BurmaNet News, February 3-5, 2007

[Editor]

February 3-5, 2007 Issue # 3135

INSIDE BURMA
DVB: 88 Generation Students extend Open Heart campaign
DVB: Burmese students pressured to join USDA to win scholarships
Narinjara: Anti-Chinese leaflets urge boycott
DVB: Special appeal lodged for jailed Shan leaders
DVB: Burmese student group to organize anti-sanction concert in Rangoon

ON THE BORDER
Irrawaddy: Bo Mya's wife rejects role in Karen splinter group
DVB: Mon National Day celebration marred by explosion
Mizzima: Burmese fishermen stranded in Chennai

BUSINESS / TRADE
AFP: Myanmar devalues currency in border trade

INTERNATIONAL
UPI: Myanmar backs Iran's peaceful nuclear right

OPINION / OTHER
The Nation: Ageing Myanmar (Burma) leader losing ability to lead
Mail & Guardian: Myanmar 'falls outside council’s mandate'

____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

February 5, Democratic Voice of Burma
88 Generation Students extend Open Heart campaign

The 88 Generation Students group has indefinitely extended its Open Heart
letter campaign due to increasing interest across Burma, according to
former student leader Min Ko Naing.

The campaign, which was launched on January 4 to mark Burma’s Independence
Day, was due to end yesterday but Min Ko Naing said the number of people
participating was getting higher by the day.

“Today marks the full one month period of our open heart campaign . . .
But when we actually practiced it, we become to see the logistics
problems; the transportation system in our country is not reliable at
all,” Min Ko Naing said.

“Beside, we are using a system where people deliver their letters to us
for security reasons . . . Another thing is those people in the villages
never use their writing skills. That with the addition of very basic
education and it makes it really difficult for them. . . They have asked
us to wait,” he said.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging Burmese people to write to State
Peace and Development Council leader senior general Than Shwe about their
grievances with military rule.

The latest in a series of peaceful political campaigns, the letter writing
movement has received support and acclaim from people both inside and
outside Burma.

Another 88 Generation Students leader, Ko Jimmy, said the group had
already distributed tens of thousands of letter forms.

“The encouraging thing is that we see more and more people daring to
express their feelings and difficulties,” Ko Jimmy said.

____________________________________

February 1, Democratic Voice of Burma
Burmese students pressured to join USDA to win scholarships

An announcement recently released by Burma’s Ministry of Education has
caused anger among students because it insists that applicants for
scholarships overseas must be active members of the ruling
junta-affiliated Union and Solidarity Development Association.

The announcement, which was released on 15 January, states that students
who wish to enroll in a scholarship program must provide strong evidence
that they are active members of the USDA in order to meet the main
criteria for qualifications, a student from University of Economy in
Rangoon told DVB,

"In application forms for scholarships in Singapore and Japan, it is
stated that the applicant must be a member of the USDA,” said the student
who was speaking on condition of anonymity. “And they have to submit a
summary of facts purporting any activity done for the organization.”

An employee from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of
Education confirmed the claim of the student.

"(Applicants) must be members of the USDA. A brief list of activities done
actively for the USDA must be included. If not, they would not be
accepted," she said.

____________________________________

February 4, Narinjara News
Anti-Chinese leaflets urge boycott

Several anti-Chinese leaflets have been spreading around Akyab, the Arakan
State capital, calling for a boycott of Chinese goods in Burma, in
response to China's veto against the recent UN Security Council resolution
on Burma, reports a monk from Akyab on condition of anonymity.

"In the leaflets, Burmese people have been urged by anonymous monks to
cooperate with them in the boycott of Chinese goods in Burma," the monk
said.

The anonymous group of monks is mobilizing Burmese people to participate
in their plan to take a stand against Chinese interests and avoid using
Chinese products in Burma. In the leaflets, the motivators have pointed
out that the Chinese government is a hindrance to Burmese democracy
because it has been backing the Burmese military rulers.

A source said the leaflets were brought to Akyab by some young monks from
Rangoon, and it is most likely part of a plan of the Young Monks Union, an
unrecognized organization in Burma that wants to take a stand against the
Chinese government's veto.

A monk from Akyab said the distribution of leaflets to the people is the
first step in their plan, and they will be conducting other activities to
effectively target the Chinese government very soon.

Many Burmese people, including monks, believe the vetoes cast by China and
Russia against the Burma resolution in UNSC are an injustice and ignore
the plight of the Burmese people, as they are facing a number of human
rights abuses, genocide of ethnic minorities, and jailing of politicians.

A monk source said the people of Burma who want democracy are looking
forward to a chance to demonstrate on streets against China and Russia,
much like government-backed demonstrators recently did in front of the US
embassy in Rangoon.

A source from Akyab confirmed that several anti-Chinese leaflets have been
spreading around Akyab and some other main towns of Arakan State, and that
pro-democracy activists are planning to demonstrate on the streets against
China and Russia.

____________________________________

February 5, Democratic Voice of Burma
Special appeal lodged for jailed Shan leaders

A special appeal has been lodged with the high court in Rangoon for the
release of seven Shan leaders jailed last year for criticising the
military’s National Convention.

A lawyer for the group of politicians and activists—Khun Htun Oo, Sai
Nyunt Lwin, Sai Hla Aung, Sao Hso Ten, Htun Nyo, Sai Nay Mo and Sai Myo
Win Htun—said the appeal would be heard on February 22.

U Aung Thein said the case had originally been scheduled for February 8
but had been postponed due to court delays.

The seven men, along with fellow Shan leader U Myint Thein, were arrested
on February 9, 2005 after they condemned the military-run constitution
drafting process at the National Convention.

U Myint Thein later died in prison. The remaining seven are known to be in
poor health.

____________________________________

February 3, Democratic Voice of Burma
Burmese student group to organize anti-sanction concert in Rangoon

Sources from Burma's entertainment industry said the controversial 88
Generation Students group (Union of Burma/Myanmar), led by Aye Lwin, is
organizing an anti-sanction music festival with the co-operation of the
Ministry of Information.

Aye Lwin, who is accused of being behind recent protests outside the UK
and US embassies in Rangoon, was caught up in an argument with Myanmar
Music Association's secretary Playboy Than Naing on the 22nd of January,
when the anti-sanction student group's leader visited the MMA's office to
pitch his plan for organizing a concert aimed at showing Burma's
‘opposition’ to the sanctions led by the United States, sources close to
the music association said.

Aye Lwin also admitted that the talk didn’t go well.

"He (Than Naing) said the sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the
international community doesn't do any damage to our country
I told him
those were only his words but were not representing the whole of the music
community," Aye Lwin said.

Yan Paing Soe, a joint secretary of the music association said the MAA was
directed by its in-charge, the Ministry of Information to talk with the
student group.

“We listened to these ‘masters’ (student leaders). It didn’t go well. But
you could not say that it didn’t work out either. We are trying to do our
best for things to go smoothly,” he said. “As it has the impression of a
grand occasion, the matter doesn’t end with us. We have to put forward the
plan to authorities concerned and proceed with care.”

Aye Lwin also confirmed that profits from the show will go to his group.

"We want to make this music show to promote our 88 Generation Students
(Union of Burma/Myanmar)'s anti-sanction movement among the public and so
that people who come to the concert could give donations freely to us," he
said.

Than Naing, Burma's old-time singer, sits as a secretary of the MMA from
the start of 2006. He refused to give any comment on the incident.

“As an artist, I don’t want to talk about these things. I just want to
live peacefully and sing,” he said.

____________________________________
ON THE BORDER

February 05, Irrawaddy
Bo Mya's wife rejects role in Karen splinter group - Shah Paung

The wife of the late Karen leader, Gen Bo Mya, has rejected a role in a
new KNU splinter group led by Maj-Gen Htain Maung, commander of the 7th
Brigade.

The new splinter group released a list of 18 members appointed to the
Karen National Union/ Karen National Libration Army Peace Council on
January 31. Htain Maung was named chairman of the new splinter group.

Lar Poe, the general's wife, was named group vice chairperson. The
general's son, Col Ner Dah Mya, was named secretary-1, while another son,
Col Nay Kaw Mya, was named a member of the group.

Lar Poe said she was unaware of the KNU/KNLA Peace Council group.

“The fact that my name is put in the position of vice chairperson, and my
children are included as members of this organization is an evil set up.”
Lar Poe said. “I absolutely do not accept it.”

“I would like to declare that I will steadfastly follow the policies laid
down by the 13th Congress of the KNU,” she said.

Lar Poe said she will continue to perform her KNU Central Committee
duties, in addition to serving as president of the Karen Women’s
Organization. She said the KNU is the "mother organization" of the Karen
People, and she cannot accept acts that divide it or are tantamount to
“surrender" to the enemy [the Burmese junta].

Ner Dah Mya and Nay Kaw Mya could not be reached for comment.

The KNU headquarters dismissed Htain Maung on January 30, charging him
with negligence and failure to follow KNU policies. Htain Maung earlier
this year concluded a separate "peace" with the Burmese government, after
breaking away from KNU control.

Meanwhile, celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Karen revolution
concluded on the Thai-Burma border on Monday.

In a statement, KNU chairman, Ba Thin Sein, said, “In the 60 years of life
of the KNU, we have seen many traitors to the nation and the revolution.
At the same time, there have been many thousands of revolutionary heroes.”

The new splinter group was also "condemned" by 67 representatives from 24
Karen organizations that attended a four-day Karen Unity Seminar that
ended Sunday. It was held in a KNU control area.

____________________________________

February 3,Democratic Voice of Burma
Mon National Day celebration marred by explosion

A hand-grenade thrown by an unknown person into an audience celebrating
the 60th Anniversary of Mon National Day on the 2nd of February at
southern Burma’s Three Pagodas township resulted in slight injuries to two
celebrants, according to local sources.

Naing Shwe Thein, a leader of the New Mon State Party told DVB that the
hand-grenade was thrown by one man who remains unknown.

"A distractive element threw a hand-grenade into the monastery compound
which is near a government troop's base. We are still looking for him," he
said.

The victims, a man and a woman are said to be recovering at the local
hospital. The local Burmese military authorities subsequently stopped
people from gathering in an apparent attempt to prevent further attacks,
causing all planned beauty pageants and cultural shows to be cancelled.

Naing Ngwe Thein, a veteran Mon politician based in Rangoon speculated the
attack could be the work of a ‘middle’ group without specifying which, and
he also expressed his surprise at the timing of the attack.

The NMSP signed ceasefire agreements with Burma’s military government in
the early 90s but recently stopped attending army-dominated, constitution
drafting National Convention officially and supported the efforts to
discuss Burma issue at the UN Security Council, angering the ruling
generals in the process.

____________________________________

February 5, Mizzima News
Burmese fishermen stranded in Chennai - Syed Ali Mujtaba

A Chennai based NGO, 'Overseas Indians Organisation' (OIO) has informed
the Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi about the plight of four Burmese
fishermen who drifted onto the shores of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

The organization has also written letters to family members of the
fishermen in Pyaphon, southern Burma but so far has not received any
response from either.

The four fishermen were arrested and jailed soon after they reached
Chennai shores last December. They are Muang Zaw, Aung Ohn Myint, Soe
Myint and Maung Thein Twe. The OIO bailed them out on January 16, and gave
them shelter in a marriage hall it runs in the city.

"These fishermen are being treated like any ordinary offender and have to
go each day to the local police station and sign a register," R.
Gurumurthy, who runs the NGO told Mizzima News.

"We have to spend Rs.100 each day to take them to the police station, and
bear their expenses for food. It is difficult for us and also for them,"
he added.

"Though repatriation of fishermen is a routine affair, this case is taking
a long time for no apparent reason. The OIO has appealed to the Tamil Nadu
Government to withdraw cases filed against them so that the Nodal
Committee, chaired by the Chennai Collector can declare them innocent.
This would aid in their quicker repatriation," he said.

The Burmesese fishermen were on their bamboo barge anchored in the Bay of
Bengal when they confronted heavy winds. Their anchor snapped and they
drifted with the wind making a sail out of the clothes they were wearing.
A few days later they found themselves on Tamil Nadu shores, where Chennai
fishermen spotted them and towed their barge to the shore, Gurumurthy said
describing how the fishermen landed in Chennai.

____________________________________
BUSINESS / TRADE

February 5, Agence France Presse
Myanmar devalues currency in border trade

Myanmar's military government has devalued the kyat currency for the
purposes of calculating duties for cross-border trade, the weekly Voice
journal said Monday.

Myanmar maintains an official rate of six kyat to one dollar, although the
black market rate is about 1,275 to one dollar.

The government has over the last two years gradually adjusted the exchange
rate used at border posts to bring it more in line with market value,
which also earns the ruling junta more money from taxes on imports and
exports.

The Voice reported that the customs department now uses a rate of between
1,200 and 1,225 kyats to the dollar to calculate duties. It had been using
a rate of 850 to one.

The new rate applies only to goods traded through Myanmar's 13 border
posts with Bangladesh, China, India and Thailand, the journal said.

According to official figures, Myanmar's exports totalled 3.6 billion
dollars while imports were at nearly 2.0 billion dollars in the 2005
fiscal year.

But official statistics are notoriously unreliable, and economists believe
that the country's enormous black market is at least half as big as the
formal economy.

Much of that activity takes places along the border, where rebel groups
and drug lords control long stretches of territory.

____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

February 5, UPI
Myanmar backs Iran's peaceful nuclear right

Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win Monday expressed his country's support
for the right of countries, including Iran, to use nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes.

In a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Myanmar Mohsen Pak-Ayeen, Win said
member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
support the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy by all countries.

There is no reason for countries that have nuclear arsenals to deprive
other countries of access to nuclear energy for peaceful aims.

He assessed as "good and growing" mutual relations between Yangon and
Tehran, saying his country was determined to further boost its
wide-ranging relations with Iran.

The minister stressed the importance of exchanging economic and political
delegations to find appropriate avenues for expansion of ties, and
expressed hope he would be able to pay a visit to Iran in response to an
invitation by his Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki.

He criticized the practice of big states of using the UN Security Council
to impose their views on the international community and urged independent
states to strengthen their unity to fight against abuses by these states.

Pak-Ayeen, for his part, said the recent resolution adopted by the US
against Myanmar which was vetoed by China and Russia was a clear example
of the misuse of power by the United Nations.

"Iran does not regard Myanmar as a threat to international peace and
security. The human rights situation in Myanmar is a domestic issue which
should be settled through appropriate ways," he said.

He outlined Iran's stance on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying
"the Iranian government is duty-bound to support the Iranian nation's
inalienable right to access nuclear energy for the country's development."

He expressed hope Iran and Myanmar would boost their economic and cultural
exchanges in the future.

The Iranian envoy submitted Mottaki's invitation to Win to pay a visit to
Tehran at an appropriate time.

____________________________________
OPINION / OTHER

February 5, The Nation
Ageing Myanmar (Burma) leader losing ability to lead

Myanmar's (Burma's) state-run propaganda machine has been working overtime
since junta leader General Than Shwe returned from a two-week hospital
stay in Singapore earlier this month - to counter mounting evidence that
the ageing military chief is no longer fit for office.

In the past two weeks, photos of Than Shwe chairing meetings and mingling
with foreign dignitaries have made the front page of the New Light of
Myanmar newspaper almost every day, while footage of him chairing the
quarterly State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) meeting has been
aired on state television.

In both the footage and photos Than Shwe looks fairly robust. But the
carefully managed media appearances have done little to quell reports from
among Burma's political elite that the senior general is far from fit.

One source close to the top military leader told The Nation that Than Shwe
had been flown to Singapore for extensive tests on December 31 last year
after his personal physicians became concerned that he was suffering from
intestinal cancer. Despite being cleared of the disease, Than Shwe
remained in hospital until January 12 - the leader's longest stretch
outside Burma for several years.

"It came out that the illness was not as serious [as cancer] but still he
was away for some time. This is quite significant," said the source close
to Than Shwe, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Burma's top general is
a diabetic and suffers from hypertension and minor heart problems, which
have long caused him complications.

Than Shwe's sudden hospitalisation resulted in him missing the January 4
Independence Day celebrations in Burma for the first time in his 15-year
stint as head of the SPDC. Analysts and pundits pounced and speculation
quickly spread that he was dying.

Still more evidence of Than Shwe's declining health came to light when
reports emerged that he made only brief appearances at the quarterly
commanders' and SPDC meetings held last week in Naypyidaw. While deceptive
photos of him chairing the event have been splashed all over the official
press, seasoned Burma-watchers have not been fooled. Senior Thailand-based
Burma analyst Win Min said Than Shwe had also been absent from his daily
duties for some time.

"We know that for about four or five months already he has been staying
home and only attending meetings once a week or once a month. His health
has really deteriorated," Win Min said.

This news has caused intense debate among analysts over who he entrusted
control of his office to in his absence. According to sources close to the
military among Rangoon's high-society circles, Than Shwe's long-time
protege and potential successor General Thura Shwe Mann has almost
certainly taken his place at the helm. Shwe Mann the only member of the
SPDC's top cabinet without a clearly defined portfolio, and he is also
Than Shwe's most important ally in the fight to stop second-in-command
Deputy Senior General Maung Aye from seizing power.

"Shwe Mann is now doing most of Than Shwe's job but he is still required
to defer to Maung Aye and [prime minister] Soe Win on important issues and
some decisions," Win Min said.

Earlier predictions of Than Shwe and Maung Aye stepping down - but not
entirely out - in favour of Shwe Mann appear, at least on initial
inspection, to be correct. And the stage seems set for the two top
generals to hand over the military's reins in favour of civilian roles at
the head of a heavily renovated SPDC.

Plans to rename the ruling body the State Democracy and Development
Council are still being floated and the ongoing National Convention to
draft a new Burmese constitution - first set up in 1993 - is expected to
finally come to an end in the next 12 months.

Sources close to the military elite say Maung Aye has also been spending
little time tending to his official duties. "This is at the orders of Than
Shwe. He wants Maung Aye to stay away from power too," Win Min said.

It would seem that everything is going according to plan. Except, of
course, for Than Shwe's continued inability to control his two
subordinates and put the threat of a coup from Maung Aye to rest, The
Nation's source close to the general said.

"He cannot manage these two guys. Actually, he has no control over this
situation," the source said adding that Than Shwe did not trust either
Maung Aye or Shwe Mann to adhere to his wishes after he steps down.

While Than Shwe has worked hard to secure a safe passage from power for
himself and his family in a country where military coups are almost
common, the general is reported to be unsure his plans will work. "Maung
Aye is supposed to step down but there is no way [Than Shwe] can be sure
that this will happen," the source close to the general said.

Political pundits in Burma agree that Than Shwe's recent hospitalisation
has put him at greater risk of a power challenge from Maung Aye and that
his decision to spend little time at work had left him out of the military
loop and highly vulnerable.

Than Shwe has reportedly put plans to hand over command of the military on
hold until the fallout from his time in hospital is contained. "He is not
going to give up power now," the source said, adding that there was no
sign Than Shwe's family planned to give up any part of their luxurious
lifestyles.

Than Shwe's equally despotic wife, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, is said to oppose
the idea of her husband bowing out gracefully. Daw Kyaing Kyaing, who
orders subordinates to address her as the "queen of Burma", is known to be
more intent on Than Shwe staying "president for life" than the senior
general himself. "She won't like it at all [if Than Shwe relinquishes his
position]. She is very uneducated and only sees the need to stay in
power," the source close to the general said.

For now, Than Shwe's carefully managed media appearances are likely to
continue as the infamous dictator struggles to maintain his health and
grip on power. Burma watchers can expect to see regular footage on state
TV of the general inspecting dams, holding high-level meetings and
generally maintaining the air of menace that has kept him in power for so
long.

But his position hinges on his physical strength, which finally appears to
be failing him. "If Than Shwe were to become seriously sick very quickly,
Maung Aye will almost certainly try to take over," Win Min said.

____________________________________

February 4, Mail & Guardian Online, South Africa
Myanmar 'falls outside council’s mandate'

Reading the newspapers during the past two weeks could easily have created
the impression that the only role South Africa has played since it assumed
a non- permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council was to vote
against the resolution on Myanmar. There was no reflection on the
country’s role in council discussions about the situations in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Nepal, Ethiopia- Eritrea, Chad,
Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic. Yet, in all these
discussions, South Africa has been a constructive partner.

Even the vote on Myanmar was wrongly cast as a first, or “inaugural”, vote
by South Africa on the council. For the record, it was the second -- South
Africa voted on January 10 in favour of the extension of the mandate of
the UN peacekeeping mission in Cote d’Ivoire.

South Africa’s reasons for voting against the resolution were also
misrepresented. Some have sought to mislead the public into thinking that
the government acted irresponsibly and without regard for the situation in
Myanmar. This is far from the truth.

The South African government has consistently stated that human rights
abuses anywhere in the world must be condemned. The country favours
strengthening the human rights machinery of the UN -- a machinery that is
a key component of the edifice of the multilateral system that South
Africa believes provides the only framework for the resolution of problems
facing the world today. The government is proud of the fact that South
Africa is one of the first members of the new UN Human Rights Council.

South Africa voted against the resolution on Myanmar because it believed
it was going to compromise the good offices of the UN secretary general in
addressing sensitive matters of peace, security and human rights. South
Africa believes it would have closed the door to further interventions by
Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar. During his
last visit to Myanmar Gambari had managed to convey to the government of
that country the concerns of the international community. He also met with
opposition groups, including political detainees such as Aung San Suu Kyi.

South Africa opposed the resolution because it believes that the situation
in Myanmar does not fall within the mandate of the Security Council. The
council is entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and
security. The UN Charter created other organs such as the General Assembly
and the Economic and Social Council. It is important that the balance
between these organs be maintained if we are to strengthen the
multilateral system.

The Security Council encroaching on the work of other bodies is a major
issue at the UN. During a debate on January 8 a number of countries
referred to this matter. The ambassadors of Ghana, Panama, China, South
Africa and Indonesia made the point that not all potential threats to
peace can or should be addressed by the Security Council. These
ambassadors also stressed that the council cannot stand on its own and
that it is one of many organs of the UN.

Beyond the confines of the 15- member Security Council a number of
countries have made this point. Just last week, a letter on behalf of 116
countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, was presented to the
president of the Security Council complaining about this trend. Should
this not matter in our own discourse in South Africa?

The idea that because the human rights machinery is slow in addressing
situations in some countries, they should be brought before the council is
an intellectual stretch. It belies a limited understanding of
international affairs and the conduct of diplomacy.

The main concern of the UN membership is that the Security Council has
been increasingly assuming for itself legislative and executive powers
that were not foreseen in the Charter. By doing this the council weakens
multilateralism and undermines the work of other organs of the UN.

The attempts to compare Myanmar with the reaction of the UN to apartheid
are disingenuous and bizarre. Apartheid was a crime against humanity and
the apartheid state was a threat to international peace and security. Its
record both in Southern Africa and the rest of the world speaks for
itself.

South Africa will continue to work towards the strengthening of
multilateralism as it believes it is the best hope for the future.
Strengthening multilateralism also means reforming the Security Council so
that countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America can become permanent
members.

Xolisa Mabhongo is Chief Director: United Nations (Political) Directorate,
Department of Foreign Affairs