BurmaNet News, July 24, 2007

[Editor]

July 24, 2007 Issue # 3252

INSIDE BURMA
DVB: KIO calls for changes to draft constitution
Irrawaddy: Burma agrees on Identity cards for Rohingyas
DVB: Detained May Day activists finally face court
Mizzima News: Burma disconnects more than 400 GSM phones
Irrawaddy: Burmese rights activists sentenced in Irrawaddy division
DVB: Karenni rebels caught off guard by ‘unusual’ Burmese attacks

ON THE BORDER
SHAN: Opposition draft charters can become provisional charters

BUSINESS / TRADE
Irrawaddy: China-Burma trade gap grows
Xinhua: Myanmar introduces new measure to prevent tax evasion

ASEAN
AFP: Asean charter will put pressure on Myanmar to improve rights record

INTERNATIONAL
AFP: US House votes to renew import restrictions on Myanmar
Mizzima News: Gambari kicks off European tour

OPINION / OTHER
Mizzima News: Countering India's ties with Burma - Zo Tum Hmung

____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

July 24, Democratic Voice of Burma
KIO calls for changes to draft constitution

The Kachin Independence Organization, which has sent delegates to the
National Convention has submitted a 19-point statement to the conference
calling for changes to current constitutional draft.

The KIO, despite government prohibitions on the unauthorised release of
statements to the National Convention, published the list of demands on
their website last week. They called for greater autonomy for ethnic
minority groups and less centralised power.

“The Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Burma, should be renamed the ‘Federal
Armed Forces’,” the KIO statement said.

“The constitution should call for preserving ethnic minority literature
and should allow the teaching of ethnic languages in schools in ethnic
minority states.”

Colonel Guan Maw, the KIO’s spokesperson, told DVB that the list of
demands did not constitute a challenge to the government or the National
Convention and was merely a proposal of ideas.

He said that the group published the list of demands on their website so
that they could prove to the Kachin people that they were doing their best
to address their concerns and wishes.

“So far there has not been any response so we will have to wait and see
what happens after discussions,” Guan Maw said.

Many Kachin civilians who have read the statement said it was positive and
that they respected the KIO’s decision to publish it. But the military’s
response to the calls remains in doubt since similar demands made by
ethnic minority delegates in the past have been rejected.

____________________________________

July 24, Irrawaddy
Burma agrees on Identity cards for Rohingyas - Khun Sam

With the issuance of the first of 35,000 identity cards to members of the
Muslim minority in Burma’s northern Arakan State, the UN High Commissioner
for Refugees says the Burmese government is co-operating in a first major
step towards legalizing the status of the Rohingyas, o­ne of Asia's
largest groups of stateless people.

More than 30,000 people registered for a “Temporary Registration
Certificate (TRC)” between March and June, according to Jean-Francois
Durieux, the UNHCR’s representative in Rangoon.

“By the end of August, all 35,000 people who have registered will really
get their (TRC) cards,” Durieux told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday. “There are
more to follow,” he said.

The US is funding the US $689,000 cost of the initiative, and the UNHCR is
providing logistical support, including a photographer, photocopiers and
lamination machines. Registration teams, accompanied by UNHCR
representatives, are touring Arakan villages, where Royingya people are
able to apply for TRCs, free of charge.

The initiative is the conclusion of a five year effort by the UNHCR to
improve the plight of Burma’s stateless, disenfranchised Muslim minority,
according to a statement released by the UNHCR Myanmar [Burma] on Monday.

The statement said that although Muslims make up 76 percent of the
population of northern Arakan state, the government does not consider them
as “citizens,”, preferring to call them merely “residents of Arakan
State,” because it does not want to imply they have the right to live
anywhere in the country.

Among Arakan’s estimated 800,000 Rohingyas, about 200,000 persons in the
area are estimated to need identity cards, Durieux said.

The government declined the UN refugee agency's offer to produce hi-tech
cards with biometrics and security features because its ordinary ID cards
issued to other citizens do not meet that standard.

The question of the legal status of Rohingyas is still unclear, Durieux
said. “They are not citizens by law. We do not say this document exists in
law. Under international law, it is a temporary document, proving
residence not citizenship.”

Nevertheless, he added, the issuance of TRCs could be an important step
towards a clear legal identity and eventually acquiring full citizenship.
“What we need to do now is discuss with the authorities what are the right
obligations [relating] to this particular document. This is the biggest
challenge and long term effort. The people themselves would, of course,
like to be recognized as citizens of this country.”

Burma’s 1982 citizenship law doesn’t recognize the Rohingyas as a national
race or as citizens, effectively leaving them stateless, illegal
immigrants in their own country. In April, a statement signed by six UN
human rights experts including the UN’s special rapporteur o­n human
rights in Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, said denial of citizenship had
seriously curtailed the full exercise of the Rohingyas’ civil, political,
economic, social and cultural rights and had led to various discriminatory
practices and human rights violations.

Hundreds of Rohingyas have fled Arakan State by boat in recent months,
hoping to reach the nearest Muslim state, Malaysia. But many landed in
Thailand and were promptly arrested by Thai authorities, who are now
involved in complicated negotiations on the future of the refugees.

____________________________________

July 24, Democratic Voice of Burma
Detained May Day activists finally face court

The six men who were detained in on May 1 after attending a May Day
celebration at the American Centre in Rangoon were finally brought before
a court today to face a number of politically motivated charges.

After more than two months of legal limbo and detention in Insein prison,
Ko Thurein Aung, Ko Way Lin, Ko Nyi Nyi Zaw, Ko Kyaw Kyaw, Ko Kyaw Min,
and Ko Myo Min, face four charges each, some of which carry potential life
sentences.

The men’s lawyer U Aung Thein told DVB yesterday that they had all been
charged with discrediting the government, violating the immigration act
and engaging with unlawful associations.

“Among the charges filed against them are violations under section 124 (A)
of the legal code, which carry sentences of up to life imprisonment,
section 6, which relations to associations, section 13 (1) on the
emergency provisions in the immigration act and section 17 (1),” U Aung
Thein.

He also said all the men were in good health and that they had been given
the chance to see their families in court. The case will reportedly be
heard every Monday and Thursday in Rangoon’s Supreme Court until its
completion.

____________________________________

July 24, Mizzima News
Burma disconnects more than 400 GSM phones - Myo Gyi

A review of profiles and temporary disconnection of over 400 mobile
phones, with usages found exceeding 100,000 Kyat (approximately US dollar
80) has been ordered by Burma's telecommunication department.

The notice of temporary disconnections, sent to the users of the GSM
(Global Service for Mobile Communication) phones by the chief engineer of
the telecommunication department, under the Ministry of Communication,
Post & Telegraph, demanded that the users give explanations and reasons
for exceeding Kyat 100,000 worth of calls during the previous month.

A resident on the Sino-Burmese border town of Muse, who's GSM was also
disconnected, told Mizzima the notice said unless there are sufficient
reasons to prove the excessive usage of the phone, there is no certainty
of reconnection.

He said the government's action might be in line with cracking down on
political dissidents and narcotic smugglers, whom the junta suspects of
using GSM phones for safe communication. He added that there were at least
10 people from Muse town, who were included among the over 400 GSM users.

The government introduced the use of GSM phones in Northern Shan State
since 2005 and a GSM connection cost about Kyat 2 million (approximately
US $ 1540). The crack down on GSM users came after nearly one and-a-half
years of its introduction in northern Shan state.

"I do not understand what the government policy is. For example, if we
look at our neighbours like China, the telecommunication department is
pleased if there is more usage. And for those who register a very long
talk time, there are rewards. The difference is funny," he added.

However, the telecommunication department could not be reached for
detailed information on the disconnection and on the reasons for the
disconnection.

____________________________________

July 24, Irrawaddy
Burmese rights activists sentenced in Irrawaddy division

Six members of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters, a Rangoon-based
human rights group, were sentenced to between 4 and 8 years in prison on
Tuesday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners
(Burma).

Myint Hlaing, also known as Myint Naing, was sentenced to 8 years while
his five colleagues received 4-year terms handed down by a court in
Henzada Township in Irrawaddy Division, according to AAPP based in
Thailand. The activists were charged under sections 505 (b) and (c) for
inciting public unrest.

The arrests followed an attack on HRDP members in April by members of the
government-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association. Myint
Hlaing and another member sustained injuries. After the incident, the six
members were arrested.

The Burmese rights group has worked to promote human rights in Burma since
its creation in 2002.

____________________________________

July 24, Democratic Voice of Burma
Karenni rebels caught off guard by ‘unusual’ Burmese attacks

The Karenni National Progressive Party said yesterday that a recent spate
of Burmese military attacks had caught them by surprise as clashes were
rare during the rainy season.

KNPP official Khoo Daniel told DVB that Burmese troops had divided
themselves into three offensive columns and attacked the rebel group’s
outposts in the Shahtaw region of Karenni State repeatedly in the past few
weeks.

“The Burmese army was sent out to follow and prevent the SSNPLO troops
from fleeing into rebel territory after they left their posts in a
government-controlled area. There have been frequent fights since then,”
Khoo Daniel said.

The 100-strong SSNPLO splinter group fled Shan State in mid-June as its
leaders feared disarmament by the military after the current and final
session of the National Convention ends.

Major Thurein refused to comment yesterday on his group’s physical
involvement in the recent clashes with the military in Karenni State, but
agreed that the fighting had started as his troops moved through KNPP
territory.

“We think the attacks have something to do with us fleeing and also the
National Convention,” Thurein said.

____________________________________
ON THE BORDER

July 24, Shan Herald Agency for News
Opposition draft charters can become provisional charters

The state and federal constitutions being drafted by the Opposition can
serve as provisional charters when freedom returns to Burma, according to
an American legal expert.

Dr David Williams of the University of Indiana was speaking during the
opening ceremony of the 6th State Constitutions Seminar held on the
Thai-Burma border last week, two days ahead of the military-organized
National Convention near Rangoon on July 18.

It was the first time all the seven non-Burman state constitution drafting
committees had met to find ways on how they could work in harmony with
each other and with the future federal government.

So far, all states except Arakan have completed at least their first
drafts based on four guidelines:
•         The draft shall aim for the new federal union of Burma
•         To advocate democracy
•         To promote multi-party system
•         To safeguard the rights of the minorities in each state

Drafters were also urged by the Karen leader Padoh Ba Thin Sein, who also
serves as the chairman of the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC), to also
pay close attention to the parallel federal constitution drafting process.
"If secession is to be discouraged and unity is to be encouraged, the only
way out is federalism," he said in his opening address. "And to be
federal, there must be fair and equitable division of power between the
states and the central."

Two days later, he repeated his suggestion in another way. "It is true
that whatever we give to the central government must be voluntary," he
said. "It is also true we need to be careful about what we give. At the
same time, we need to remember that if the central government has little
or no power, it can't govern."

The first draft of the federal constitution which came out in print two
months ago was praised by experts as a stroke of genius in some ways.
"(For example,) while the prime minister, who heads the federal
government, is to be elected by the lower house (whose representatives are
elected on population basis)," Dr Williams was quoted as saying, "the
president, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, will be
elected by the upper house (that represents states). That makes a nice
balance."

However, he warned that some articles in the draft need critical review.
"For instance", he reportedly said," Article 53 says member states are
allowed to establish state security force. But it may appear to be offset
by Article 100 (15) which says production, selling, importing and
exporting of weapons, ammunition and explosives can be done only by the
central government."

The seminar, from July 16 to 20, was organized by the Constitutional
Affairs Committee (CAC) of the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC). The
first draft of the federal constitution was adopted by representatives
from dissident groups on April 8, 2006.

____________________________________
BUSINESS / TRADE

July 24, Irrawaddy
China-Burma trade gap grows - Violet Cho

A drop in Chinese imports from Burma has contributed to an already
expanding trade gap between the two countries this year, according to
exile Burmese economic analysts.

China’s General Administration of Customs o­n Monday released financial
figures for imports/exports to Burma from January to May 2007.

Chinese exports to Burma during this period climbed to US $657 million, up
from $454 million during the same period in 2006, while imports fell to
$82 million, down from $105 million last year.

A Burmese economic analyst living abroad said that Burma has imported
heavy machinery, equipment and construction materials for major
infrastructure projects such as dams, bridges, roads and some state-owned
factories in the past few years.

He added that much of the materials used to construct Burma’s new capital
in Naypyidaw were likely imported from China.

The analyst said the drop in Burmese exports to China was likely the
result of restrictions o­n timber exports put in place following a Global
Witness report last year on illegal logging in Burma.

Efforts have also been made by Burmese authorities to normalize cross
border trade through Muse since the fall of former Prime Minister Gen Khin
Nyunt, the analyst said.

Burma remains an important trading partner for China, particularly as a
conduit for the movement of goods to the Indian Ocean.

Some regional strategic analysts believe that Burma also plays a vital
role in China’s long-term efforts to maintain a presence in the Indian
Ocean region to serve the commercial and security needs of the landlocked
western provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan.

____________________________________

July 24, Xinhua News Service
Myanmar introduces new measure to prevent tax evasion

Myanmar has introduced a new measure to prevent private companies' tax
evasion by denying the biennial renewal of their business licenses on
failure to fully settle their outstanding tax payment annually, the local
journal Newsweek reported Tuesday.

The measure was so taken as the government gained only 56 million U.S.
dollars from tax revenue in the fiscal year 2006-07 which ended in March
against the projected 300 million dollars, the report said, blaming that
60 percent of the country's business companies evaded paying tax.

The authorities have stressed the need for collecting tax to be spent on
building infrastructures such as road and bridge and other development
tasks, urging the companies to fulfill the need of the state.

Statistics show that there are more than 20,000 private companies in
Myanmar registering with the Ministry of National Planning and Economic
Development and are categorized as local- national-owned,
foreigners-owned, Myanmar-foreign joint venture, foreign branch companies
and import-export companies.

The authorities also blamed some of the companies for delaying their tax
payment for years or total tax evasion.

There are five categories of tax collected by the government, namely
commercial and service tax, income tax, profit tax, tax for sale of state
lottery and stamps.

The figures indicate that the country gained a total of 447.964 billion
Kyats (about 373 million dollars) in revenue in 2005-06, a significant
increase over the previous years but much lower than targeted, other local
media said.

The ministry attributed the lower figures to tax evasion, blaming some
companies and individuals for presenting false data about their income for
taxation assessment as well as the government's ineffective measures in
collecting tax from companies, service providers, restaurants,
supermarkets or individuals for the past decade.

However, the finance authorities held that the recent amendments to income
and commercial tax laws would not affect the tax rate levied by the
government but would ensure that tax collection policy will be more
effective and widespread.

____________________________________
ASEAN

July 24, Agence France Presse
Asean charter will put pressure on Myanmar to improve rights record

Asean will unveil a charter next week that will, for the first time, set
specific standards on the 10-nation bloc, putting pressure on members such
as Myanmar to improve their rights record or face stern measures, the
group's secretary-general said yesterday.

Military-ruled Myanmar, which joined the Southeast Asian grouping exactly
10 years ago, has long been a problem for Asean because of its detention
of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and poor human rights record. While
Asean has maintained a hands-off approach with Myanmar, some members are
now more openly critical of this policy of non-interference.

"The charter will help Asean's relationship with Myanmar,"
secretary-general Ong Keng Yong told reporters in Singapore, adding that
it would "stress responsibility and obligation of the membership,"
compared to current discussions on compliance which are "more persuasive,
more informal".

Ong said the first draft of the landmark charter for the Association of
South East Asian Nations, whose 10 members also include Indonesia,
Singapore and Malaysia, would be ready when Asean foreign ministers meet
in the Philippines next week.

An Asean charter is seen as a milestone for the bloc because it would
create a rules-based community for a group that has been derided as a
talk-shop.

Until now it has operated without a constitution, choosing to rely on
informal diplomacy and decision-making by consensus. But many leaders
believe a charter is necessary to help the group speed up economic
integration. Ong said the charter's compliance measures would have the
same effect as sanctions and would stress the obligation to meet certain
standards.

But he said the charter would not spell out how to punish those members in
breach of the rules, even though some members have suggested expulsion
from the group in the most extreme case.

But some critics say that the charter is being watered down to appease
Myanmar's generals.

"There was a great deal of hope that the Asean charter would lead to a
renaissance of Southeast Asia, but fears about how Burma would react has
lowered the bar," said Debbie Stothard, spokesperson for the Alternative
Asean Network on Burma, a group that was set up in 1996 to campaign
against Myanmar's membership.

____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

July 24, Agence France Presse
US House votes to renew import restrictions on Myanmar - P. Parameswaran

The US House of Representatives voted Monday to renew a ban on all imports
from military-ruled Myanmar as part of sanctions for repressing democratic
opposition and for human rights abuses.

"Today's vote to renew US import restrictions on the military regime in
Burma (Myanmar) sends a clear message that those fighting for democracy
and human rights in Burma do not stand alone in their struggle," House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution
on the ban.

An identical resolution was adopted 21-0 by the US Senate finance
committee and sent to the full chamber for voting, expected within the
next few days, Congressional aides said.

The House resolution came about two months after President George W. Bush
renewed sanctions on Myanmar for another year. They prohibit new
investments and exports of financial services and deny visas to top junta
officials.

"As we renew our import sanctions, we aim both to pressure directly the
military junta in Burma and to influence those in the international
community who are currently asleep at the wheel of justice and human
rights," said Tom Lantos, the Democratic head of the powerful House panel
on foreign relations.

"Oppressive power can only be de-legitimized when it is fully isolated,"
he said, regretting that "too many other nations -- India and China in
particular -- continue to prop up the government through shockingly direct
deals, including arms trading, with this cruel junta."

Democratic Senator Max Baucus, who chaired the Senate finance committee
meeting on the import ban, said the sanctions could be "truly effective"
if there was a "more coordinated effort with other countries.

"We must especially work with Burma's immediate neighbors. I hope that we
can see more progress on that front in the year ahead," he said.

Lawmakers called for the release of Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu
Kyi -- a Nobel Peace prize laureate whose National League for Democracy
(NLD) political party won 1990 elections but was never allowed to take
office.

She has spent most of the past 17 years under house arrest.

"The passage of this resolution shows that the American people will
continue to stand with Aung San Suu Kyi and the freedom-seeking people of
Burma in their just cause," Pelosi said.

The United States Campaign for Burma, a Washington-based activist group,
welcomed the Congressional moves, saying they denounced the junta's
attempt to legalize military rule through a "sham" national consultative
process.

The country's military rulers are currently staging a final round of a
national convention to frame a constitution, which democracy advocates say
will ensure the junta remains in control of the government.

Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD has boycotted the convention since 1995 in protest
at the detention of its leader.

"The message from the House to the junta today is that 'we don't recognize
your attempt to legalize the military rule forever through the sham
national convention process,'" said Aung Din, co-founder of the United
States Campaign for Burma. Aung Din is a torture survivor and former
political prisoner of the military.

____________________________________

July 24, Mizzima News
Gambari kicks off European tour

U.N. Special Representative for Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, landed in Moscow
yesterday to commence his European leg of high-ranking talks concerning
the ongoing political stalemate inside Burma and concerns over the human
rights situation.

Current Russian relations with Burma are viewed by many as an obstacle to
establishing democratic governance and respect for human rights inside the
country.

Russia and China, with negative votes, prevented the passage of a Security
Council draft resolution on Burma in January – their votes carrying veto
power.

The resolution would have called on the Government of Burma to release all
political prisoners, cease military attacks against civilians in ethnic
minority regions, and begin a political dialogue that would lead to a
genuine democracy.

Additionally, there is continued concern as to the role that Russia may be
playing in furthering the rumored nuclear ambitions of the junta.

Gambari's ongoing talks with world leaders regarding the Burmese quagmire
is a continuation of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's approach to the
crisis, which aims to engage "all relevant parties to the national
reconciliation process, with a view to making tangible progress towards
the restoration of democracy and the protection of human rights,"
according to U.N. spokesperson Marie Okabe.

All dialogue is scheduled to be sanctioned under the Secretary General's
good office mandate for Burma.

U.N. spokesperson Marie Okabe said that following Moscow, Gambari's
weeklong tour is to include stops in Paris, Brussels, London and Geneva.

Earlier in the month Gambari held talks with leaders in Beijing, Tokyo and
New Delhi.

____________________________________
OPINION / OTHER

July 24, Mizzima News
Countering India's ties with Burma - Zo Tum Hmung

As India reinforces its engagement with the Burmese military regime and
gears up to transfer military technology to Naypidaw, those concerned with
Burma's future will do well to pay close attention to what goes on in New
Delhi. Even though India is not a current member of the UN Security
Council, its economic and military strength, and its proximity to Burma
mean it will continue to have a significant impact on Burma. India needs
to be convinced that it can be a force for democratic change in Burma.

Allegations of India's proposal to transfer Advanced Light Helicopter
(ALH) highlight its close ties with the junta. According to an Amnesty
International report, which India denied, this helicopter contains
components made by companies from the United States and six European Union
member states. India's need for security in its Northeastern States and to
combat insurgent groups will continue to drive India and Burma closer
together. Since there are also economic ties, and India is jockeying with
China for influence in Burma, military cooperation is the most pressing
area of engagement.

If the transfer of the helicopter goes ahead, it will benefit those who
hold power in both countries – the Burmese regime will use it against its
internal opposition groups such as the Chin National Front based along the
Indo-Burma border, and it will be help in attacking Indian rebels in
mountainous areas of Burma. India's rebels, including the United
Liberation Front of Assam, for example, have crossed into Burma's soil
such as Chin State, Sagaing Division, and Kachin State. New Delhi has
continued providing arms, ammunition, and other supplies to help fight
rebels who cross from its border states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Assam,
and Mizoram, but the alleged helicopter transfer brings the policy to a
new level and potentially subverts the US and EU arms embargoes against
Burma.

Even if this transfer does not move forward, military cooperation between
the two countries will continue to grow, expanding to a long relationship.
In 1966, at Burma's request India arrested Chin National Organization
leader Hrang Nawl, whose activities had been based in Northeast India, and
deported him to Burma, where he was imprisoned in Mandalay Prison for 10
years. In 1995, India sought and received Burma's assistance in the
"Golden Bird Operations" against Indian rebels who crossed into Chin
State. Not only did Burma allow Indian troops to operate on its territory,
but its troops pursued India's rebels in the villages of Zephai, Ngalang,
Khuabung, Thantlang township of Chin State (and during the Operation, one
leader of the Chin National Front was also killed by Indian troops).

Military ties between India and the junta have not always been this close,
however. When it perceived the potential for democratic change in Burma,
India expressed its desire to see it happen. In 1988, for instance, India
offered refuge to many student leaders who fled the August 8 crackdown in
Champhai and Saiha camps in Mizoram state.

As it became clear that the regime would not accept the election results,
India began to cooperate in the area of cross-border trade. Beginning with
Mizoram state, local governments on both sides began to engage in the
mid-1990s under the "Look East Policy" of former Prime Minister Narasimha
Rao. India's new foreign policy has led New Delhi and Nay Pyi Taw to
increased cooperation in trade and counterinsurgency efforts.

Over the ensuing years, this cooperation has grown. Meetings between
military leaders led to trade in arms and ammunitions, and eventually to
the alleged transfer of the ALH. At the same time, cross-border trade has
grown to the point that India is now Burma's second largest export partner
and fourth largest source of imports. The money this trade generates is
one of the main sources of funding for Burma's military and helps the
regime withstand the sanctions imposed by the United States and the
European Union.

Today, it is estimated that there are more than 80,000 Chin refugees from
Burma living in India, about 1,500 in New Delhi and the rest in Mizoram
State. India has granted those in New Delhi residence permits, but does
not allow them to work legally. As I saw on my trip to India this summer,
the conditions of these refugees are truly desperate.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in New Delhi,
there are 11,503 refugees of all nationalities recognized by UNHCR as of
March 31, 2007. Refugees from Afghanistan are the main focus of the U.S.
resettlement efforts in India. This summer the United States began to
process a few Chin for resettlement, but this should be expanded. Those in
Mizoram are in a dire situation; India does not allow the UNHCR officials
or other humanitarian organizations access to this area. These unprotected
refugees are often arrested and deported.

Mizzima News editor-in chief and founder Soe Myint recently wrote, many
Indian politicians feel "that Burma's movement for democracy and human
rights is West-centric." This perception needs to be changed. It will be
necessary to focus more efforts on New Delhi.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon recently sent United Nations Special
Advisor on Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, to China, Japan, and India to discuss
Burma. Including India in this trip is a good start, as it recognizes
India's importance in a political solution to Burma's future.

There are some members of the Indian Parliament already anxious for a
change in India's Burma policy, but Burma's democracy activists should do
more to encourage them and their colleagues to take further steps. India
needs to be convinced that it can and should be part of the solution in
Burma.

Zo Tum Hmung is a former president of Chin Freedom Coalition. He recently
visited India.