf, Bhutto was the best known political figure in the country, serving two terms as prime minister between 1988 and 1996. An instantly recognizable figure with graceful features under an ever-present head scarf, she bore the legacy of her hanged father and was respected in the West for her liberal outlook and determination to combat Islamic extremism.
It was a theme she had often returned to in recent campaign speeches.
Addressing more than 5,000 supporters Thursday in Rawalpindi, Bhutto dismissed the notion that Pakistan needed foreigners to help quell resurgent militants linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida in the area bordering Afghanistan.
"Why should foreign troops come in? We can take care of this, I can take care of this, you can take care of this," she said.
As Bhutto left the rally in a white SUV, youths chanted her name and supportive slogans, said Sardar Qamar Hayyat, an official from Bhutto's party who was about 10 yards away.
Despite the danger of physical exposure, a smiling Bhutto stuck her head out of the sunroof and responded, he said.
"Then I saw a thin young man jumping toward her vehicle from the back and opening fire. Moments later, I saw her speeding vehicle going away. That was the time when I heard a blast and fell down," he said.
Bhutto was rushed into surgery. A doctor on the surgical team said a bullet in the back of her neck damaged her spinal cord before exiting from the side of her head. Another bullet pierced the back of her shoulder and came out through her chest, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. She was given an open-heart massage, but the spinal cord damage was too great, he said.
"At 6:16 p.m. she expired," said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of Bhutto's party who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital.
Hours later, supporters carried Bhutto's body out of the hospital in a plain wooden coffin. Bhutto will be buried near her father's grave in the family's ancestral village of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Friday afternoon, said Nazir Dkhoki, a spokesman for Bhutto's party. He added that Bhutto's husband and three children have arrived from Dubai to attend.
Bhutto had returned to Pakistan from nearly a decade in exile on Oct. 18, and her homecoming parade in Karachi was also targeted by a suicide attacker, who killed more than 140 people. She narrowly escaped injury.
Rawalpindi, a former capital, has a history of political violence. The park where Bhutto made her last speech is the same one where the country's first prime minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was shot to death in 1951. It is named after him.
Musharraf survived two bombing attacks here in 2003. Earlier that year, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, was captured in Rawalpindi. In recent weeks, suicide bombers have repeatedly targeted security forces in the city.
Bhutto's father was hanged in 1979 in Rawalpindi on charges of conspiracy to murder - an execution that led to violent protests across the country similar to those that raged Thursday.
Thursday's rally was Bhutto's first since returning to Pakistan, Musharraf having forced her to scrap a meeting here last month citing security fears. Hundreds of riot police manned security checkpoints at the park.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who met with Bhutto just hours before her death, called her a brave woman with a clear vision "for her own country, for Afghanistan and for the region - a vision of democracy and prosperity and peace."
Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., visiting Pakistan with Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he was just leaving his hotel room for dinner with Bhutto at her home when he got the news.
"I couldn't believe it," he told The Associated Press by phone. "Her death really dashed the hope of many here in Pakistan and that's why there's so much disillusionment and anger being vented through these protests that are lighting up the sky tonight as people set fires all over the countryside."
U.S. intelligence agencies said it was to soon to say who carried out the attack.
FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said the agency "continues to work with our U.S. intelligence community partners reviewing the al-Qaida claims for responsibility for any intelligence value. The validity of those claims are undetermined."
The statement came after a law enforcement official told the AP that a national FBI and Homeland Security bulletin to law enforcement agencies cited Islamist Web sites as saying al-Qaida had claimed responsibility. The official asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak publicly about it.
Director of National Intelligence spokesman Ross Feinstein said his agency was "in no position right now to confirm who may have been responsible."
One man was killed in a shootout between police and protesters in Tando Allahyar, a town 120 miles north of Karachi, Pakistan's commercial hub, said Mayor Kanwar Naveed. Four others were killed in Karachi, two were killed elsewhere in southern Sindh province and two in Lahore, police said.
Karachi shopkeepers quickly shuttered their stores as protesters burned vehicles, a gas station and tires on the roads, said Fayyaz Leghri, a local police official. Gunmen shot and wounded two police officers, he said.
Bhutto's supporters in many towns burned banks, shops and state-run grocery stores. Some torched ruling party election offices, according to Pakistani media.
The U.N. Security Council vigorously denounced the killing and urged "all Pakistanis to exercise restraint and maintain stability in the country."
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Rome peace prize award for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Friday, December 21, 2007
Aung San Suu Kyi awarded "Rome for Peace and Humanitarian Action" prize
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 20, 2007 - Detained Burmese icon for democracy Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded "Rome for Peace and Humanitarian Action" prize for 2007, sponsored by the City of Rome, Italy for her relentless commitment to and struggle for democracy and human rights in military-ruled Southeast Asian country.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, mostly known as Aunty Suu to the Burmese, has spent over 12 of the past 18 years in Burma in detention for her non-violent campaign for democracy in the country which has been plagued by the military dictators for over four decades.
The City of Rome, in recognition to her commitment, has announced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the recipient of the 2007 Peace and Humanitarian award.
The prize will be received by Dr. Sein Win, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's cousin brother and also the Prime Minister of Burma's government in exile – the National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB) – during a ceremony in Rome on Thursday, as she remains under house arrest in Burma's former capital city of Rangoon.
"I am happy and proud to receive this award on her [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] behalf. I am happy not only for her but for all the Burmese people who are suffering because with this honour it [the city of Rome] is showing its solidarity with us," Sein Win told Mizzima over telephone as he prepares to attend the award giving ceremony in Rome.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Burma's independence hero General Aung San, came to be known as the leading opposition figure during her visit to Burma to see her ailing mother in 1988. The year coincided with the popular uprising for democracy led by students, which the military junta brutally crushed, killing at least 3,000 students, and civilians.
Despite her party – the National League for Democracy – winning a landslide victory in the 1990 general elections the current military clique refuse to hand over power but instead she has been kept under house arrest.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was announced recipient of the US Congressional Gold Medal by the Congress earlier this week, has received several awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her relentless pursuit to the cause of democracy and human freedom.
Following a military coup by Gen. Newin in 1962, which is the beginning of the rule of military dictatorship in Burma, the country has been plagued by severe economic deterioration.
While successive military dictators have suppressed voices of opposition calling for political changes, it has failed to implement economic reforms that brought down the status of Burma, which was once known as the rice bowl of Asia to the United Nations list of Least Develop Countries (LDCs).
In August, the people's suffering quadrupled with the junta's unannounced fuel price-hike leading to the people peacefully taking to the streets demanding economic stability. However, when the country's revered Buddhist clergies led the protests, the junta brutally suppressed the protests killing more than a dozen and arresting at least 4,000 people.
"Burma urgently needs a political solution. The junta must initiate a dialogue with the election winning party and with ethnic groups in order to avoid the country going to deeper despair," Sein Win said.
"
Aung San Suu Kyi awarded "Rome for Peace and Humanitarian Action" prize
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 20, 2007 - Detained Burmese icon for democracy Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded "Rome for Peace and Humanitarian Action" prize for 2007, sponsored by the City of Rome, Italy for her relentless commitment to and struggle for democracy and human rights in military-ruled Southeast Asian country.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, mostly known as Aunty Suu to the Burmese, has spent over 12 of the past 18 years in Burma in detention for her non-violent campaign for democracy in the country which has been plagued by the military dictators for over four decades.
The City of Rome, in recognition to her commitment, has announced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the recipient of the 2007 Peace and Humanitarian award.
The prize will be received by Dr. Sein Win, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's cousin brother and also the Prime Minister of Burma's government in exile – the National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB) – during a ceremony in Rome on Thursday, as she remains under house arrest in Burma's former capital city of Rangoon.
"I am happy and proud to receive this award on her [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] behalf. I am happy not only for her but for all the Burmese people who are suffering because with this honour it [the city of Rome] is showing its solidarity with us," Sein Win told Mizzima over telephone as he prepares to attend the award giving ceremony in Rome.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Burma's independence hero General Aung San, came to be known as the leading opposition figure during her visit to Burma to see her ailing mother in 1988. The year coincided with the popular uprising for democracy led by students, which the military junta brutally crushed, killing at least 3,000 students, and civilians.
Despite her party – the National League for Democracy – winning a landslide victory in the 1990 general elections the current military clique refuse to hand over power but instead she has been kept under house arrest.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was announced recipient of the US Congressional Gold Medal by the Congress earlier this week, has received several awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her relentless pursuit to the cause of democracy and human freedom.
Following a military coup by Gen. Newin in 1962, which is the beginning of the rule of military dictatorship in Burma, the country has been plagued by severe economic deterioration.
While successive military dictators have suppressed voices of opposition calling for political changes, it has failed to implement economic reforms that brought down the status of Burma, which was once known as the rice bowl of Asia to the United Nations list of Least Develop Countries (LDCs).
In August, the people's suffering quadrupled with the junta's unannounced fuel price-hike leading to the people peacefully taking to the streets demanding economic stability. However, when the country's revered Buddhist clergies led the protests, the junta brutally suppressed the protests killing more than a dozen and arresting at least 4,000 people.
"Burma urgently needs a political solution. The junta must initiate a dialogue with the election winning party and with ethnic groups in order to avoid the country going to deeper despair," Sein Win said.
"
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
WHO announced to control H5N1 in Burma
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 17, 2007 - Despite detecting a case of human infection of the deadly avian flu, the World Health Organization said it had contained the H5N1 flu, which has reportedly been spreading in eastern Burma's Shan state since last month.
WHO spokesperson in Rangoon told Mizzima that with culling of birds and chickens and by providing effective awareness training, the spread of the deadly virus has been contained.
"We have been doing all we can, so basically, the situation is under control. And the patient who was confirmed to be affected by the H5N1 disease has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital," the spokesperson said.
WHO said it has collaborated with other organizations including UNICEF and has begun to check on poultry and animal farms. And also conducted awareness training on how to prevent and cure the flu.
"We control the movement of animals and prevent the sick birds from reaching to other areas and on the human side basically we cooperate with UNICEF and other agencies for doing public awareness training and communicate with the people of affected areas. And we are still investigating," added the spokesperson.
The WHO Myanmar praised the Burmese government for cooperating in the culling of birds and containing the disease saying "they [government] have done an excellent job," on the bird flu virus protection mission.
On Saturday, WHO as well as the Burmese government through its state-run media confirmed of a human infection of the deadly bird flu.
Nam Khan Than, a seven year-old girl in Kyaing Tong township in eastern Shan State , was taken to hospital on November 27 after detecting avian flu and developing symptoms of fever.
However, the girl survived as she was quarantined at the hospital and was given timiflu pills. She was discharge from the hospital on December 12.
Contradictory statements
Contradicting the WHO's statement that the disease has been contained, local sources in Shan state said bird flu has been detected in eastern Shan state since last month, and with the authorities concealing the cases, there are possibility of other human infections.
A local resident in Kyaing Tong, who requested not to be named, said there could be other human infection as the disease has been spreading since last month after more than 600 ducks from China was brought in by a local merchant.
"We are worried that there are many people suffering from fever. We cannot be sure that the flu has not infected others," added the local.
With local authorities concealing the case, measures to contain the flu started late after the first case of the death of birds in the region, the local said.
Possible Confusion
However, a Thailand based ethnic Shan reporter, said the locals might be confused between malaria fever and bird flu fever.
Sai Moeng, who followed the bird flu outbreak in Shan State, said while there are reports of local residents suffering fever, the causes could also be Malaria, which is common in the region.
"People suffer from malaria in this season, so it can be that local residents are confusing it with bird flu," Sia Meong said.
However, Sai Meong does not rule out the possibility of more people infected with the flu.
December 17, 2007 - Despite detecting a case of human infection of the deadly avian flu, the World Health Organization said it had contained the H5N1 flu, which has reportedly been spreading in eastern Burma's Shan state since last month.
WHO spokesperson in Rangoon told Mizzima that with culling of birds and chickens and by providing effective awareness training, the spread of the deadly virus has been contained.
"We have been doing all we can, so basically, the situation is under control. And the patient who was confirmed to be affected by the H5N1 disease has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital," the spokesperson said.
WHO said it has collaborated with other organizations including UNICEF and has begun to check on poultry and animal farms. And also conducted awareness training on how to prevent and cure the flu.
"We control the movement of animals and prevent the sick birds from reaching to other areas and on the human side basically we cooperate with UNICEF and other agencies for doing public awareness training and communicate with the people of affected areas. And we are still investigating," added the spokesperson.
The WHO Myanmar praised the Burmese government for cooperating in the culling of birds and containing the disease saying "they [government] have done an excellent job," on the bird flu virus protection mission.
On Saturday, WHO as well as the Burmese government through its state-run media confirmed of a human infection of the deadly bird flu.
Nam Khan Than, a seven year-old girl in Kyaing Tong township in eastern Shan State , was taken to hospital on November 27 after detecting avian flu and developing symptoms of fever.
However, the girl survived as she was quarantined at the hospital and was given timiflu pills. She was discharge from the hospital on December 12.
Contradictory statements
Contradicting the WHO's statement that the disease has been contained, local sources in Shan state said bird flu has been detected in eastern Shan state since last month, and with the authorities concealing the cases, there are possibility of other human infections.
A local resident in Kyaing Tong, who requested not to be named, said there could be other human infection as the disease has been spreading since last month after more than 600 ducks from China was brought in by a local merchant.
"We are worried that there are many people suffering from fever. We cannot be sure that the flu has not infected others," added the local.
With local authorities concealing the case, measures to contain the flu started late after the first case of the death of birds in the region, the local said.
Possible Confusion
However, a Thailand based ethnic Shan reporter, said the locals might be confused between malaria fever and bird flu fever.
Sai Moeng, who followed the bird flu outbreak in Shan State, said while there are reports of local residents suffering fever, the causes could also be Malaria, which is common in the region.
"People suffer from malaria in this season, so it can be that local residents are confusing it with bird flu," Sia Meong said.
However, Sai Meong does not rule out the possibility of more people infected with the flu.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
North Korea started tie with Burmese Junta
North Korean envoy takes up Myanmar post
YANGON, Myanmar — North Korea's first ambassador to Myanmar after a 24-year diplomatic rupture has taken up his post, state media reported Saturday.
Myanmar and North Korea — both Asian pariah states due to their reputations for repression — agreed to resume diplomatic ties when North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il visited the military-ruled nation in April.
Myanmar and North Korea severed their diplomatic relations in 1983, after North Korean commandos carried out a bombing during a visit to Myanmar by South Korea's then-President Chun Doo-hwan. Chun was unhurt, but 21 other people died, including four South Korean Cabinet ministers.
The countries' relations have warmed in recent years as Pyongyang has become a supplier to Myanmar's military. But both countries have chilly relations with the West.
In September, Myanmar's ruling junta violently crushed peaceful street protests and detained thousands of people, sparking international outrage. On Friday, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, a U.N. human rights investigator, said he knew of at least 31 people killed in the crackdown, but that he suspected the toll was far higher.
Meanwhile, recent progress on nuclear disarmament in North Korea has improved the country's relationship with the international community, though it has long been isolated from the West and cut off from much of the world. North Korea agreed in February to disable its nuclear programs in return for energy aid and other benefits.
The state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the new ambassador, Kim Sok Chol, 52, presented his credentials to Senior Gen. Than Shwe at a ceremony Friday in the capital, Naypyitaw.
Details of North Korea-Myanmar dealings are hard to verify because the two nations are among the world's most secretive.
Researchers cite impoverished North Korea as a source of last resort for arms buyers who cannot purchase them elsewhere. Most Western nations embargo arms sales to Myanmar due to its poor human rights record and the junta's failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government.
The Arms Transfer Project of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute claims Pyongyang delivered 16 large artillery pieces to Myanmar in 1999. Reports in publications such as Jane's Intelligence Review and the Far Eastern Economic Review suggest much more extensive dealings.
YANGON, Myanmar — North Korea's first ambassador to Myanmar after a 24-year diplomatic rupture has taken up his post, state media reported Saturday.
Myanmar and North Korea — both Asian pariah states due to their reputations for repression — agreed to resume diplomatic ties when North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il visited the military-ruled nation in April.
Myanmar and North Korea severed their diplomatic relations in 1983, after North Korean commandos carried out a bombing during a visit to Myanmar by South Korea's then-President Chun Doo-hwan. Chun was unhurt, but 21 other people died, including four South Korean Cabinet ministers.
The countries' relations have warmed in recent years as Pyongyang has become a supplier to Myanmar's military. But both countries have chilly relations with the West.
In September, Myanmar's ruling junta violently crushed peaceful street protests and detained thousands of people, sparking international outrage. On Friday, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, a U.N. human rights investigator, said he knew of at least 31 people killed in the crackdown, but that he suspected the toll was far higher.
Meanwhile, recent progress on nuclear disarmament in North Korea has improved the country's relationship with the international community, though it has long been isolated from the West and cut off from much of the world. North Korea agreed in February to disable its nuclear programs in return for energy aid and other benefits.
The state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the new ambassador, Kim Sok Chol, 52, presented his credentials to Senior Gen. Than Shwe at a ceremony Friday in the capital, Naypyitaw.
Details of North Korea-Myanmar dealings are hard to verify because the two nations are among the world's most secretive.
Researchers cite impoverished North Korea as a source of last resort for arms buyers who cannot purchase them elsewhere. Most Western nations embargo arms sales to Myanmar due to its poor human rights record and the junta's failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government.
The Arms Transfer Project of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute claims Pyongyang delivered 16 large artillery pieces to Myanmar in 1999. Reports in publications such as Jane's Intelligence Review and the Far Eastern Economic Review suggest much more extensive dealings.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Junta asked money from the local people forcibly
Authorities extort money for road construction in Myit Kyi Na
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 7, 2007 - In rank display of bad governance and arm twisting the Burmese military regime instead of providing for the upkeep of utility services have been forcibly collecting funds from residents in Myit Kyi Na town of Kachin state in northern Burma for road construction.
People are being made to pay as much as 200,000 Kyat (US $ 150) for construction of new roads in the town.
Under the pretext of reconstructing the main road at Dumare quarter of Myit Kyi Na town, capital of Kachin state, authorities as of last week extorting money from residents, locals said.
"Those living along the road are being asked to shell out 200,000 Kyat and for those living away from the road are giving 100,000 Kyat," a resident, who was also forced to pay up, told Mizzima over telephone.
However, the local, who wished to remain anonymous said, the authorities have demand a higher amount from those having a flourishing business. The amount is as high as 300,000 Kyat.
It is not the first time that the local authorities are collecting money forcibly. Besides road construction, authorities also collect money under the pretext of fire security or even for government plantations, he said.
"It is not the first time, all quarters of the town have to give huge sums of money whenever there is any road construction," the local added.
With frequent collection of money by the authorities for various reasons, local residents, particularly those with lower incomes including widows have been hard hit. Those who cannot afford to pay, have to resort to selling of their homes and shifting to other localities.
"It is impossible to give such large sum of money every time. So many people are finding it difficult to solve this problem. Some even have had to sell of their houses," the local added.
People's average monthly income in Myit Kyi Na town could be raging from 20,000 Kyat – 30,000 Kyat (US $ 15 to 20) and having to pay huge sums of money to the authorities is causing severe problems to the residents, who are trying hard to make ends meet.
Despite the huge monetary contribution by locals for the road construction, local residents said, the roads are poorly constructed.
"We will never be satisfied with their work. Because after two or three years all portions of the road are ruined and cannot be used. They [authorities] lack the technique and are careless rushing to finish the job," another local resident, who was also forced to give money, told Mizzima.
Now, the authorities have begun constructing the road in Dumare quarter and will soon complete the half-mile project, the local said.
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 7, 2007 - In rank display of bad governance and arm twisting the Burmese military regime instead of providing for the upkeep of utility services have been forcibly collecting funds from residents in Myit Kyi Na town of Kachin state in northern Burma for road construction.
People are being made to pay as much as 200,000 Kyat (US $ 150) for construction of new roads in the town.
Under the pretext of reconstructing the main road at Dumare quarter of Myit Kyi Na town, capital of Kachin state, authorities as of last week extorting money from residents, locals said.
"Those living along the road are being asked to shell out 200,000 Kyat and for those living away from the road are giving 100,000 Kyat," a resident, who was also forced to pay up, told Mizzima over telephone.
However, the local, who wished to remain anonymous said, the authorities have demand a higher amount from those having a flourishing business. The amount is as high as 300,000 Kyat.
It is not the first time that the local authorities are collecting money forcibly. Besides road construction, authorities also collect money under the pretext of fire security or even for government plantations, he said.
"It is not the first time, all quarters of the town have to give huge sums of money whenever there is any road construction," the local added.
With frequent collection of money by the authorities for various reasons, local residents, particularly those with lower incomes including widows have been hard hit. Those who cannot afford to pay, have to resort to selling of their homes and shifting to other localities.
"It is impossible to give such large sum of money every time. So many people are finding it difficult to solve this problem. Some even have had to sell of their houses," the local added.
People's average monthly income in Myit Kyi Na town could be raging from 20,000 Kyat – 30,000 Kyat (US $ 15 to 20) and having to pay huge sums of money to the authorities is causing severe problems to the residents, who are trying hard to make ends meet.
Despite the huge monetary contribution by locals for the road construction, local residents said, the roads are poorly constructed.
"We will never be satisfied with their work. Because after two or three years all portions of the road are ruined and cannot be used. They [authorities] lack the technique and are careless rushing to finish the job," another local resident, who was also forced to give money, told Mizzima.
Now, the authorities have begun constructing the road in Dumare quarter and will soon complete the half-mile project, the local said.
Thai base burmese refugee become a bad day
Burmese refugees in Thailand face food aid cut
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 6, 2007 - A cut in food provisions has had to be enforced on Burmese refugees by a humanitarian agency working along the Thai-Burmese border due to fund shortfall.
The Thailand Burma Border Consortium, which has been providing food aid to over 150,000 Burmese refugees in 10 camps for nearly two decades, said the shortfall in funding and continuous influx of new refugees has forced the group to roll back its food supplies.
"We are affected by exchange rates (US dollar to the Thai Baht), and we continue to see new arrivals in the camps, even as commodity prices rise," Sally Thompson, deputy Executive Director of the TBBC said.
The strength of the Thai Baht against the US dollar means that the group is losing about 7 percent of around 80 million baht, of its funding. Therefore, the group is being forced to consider cutting off some of the food supplies.
The cut in food provisions began since the beginning of December. While the group continues to provide major staple food, it has reduced a few food items including chilies, and fish paste, Ms Thompson said.
However, Thompson said, the cutbacks are temporary and they will resume normal supply once more funding is received.
"To solve these problems, we are seeking some more funds through our contacts with various communities and are trying to get more funds for 2008," added Thompson.
Saw La Myint, an official of the Karen Refugees Committee, said, "It seems it is not their policy to reduce supplies but because of the situation they have to reduce some of the less important things like soap, chilies and fish paste."
The TBBC provides a refugee with rice, cooking oil, mung beans, chilies, sugar, salt, soap, charcoal, bean cake and fish paste. TBBC also provides food, shelter and non food items to displaced people from Burma.
"It is possible that they have to cutback food provisions as more refugees have come to the border area in 2007," Saw La Myint, said.
However, he expressed concern over the cut back of food provisions saying it will mean extremely hard times adjusting with limited supplies.
Besides, the group, which is also providing food and shelter to Internally Displaced Persons in conflict zones inside Burma, said the cutback will also impact the IDPs living inside Burma.
Pe Sai Leng, a Shan ethnic refugee, while expressing his concern over the cutback, said the hardest hit will be the IDPs, who will now receive only food supplies for four months from the initial six months supply.
The TBBC, which was formed with 11 international non-governmental organizations, said it will strive to garner more support to increase its funding in order to keep up with the needs of the Burmese refugees and IDPs
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 6, 2007 - A cut in food provisions has had to be enforced on Burmese refugees by a humanitarian agency working along the Thai-Burmese border due to fund shortfall.
The Thailand Burma Border Consortium, which has been providing food aid to over 150,000 Burmese refugees in 10 camps for nearly two decades, said the shortfall in funding and continuous influx of new refugees has forced the group to roll back its food supplies.
"We are affected by exchange rates (US dollar to the Thai Baht), and we continue to see new arrivals in the camps, even as commodity prices rise," Sally Thompson, deputy Executive Director of the TBBC said.
The strength of the Thai Baht against the US dollar means that the group is losing about 7 percent of around 80 million baht, of its funding. Therefore, the group is being forced to consider cutting off some of the food supplies.
The cut in food provisions began since the beginning of December. While the group continues to provide major staple food, it has reduced a few food items including chilies, and fish paste, Ms Thompson said.
However, Thompson said, the cutbacks are temporary and they will resume normal supply once more funding is received.
"To solve these problems, we are seeking some more funds through our contacts with various communities and are trying to get more funds for 2008," added Thompson.
Saw La Myint, an official of the Karen Refugees Committee, said, "It seems it is not their policy to reduce supplies but because of the situation they have to reduce some of the less important things like soap, chilies and fish paste."
The TBBC provides a refugee with rice, cooking oil, mung beans, chilies, sugar, salt, soap, charcoal, bean cake and fish paste. TBBC also provides food, shelter and non food items to displaced people from Burma.
"It is possible that they have to cutback food provisions as more refugees have come to the border area in 2007," Saw La Myint, said.
However, he expressed concern over the cut back of food provisions saying it will mean extremely hard times adjusting with limited supplies.
Besides, the group, which is also providing food and shelter to Internally Displaced Persons in conflict zones inside Burma, said the cutback will also impact the IDPs living inside Burma.
Pe Sai Leng, a Shan ethnic refugee, while expressing his concern over the cutback, said the hardest hit will be the IDPs, who will now receive only food supplies for four months from the initial six months supply.
The TBBC, which was formed with 11 international non-governmental organizations, said it will strive to garner more support to increase its funding in order to keep up with the needs of the Burmese refugees and IDPs
Monday, December 3, 2007
Chinese Dam project damage the Local people
China urged to review dam policy
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 3, 2007 - Lack of transparency in constructing dams and hydroelectric projects by Chinese companies in Burma has impacted severely on the environment, villages and local residents, and threatens negative repercussions for China as well, according to a Burmese environmentalist group.
In a press statement released today, the Burma Rivers Network (BRN) discloses the language of a letter it authored to the President of China, Hu Jintao, outlying its case as to why the proposed infrastructure projects should be rethought.
With no proper environmental assessment, dams constructed by Chinese companies have forced thousands of villagers to relocate and caused environmental destruction, says BRN.
"These projects are being conducted with a complete lack of transparency, no environmental or social impact studies, and no notification of intent to local communities," continues BRN.
Campaigners say that within the last five years at least ten Chinese companies have been involved in an estimated 20 major hydropower projects in Burma, with an energy generating capacity of around 30,000 megawatts and costing well over $30 billion.
"Though the local people will see a little progress, like in the construction of roads, buildings and a meager supply of electricity, the junta will gain a large sum of foreign income by selling the electricity, which will prolong military rule in Burma," Aung Ngyeh, secretary of BRN, says.
Ngyeh adds that local residents are neither given prior notice nor asked for their consent regarding construction projects.
"Dam construction spoils the livelihoods of the people as most of the people living around dam sites have to relocate and most of their agricultural lands will be inundated," points out Ngyeh.
BRN further argues that revenue from the projects would go toward the purchase of more arms and lead to the increased suppression of local communities, who already find themselves suffering human rights abuses at the hands of the military in an attempt to secure ethnically dominated regions in proximity to proposed construction sites.
"Any dam construction will therefore compound the suffering of ethnic people living in both ceasefire and non-ceasefire areas, many of whom have already become internally displaced people or refugees," argues the letter.
Ultimately the displacement of human populations will not be confined inside Burma, says BRN, warning that migratory human flows across international borders, including that with China, will lead not only to refugee problems but also to the spread of disease, including HIV/AIDS.
According to BRN the dams will also negatively affect the image of China in the opinion of the international community.
Recognizing the commendable legislation governing dam-building inside China, as well as its stated foreign policy of fostering "peaceful development," activists urge the Chinese government to commensurate standards for its companies operating in Burma.
BRN asks the Chinese government, prior to following through with construction, to implement social and environmental impact studies, while making public the findings of the studies and details of proposed contracts.
Campaigners say Chinese officials at the consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, refused to accept the petition in person.
The appeal is endorsed by over 120 Burmese and international organizations, as well as receiving support from more than 50,000 persons potentially affected by construction of the dams.
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
December 3, 2007 - Lack of transparency in constructing dams and hydroelectric projects by Chinese companies in Burma has impacted severely on the environment, villages and local residents, and threatens negative repercussions for China as well, according to a Burmese environmentalist group.
In a press statement released today, the Burma Rivers Network (BRN) discloses the language of a letter it authored to the President of China, Hu Jintao, outlying its case as to why the proposed infrastructure projects should be rethought.
With no proper environmental assessment, dams constructed by Chinese companies have forced thousands of villagers to relocate and caused environmental destruction, says BRN.
"These projects are being conducted with a complete lack of transparency, no environmental or social impact studies, and no notification of intent to local communities," continues BRN.
Campaigners say that within the last five years at least ten Chinese companies have been involved in an estimated 20 major hydropower projects in Burma, with an energy generating capacity of around 30,000 megawatts and costing well over $30 billion.
"Though the local people will see a little progress, like in the construction of roads, buildings and a meager supply of electricity, the junta will gain a large sum of foreign income by selling the electricity, which will prolong military rule in Burma," Aung Ngyeh, secretary of BRN, says.
Ngyeh adds that local residents are neither given prior notice nor asked for their consent regarding construction projects.
"Dam construction spoils the livelihoods of the people as most of the people living around dam sites have to relocate and most of their agricultural lands will be inundated," points out Ngyeh.
BRN further argues that revenue from the projects would go toward the purchase of more arms and lead to the increased suppression of local communities, who already find themselves suffering human rights abuses at the hands of the military in an attempt to secure ethnically dominated regions in proximity to proposed construction sites.
"Any dam construction will therefore compound the suffering of ethnic people living in both ceasefire and non-ceasefire areas, many of whom have already become internally displaced people or refugees," argues the letter.
Ultimately the displacement of human populations will not be confined inside Burma, says BRN, warning that migratory human flows across international borders, including that with China, will lead not only to refugee problems but also to the spread of disease, including HIV/AIDS.
According to BRN the dams will also negatively affect the image of China in the opinion of the international community.
Recognizing the commendable legislation governing dam-building inside China, as well as its stated foreign policy of fostering "peaceful development," activists urge the Chinese government to commensurate standards for its companies operating in Burma.
BRN asks the Chinese government, prior to following through with construction, to implement social and environmental impact studies, while making public the findings of the studies and details of proposed contracts.
Campaigners say Chinese officials at the consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, refused to accept the petition in person.
The appeal is endorsed by over 120 Burmese and international organizations, as well as receiving support from more than 50,000 persons potentially affected by construction of the dams.
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