Weekly Diary, No.471 (12-18 November 2011)

C-IN-C VISITS VIETNAM FIRST!
BURMA IS 2014 ASEAN CHAIR!
NLD TO RE-REGISTER AND ENTERS ELECTIONS!
JAILED SHAN LEADER MOVED TO TOUNGOO!
PLEASE READ SHAN DRUG WATCH 2011!

Cartoon
Tips to the President: A good idea successfully put to use before!

Think Piece
Anawrahta, Bayinnaung and Alaungpaya are described in state-controlled textbooks as the founders of the nation, but they are infamous for their brutality and ruthlessness toward ethnic groups.

In contrast, Kyansittha (1084-1113) was significant for his ability to negotiate with ethnic groups and is well-known for crafting an agreement with the Mon people. As a result, Kyansittha’s reign was more peaceful than that of the warrior kings.

Aung San Suu Kyi has compared him to her father Gen Aung San.

Wai Moe, Irrawaddy, 10 November 2011

The NLD should register for several reasons:

First, it is not possible to continue as an “illegal” entity forever. Its decision not to participate in the elections also mean voters have one fewer option on their ballot paper
Second, if the NLD represents the public in parliaments it could lead to strengthening of the democratic forces. It woul likely create a more dynamic and reformist atmosphere in the parliament
Third, the participation of the NLD could help garner more technical assistance for the parliamentary system from those with more experience with democracy

Myanmar Times, 14-20 November issue

There are no political prisoners in a country which has the rule of law.

Aung San Suu Kyi, reported by Irrawaddy, 17 November 2011

Burma has massive economic resources. It is also geographically well positioned to be a gateway for trade. It sits between India and China. It can link Asean with India and the rest of South Asia.

Competition is not only between India and China, but also between Asean and China. Asean hopes a free trade agreement among Asean countries will allow the bloc to act as a counterweight to China in the regions.

But Burma has its drawbacks:

Inefficient government policies, corruption and chronic rural poverty
Industries such as tourism have not been developed to their full potential
The regime is obsessed with its own security above economic development
No responsive, transparent and accountable business procedures to put businesses at ease
Most investment is in oil and gas exploration
Multiple exchange rate
Problems are not just procedural but political

BBC, 17 November 2011

The World
16 November 2011

President Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard announce in Canberra the agreement to expand US military presence in Australia, “a clear message that China needs to accept responsibilities that come with being a world power.” (AP)

International Relations
14 November 2011

Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Burma’s new commander in chief, arrives in Vietnam. His not choosing to visit China first has stirred speculations. (Irrawaddy)

17 November 2011
Myanmar/Burma given chairmanship in 2014 by Asean that is “trying to ensure the process of change continues,” according to Indonesian FM Marty Natalegawa. (AP)

17 November 2011

President Obama speaks to Ms Suu Kyi before deciding to send Mrs Clinton who will be the first secretary of state to visit in 50 years. She will explore whether the US “can empower a positive transition in Burma.” (BBC)

Thai-Burma Relations
16 November 2011
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announces Burma has won the award for the best rice strain, Pawsan or Parel, for this year, edging out Thailand’s Jasmine Rice by 0.25 points. (DPP)

Politics/ Inside Burma
14 November 2011
Naypyitaw delays expected release of political prisoners on short notice. The move to put off the release comes from the National Defense and Security Council, says an official who asks no to be named. (AFP)

14 November 2011

U Win Tin, 82, says he supports re-registration of the party but not on the planned participation in the by-elections.
Some grassroots members say they should wait until all political prisoners are released and major amendments are made to the constitution which grants the army the power to end civilian rule, says spokesman Nyan Win.

Thein Sein has been described as “honest, open and straight forward” by Aung San Suu Kyi. (Irrawaddy)

14 November 2011
New Mon State Party hosts government representatives at its headquarters. It seems like the policy to negotiate as part of an umbrella group is dissipating, says a former colonel with the NMSP. (DVB)

18 November 2011
National League for Democracy votes to re-register to run in as yet unscheduled by-elections. Aung San Suu Kyi says she will stand for election to parliament. (BBC)

18 November 2011
Priority will be given to amendment of the 2008 constitution, says Aung San Suu Kyi during her closing speech to the Central Committee meeting. (VOA)

Shans/ Shan State
8 November 2011
SNLD spokesman Sai Lake says re-registration of the party will not be considered until after its leaders Khun Tun Oo, Sai Nyunt Lwin and others are released. (VOA)

14 November 2011
SNLD spokeman Sai Lake says the NLD should not participate in the by elections without the release of all political prisoners. (SHAN)

16 November 2011

Hkun Tun Oo, Shan leader serving 93 year imprisonment, transferred from Putao to Toungoo, 175 miles north of Rangoon today, according to a source close to his family. (SHAN)

Economy/ Business
15 November 2011
Myanmar Tourism Board (MTB) chairman Khun Shwe says the Burmese media opposing his idea to transform the historic Ministers Office building where Aung San was assassinated into a hotel displays a pessimistic attitude. (Mizzima)

Human Rights
13 November 2011
State owned newspapers publish open letter from regime-appointed National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra calling for amnesty or to transfer political prisoners in remote prisons to facilities with easy access for their family members. (AP)

14 November 2011
Myint Naing, activist who had allegedly filmed a protest by farmers in Irrawaddy two months ago against confiscation of their lands, arrested. (DVB)

15 November 2011
5 monks hold protest in Mandalay calling for peace and release of political prisoners. (Reuters)

16 November 2011
Imprisoned dissidents are being transferred to different jails to be closer to their relatives:
Min Ko Naing from Kengtung to Insein
Nila Thein to Tharrawaddy
(Agencies)

16 November 2011
Five monks continue peaceful protest for the second day. (Irrawaddy)

17 November 2011
Remarks made by Aung San Suu Kyi and reports covering monk protest in Mandalay rejected by Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (PSRD), says an editor of a Rangoon-based journal. (Irrawaddy)

Drugs
14 November 2011

SHAN launches Shan Drug Watch 2011 report at Chiangmai University’s Uniserv. (SHAN)

15 November 2011

BC Securities Commission has banned businessman Michael Kyaw Myint Hu Hua, said to be a former minister in the United Wa State Army, from the BC Securities market for life Hu however said the allegations were false. He was only a consultant for US Drug Enforcement Administration that later helped him obtain asylum in the US. (Vancouver Sun)