BurmaNet News, August 4, 2006

[Editor]

August 4, 2006 Issue # 3018

INSIDE BURMA
AFP: In Myanmar, astrologer sees future in everything but politics
Khonumthung: Genuine cards at premium prices
DVB: Rangoon streets flooded by heavy rains and blocked drainage system
DVB: Another NLD member sent to prison in Mandalay

ON THE BORDER
Irrawaddy: KNU blames junta for discord
Keralanext.com: Chin-Burmese refugees in India air woes

BUSINESS / TRADE
Bangkok Post: Concerns raised after Burma agrees to resume timber trade
Xinhua: Myanmar-China border trade up in first half of 2006

REGIONAL
Bangkok Post: Burma trip draws flak, questions/PM's explanation fails to
convince his critics
Vietnamese news agency via BBC Monitoring: Vietnam, Burma agree to boost
cooperation

____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

August 4, Agence France Presse
In Myanmar, astrologer sees future in everything but politics - Hla Hla Htay

Min Theinkha makes his living telling the future in a country where the
passage of time seems to bring nothing but new ways to disappoint.

That, he believes, is why hundreds of people come to see him every day at
his compound outside Yangon, because they are looking for ways to hope.

"I listen to people's troubles from dawn till dusk," he says.

The worse the future seems, the more the people come.

"Because the economy is getting worse, more and more people are coming to
my compound. Now it's almost double compared with a few years ago," the
68-year-old says.

About 200 people make the 65-kilometer (40-mile) trek from Yangon and from
farther afield to his compound every day, often completing the journey on
the back of a tractor down a dirt road.

The future looked different when Min Theinkha was young. Then his country
was known as Burma, and was one of the richest and most promising nations
in Southeast Asia.

But more than five decades of military rule have left the country one of
the most impoverished and isolated in the world, eclipsed economically by
neighbors like China, India and Thailand.

When he was younger, Min Theinkha tried to change Myanmar's future,
leading protests against the government in hopes of ending civil wars
against ethnic minorities and of ushering in a democratic government.

That earned him two periods in prison, first from 1965 to 1970 for
protesting against the wars, then again from 1989 to 1992 for joining the
pro-democracy uprising that was crushed by the regime.

After his latest release, he retreated to his four-hectare (11-acre)
compound, which is filled with about 100 statues of Buddha, as well as of
mythological figures and even of himself, carved by his followers.

The gate to his compound is strung with 27 giant beads, each about one
foot around, brightly colored in red, green and gold.

He runs the place as both a fruit orchard and a religious center with the
name Mayantalin, meaning "the place full of trees bearing clusters of
fruit", or Ayuutaw Mingalar, "the place believed to be full of blessings".

With long hair and beard, he looks like one of the wizened men from
mythology whose statues stand in his orchard.

Years of heart disease and other ailments have left him confined to a
wheelchair, which is often surrounded by his students who hope to learn
how to read the stars.

"I decided to have nothing to do with politics after I was released from
prison. I have never discussed politics since then," he says.

"I do not allow my customers to ask questions regarding politics. I remain
silent about that. It would be dangerous for me," Min Theinkha tells AFP.

Most people come to ask him about how to survive their financial
hardships. Some ask if they should sell their possessions. Others wish to
go abroad to find a better life, or want to find a way to escape debt
collectors.

"Of course, people also come to find out if they will receive a promotion
at work, or win some competition. I don't discriminate against them. I do
my readings for them with a fair mind," he says.

His success as an astrologer has ended his hopes of isolating himself.
About 200 people come to study at his astrology school every month. He
estimates that he's taught some 10,000 people since he first began reading
the stars 38 years ago.

He also runs a kickboxing school, and produces a literary journal of short
mysteries. He is one of Myanmar's most popular writers, having authored
some 70 mystery novels.

Despite the country's many problems, Min Theinkha says the stars still
predict good things for Myanmar.

"We won't have to wait for long. Things will go better for the whole
country, beginning with the economic situation," he said.

"I believe everything will be good. This crisis is just for a while. The
good times will start after Feburary."

____________________________________

August 4, Khonumthung News
Genuine cards at premium prices

Arbitrary fees are being charged for family members’ registration and
identity cards by government officials over the past three months.

According to a late report, the production of family members’ registration
and identity cards has soared in Sagaing division, Burma since May.
Premium prices are reportedly being charged by officials issuing the
cards.

The Government has transferred the production of cards to Sagaing, the
headquarters of Sagaing division though the cards are issued from
sub-offices in other towns. An official notification about shifting the
centre for production of the cards has been issued. Transportation costs
and the arbitrary fees being charged for the card have been causing
problems to the people.

The cost of a family member’ registration and identity card range between
Kyat 20,000 to 30,000 in Sagaing division. The mediators, who are official
employees, charge arbitrary prices and issue genuine cards, which are
obtained after a gap of two to three months, said sources.

The official family members’ registration card is not valid in other
places. Families shifting to other places have to register again despite
the old official registration.

Meanwhile, in Rangoon premium prices of around Kyat 30,000 has been
charged to families and individuals for family members’ registration and
identity cards. The government has also issued an order to show the latest
pictures of a family in every house.

A family member who is not in the picture is likely to be excluded from
the family members’ registration card. Families, whose members reside
abroad, are in a dilemma as the government may delete their names from the
family members’ registration card, sources added.

“It’s been some months that I have not been in Rangoon. I cannot return
now and am worried I may not be included in my family members’ list any
more. I cannot return because of unfinished business,” a Rangoon resident
told Khonumthung on the Indo- Burma border.

 The official cost of production of family members’ registration and
identity cards is Kyat 176. In Chikha, Chin state, an identity card is
reportedly issued on a payment of Kyat 5,000 for students and Kyat 10,000
for adults.

The official family members’ registration is recognition of citizenship of
Burma. The identity card is proof of citizenship of an individual, which
needs to be produced by the holder whenever asked for.

____________________________________

August 3, Democratic Voice of Burma
Rangoon streets flooded by heavy rains and blocked drainage system

Many streets in downtown Rangoon had been flooded because of recent heavy
monsoon downpours and blocked stinking gutters and drainage system.

Local residents told DVB that floodwaters around Yuzana Plaza and Myanmar
Gonyi (Glory)Road rose up two-three feet high inundating both the streets
and sidewalks (pavements), and buses had to divert their routes to higher
grounds in a zigzag way.

“As cars (buses) have to travel that way, we are finding many
difficulties,” a local resident told DVB. “It’s so dirty. As you know, our
legs are so dirty as rubbishes and plastic bags floated past.”

When we contacted Rangoon City Municipal Committee’s road and bridge
department, an official on duty gave her response as follows:

“Floods? Do you mean floods within Rangoon caused by the rains? In that
case, the holes in the gutters are blocked. As for me I could not explain.
What I mean is each department (has its own duties). Now, for Kyauktada
Township, the chief administrator of Kyauktada Township has to explain. If
I make mistakes in my explanation, it would not be good.”

Rangoon residents told DVB that the overflowing of stinking gutters occurs
every year but the city’s municipal committee still hasn’t taken any
effective measure to solve the problem.

____________________________________

August 3, Democratic Voice of Burma
Another NLD member sent to prison in Mandalay

The organising committee member and treasurer of Mandalay Division, Madaya
Township National League for Democracy (NLD) Nyein Maung was arrested and
sentenced to one year in jail on 31 July, according parry members.

Madaya Township NLD elected representative (MP) Than Lwin told DVB that
Nyein Maung was indicted under Act – 198 for having an argument with the
husband of a female judge Khin Mar Yi in her office and causing a civil
servant undue distress.

Khin Mar Yi’s husband Kyaw Myint is the secretary the township’s army
veterans association and it is alleged that he likes to show off his power
by treating those who come to his wife’s office with disdain and
incivility.

Nyein Maung was also told by pro-government Mandalay Division Union
Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) members in June that if he
quit the party, the charge against him would be dropped.

Madaya MP Than Lwin insisted that Nyein Maung is innocent and that he was
deliberately arrested with a trumped up charge and imprisoned because he
is an active member of the NLD.

Local residents of Madaya also told DVB that Justice Khin Mar Yi also let
the cases of those who could pay her more bribes win.

____________________________________
ON THE BORDER

August 4, Irrawaddy
KNU blames junta for discord - Shah Paung

Armed ethnic opposition group the Karen National Union explained recent
divisions within the group as the result of government efforts to create
discord among its members.

A statement issued by the KNU on Thursday evening said that the Burmese
junta’s recent overtures to the organization were “insincere” and urged
fellow Karen to remain unified.

In recent months, junta officials have met Karen peace brokers for
unofficial talks, during which they offered medical treatment in Rangoon
for ailing KNU leader Gen Bo Mya. The offer was rejected.

During a meeting last month with Bo Mya, intelligence official Col Myat
Htun Oo of Military Affairs Security said the government wanted to hold
“soldier-to-soldier” talks rather than meeting with the rebel group’s
political leaders. KNU leaders dismissed the claim.

“If the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] wants to discuss with
the KNU honestly, they have to stop the fighting and forced relocation and
killing of the Karen people,” Mahn Sha, the general secretary of the KNU,
told The Irrawaddy on Friday.

Thursday’s statement was issued following accusations by the Karen
National Liberation Army’s 7th Brigade and other military divisions that
unnamed KNU leaders were corrupt, and any statements or orders issued by
them would be ignored.

The accusations were issued in a joint announcement, which said that “some
leaders” of the KNU Central Committee elected last year were corrupt, and
which was signed by Brig-Gen Htain Maung and Col Ner Dah Mya, the tactical
commander of the KNU’s General Headquarters Battalions and the son of Bo
Mya.

Senior KNU officials are expected to meet with KNLA members later on
Friday to discuss the accusations.

The SPDC and KNU reached a “gentlemen agreement” to end fighting in
January 2004 during ceasefire talks led by Bo Mya in Rangoon.

Since February 2006, Burmese troops have conducted widespread offensives
in Karen State and Pegu Division that have sent villagers fleeing to the
jungles and the Thai-Burmese border in the thousands.

____________________________________

August 4, Keralanext.com:
Chin-Burmese refugees in India air woes

New Delhi:  Highlighting their plight, refugees from Myanmar's Chin region
here lamented their poor living conditions and a lack of refugee status
for the tens of thousands who have sought shelter in India.

"Ever since the military regime took over the country in 1988, an
estimated 82,000 Chin-Burmese have fled to India," said Cheery Zahau, a
coordinator of the Mizoram-based Women League of Chinland.

"About 70,000 are in Mizoram, which borders the Chin region, 10,000 are in
Manipur and 2,000 in Delhi," she added at a seminar organised by the All
India Christian Council at the YMCA Tourist Hostel here Sunday.

Zahau said many Chin people in Mizoram were not recognised as refugees, as
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) requires
refugees to come to its Delhi office for recognition - a condition most
refugees, who are poor unskilled workers, can't comply with.

"The Chin region, where a majority of people are Christians and speak the
Chin language, has been facing the brunt of the military regime, which has
an agenda of one nation, one religion and one language.

"The regime has been persecuting the community to pressure their members
to adopt the Buddhist religion and the Burmese language. The military has
created such a situation that it is impossible for the Chin people to
survive in their own land," she claimed.

Zahau also said the Chin-Burmese in India faced financial woes as they
received only a nominal subsidy from the UNHCR. Finding employment was an
uphill task due to the language problem.

Most refugees in Delhi live in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri areas. "Even in
Delhi, over 20 refugees have to live together in a single small house,"
she said.

"Most children from our region work at tea stalls and various factories in
Delhi to make both ends meet. Many Chin girls are forced into
prostitution," Zahau added.

____________________________________
BUSINESS / TRADE

August 4, Bangkok Post
Concerns raised after Burma agrees to resume timber trade - Apinya
Wipatayotin

Burma has agreed in principle to resume timber trading with Thailand, a
move that has triggered concerns about the impact on the environment and
the abuse of ethnic minorities in Burma. Noppadon Pattama, assistant to
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat, confirmed
that timber trading was on the agenda during talks on Wednesday between
Burmese leaders and a cabinet delegation led by caretaker Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra.

''This is an important step for sharing benefits between the two
countries. Burma, for its part, will be more confident that illegal border
trading will decrease,'' he said at a press conference.

There will be talks with relevant Thai organisations and private companies
next week to determine the demand for timber each year and the types of
wood.

''A deal will probably be done in the form of a government-to-government
contract. Or the government might just play the role of facilitator,'' he
said.

Panithi Thangpati, chairman of the Tak Chamber of Commerce, voiced concern
that timber trading with Burma might aggravate illegal logging in
Thailand.

Unscrupulous loggers could cut the trees in Thai forests but brand them as
imported, as happened in the past, he said. It was very difficult to tell
whether timber came from Burma or Thailand.

''While I think it is a good idea to import timber, it is necessary to
have strict measures to ensure the wood is not from our forests,'' Mr
Panithi said.

He recalled the high-profile case of loggers felling trees in the Salween
forest which were then ''imported'' to Thailand. The scandal eventually
led to the banning of timber imports from Burma. Mr Panithi said there
were legal loopholes that make illegal logging possible.

Outgoing Chiang Rai Senator Tuenjai Deethes was worried that the benefits
from logging would be at the expense of ethnic minorities in Burma.

She said it was possible that the logging contract might lead to
violations of the human rights of ethnic people, whom the ruling junta has
accused of ''stealing'' Burma's natural resources.

Mrs Tuenjai said Thailand, as a neighbouring country, should promote the
ideal of environmental conservation, not exploitation for the sake of the
business sector.

She shared the views of other critics that it was not appropriate for a
caretaker government to enter into an agreement with a foreign country.

But Mr Noppadon insisted it was not out of place for the caretaker Thaksin
administration to strike a deal, as the issue had long been discussed
bilaterally.

____________________________________

August 4, Xinhua General News Service
Myanmar-China border trade up in first half of 2006

The volume of border trade between Myanmar and China at the Muse trade
point alone amounted to 311 million U.S. dollars in the first half of
2006, up from 257 million dollars in the same period of 2005, a local
weekly reported Friday.

Except some drop in the border trade volume during the transition period
when the Muse 105th Mile Border Trade Zone was being established in
March/April, the border trade in the Muse point has been growing steadily,
the Myanmar Times quoted the Commerce Ministry as saying.

The Muse 105th Mile Border Trade Zone opened in April and the trade system
there with China is being transformed from border trade into normal trade
since early 2005 as an initial move aimed at changing all Myanmar's border
trade systems with neighboring countries into normal trade ones.

According to Chinese official statistics, China-Myanmar bilateral trade
hit 1.209 billion dollars in 2005, up 5.6 percent from 2004. Of the total,
China's exports to Myanmar took 935 million dollars, while its import from
Myanmar stood at 274 million dollars.

Of the bilateral trade, that between China's Yunnan province and Myanmar,
including the border trade, amounted to 630 million dollars during the
year, up 14.6 percent from the previous year. Yunnan's exports to Myanmar
stood at 400 million dollars, while its import from Myanmar was valued at
230 million dollars.

The latest figures from the Chinese Customs Department indicate that
China-Myanmar bilateral trade in the first half of 2006 amounted to 662
million dollars, up by 10.8 percent compared with the same period of 2005.
Of the total, China's export to Myanmar took 549 million dollars, up 30.5
percent, while China's import from Myanmar 114 million dollars, down 35.9
percent. China realized a trade surplus of 434 million dollars.

The two countries have set a target for their annual bilateral trade to
grow to 1.5 billion dollars.

Since achievements have been made in the Muse trade point, all other trade
points with the rest of the neighboring countries such as Tamu with India,
Maungtaw with Bangladesh, Myawaddy with Thailand are set to follow suit.

Myanmar has a total of 13 main border trade points with its four
neighboring countries.

According to Myanmar Commerce Ministry's statistics, the country's foreign
trade volume in the fiscal year of 2005-06 which ended in March totaled
5.5 billion dollars, of which the border trade accounted for over 30
percent.

____________________________________
REGIONAL

August 4, Bangkok Post
Burma trip draws flak, questions/PM's explanation fails to convince his
critics

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday failed to convince
critics that he went to Burma on a national or regional mission on
Wednesday. Aside from questioning the transparency and appropriateness of
the half-day visit made by a caretaker government on very short notice,
the critics believe there were vested interests involved.

Former Third Army commander Watanachai Chaimuanwong alleged that Mr
Thaksin went there in search of new business opportunities opened up by
the junta's decision to move the capital to Naypyidaw. Mr Thaksin was the
first Asean leader to visit the new capital since the junta announced the
move last November.

''Burma has only recently moved its capital. There is a lot to be done in
terms of laying down communications networks, of high technology,'' Gen
Watanachai said.

He said Mr Thaksin was also trying to cultivate relations with Senior
General Than Shwe after Gen Khin Nyunt was removed as prime minister in
October 2004. Gen Khin Nyunt's family was engaged in the telecoms business
with the Shinawatra family.

Suchit Bunbongkarn, a former Constitution Court judge, scoffed at Mr
Thaksin's explanation that he was doing the bidding of Asean, saying Mr
Thaksin did not have the authority or consent of Asean.

''It's hard to believe there is no personal interest involved. The last
time he went to Singapore, he said it was for vacation. When he came back,
there was a takeover of Shin Corp by Temasek,'' he said.

Mr Suchit also said the fact the army commander-in-chief was the only
military officer in the prime minister's entourage reflected Mr Thaksin's
paranoia.

''He took him [Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin] along to prevent the army from
making a move while he was away, just for a few hours. He is in fear,
terrible fear that something might happen.''

Mr Thaksin defended his trip, saying Thailand, as a close neighbour, acted
as a messenger for Asean and the international community which had serious
concerns about Burma's stagnant democratic reforms. He brushed off
criticism that he was there to pursue his business interests.

''What business? My family has sold it, so they aren't thinking about
doing business. People who mentioned this should try meditation. Their
lives will probably be better,'' he said.

Energy Minister Viset Choopiban said he had asked Mr Thaksin to help
negotiate the approval of applications by PTT Exploration and Production
Plc for rights to explore for oil and natural gas in four fields in the
Bay of Bengal. These include blocks A-2 and A5, which are close to A-1
whose concession was granted to South Korea which has already found oil
and gas reserves there.

Mr Thaksin was also asked to negotiate the purchase of more natural gas
from Burma, he said.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva questioned if a caretaker prime
minister could pay an official visit to another country. He insisted the
country had the right to know if Mr Thaksin went to Burma on a national
mission, and called on Mr Thaksin to show transparency by disclosing
details of the talks.

Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of the People's Alliance for Democracy,
was unconvinced by Mr Thaksin's explanation and demanded the return of a
four-billion-baht loan the Exim Bank approved for the junta to rent a
satellite from Shin Sat.

Burma watcher Sunai Phasuk said it was inappropriate of the caretaker
government to conduct private diplomacy. ''[The trip] only confirms vested
interests this government has with the regime,'' he said.

Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said the Burmese leadership just
happened to be available on Aug 2.

''Yes, it was a short notice and the visit was an urgent and unprepared
one, but that's the way Thailand manages relations with neighbours.''

Mr Kantathi said he told his counterpart he was ''disappointed'' with the
extended detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, and Burma promised to reconsider
the issue.

____________________________________

August 4, Vietnamese news agency via BBC Monitoring
Vietnam, Burma agree to boost cooperation

The 2nd political consultation meeting between the Vietnamese and Myanmar
[Burma] Ministries for Foreign Affairs wrapped up in Ha Noi on August 3.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Phu
Binh, and the Myanmar delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister
Kyaw Thu.

During the 3-day meeting, the two sides affirmed their determination to
continue to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation between the
two countries to make the cooperation commensurate with the countries'
potential and aspirations.

They agreed to increase the exchanges of delegations and boost cooperation
in combating transnational crimes, health care, energy, fisheries,
transport and communications in the framework of bilateral cooperation as
well as sub-regional and regional cooperation.

Officials of the two ministries shared the view that they should promote
coordination and cooperation in regional and international forums,
particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with
the aim to strengthen the grouping's unity and cooperation for peace,
stability and development in the region and the world.

The two sides agreed to convene the 3rd consultation meeting in Myanmar in
2007.

During his stay in Viet Nam, Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu paid
a courtesy visit to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia
Khiem. He also visited a number of economic, cultural and social
establishments in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.