BurmaNet News, May 30 - June 1, 2009

[Editor]

May 30 – June 1, 2009, Issue #3723


INSIDE BURMA
DVB: Suu Kyi trial adjourned further
AP: Suu Kyi trial sparks helpless outrage in Myanmar
AFP: Aung San Suu Kyi 'covered up' truth: Myanmar junta
Irrawaddy: 20 die as ancient pagoda mysteriously collapses
Narinjara: People anxious about ailing Suu Kyi

ASEAN
AFP: Myanmar overshadows ASEAN as it tries to focus on trade

REGIONAL
Mizzima News: Thai senators call for Suu Kyi’s release

INTERNATIONAL
DVB: Former Burmese intelligence official ‘would testify’ at ICC
UPI: Burmese govt. in exile plans new strategy
Mizzima News: Celebrity takes France's Total to task over Burma interests

OPINION / OTHER
Guardian (UK): The EU must start squeezing Burma – Simon Tisdall
Irrawaddy: Insein prison trial is a one-way street – Aung Zaw

STATEMENT
Seven Alliances: Call for global unity for the freedom of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and national reconciliation in Burma




____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

June 1, Democratic Voice of Burma
Suu Kyi trial adjourned further – Htet Aung Kyaw

The next hearing in the trial of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has been delayed
by the court until 5 June, with no reason given, said the opposition
leader's lawyer.

In a letter sent to lawyer Kyi Win yesterday evening, the court at
Rangoon's Insein prison, where Suu Kyi is on trial for alleged breaching
of conditions of her house arrest, announced the trial would be further
adjourned until 5 June.

The next hearing had originally been set for 1 June.

Another member of Suu Kyi's legal team, Nyan Win, said that no reason had
been given for the delay.

Nyan Win had previously suggested that the court was attempting to rush
through the trial, following last week's abrupt dropping of the final nine
prosecution witnesses, and the disqualification of all but one of Suu
Kyi's witnesses.

Yesterday the National League of Democracy spoke of their conern for Suu
Kyi's health.

She is being held at a special 'guesthouse' at Insein prison, and is said
to be suffering from leg cramps that are preventing her from sleeping.

____________________________________

June 1, Associated Press
Suu Kyi trial sparks helpless outrage in Myanmar

The spray-painted demands appear overnight: "Free Aung San Suu Kyi" read
the scrawls on walls across this city — only to be whitewashed by security
forces as soon as they are discovered.

Since the trial of Myanmar's pro-democracy leader began two weeks ago,
these small signs of defiance hint at the undercurrent of anger over the
treatment of a woman considered to be a living icon by many of her
compatriots.

But out in public, under the watchful gaze of the military regime,
supporters feel helpless to do more as the trial winds to an end, with
closing arguments scheduled for Friday.

There is little sign that private anguish will explode into the mass
protests — all violently suppressed — that have marked the history of
Myanmar, also known as Burma, since the military began its rule in 1962.

"I'm so upset about what has happened in my country," said Zin, a
28-year-old housewife who, like most Burmese, won't give her full name for
fear of retaliation. "People are angry and people are sad, but we can't do
anything for her. We have no power."

Suu Kyi, 63, a Nobel Peace laureate, is being tried on charges of
violating her house arrest after an American, John W. Yettaw, swam
uninvited to her lakeshore home and stayed for two days.

She has already been held in detention for 13 of the past 19 years,
including the past six. Closing arguments have been delayed until Friday,
but expectations are high that she will be found guilty since Myanmar's
courts operate under the command of the ruling military.

Lawyers for Suu Kyi met Monday to prepare for the trial's closing
arguments, said Nyan Win, one of her defense team and a spokesman for her
National League for Democracy party.

"We are very confident that we will win the case if everything goes
according to law," Nyan Win said. The defense has not contested the basic
facts of the case, but argues instead that the relevant law has been
misapplied by the authorities.

The trial has drawn condemnation from the international community and Suu
Kyi's local supporters, who worry that the military junta has found an
excuse to keep her detained through elections planned for next year.

But with memories of the government's bloody crackdown against the
Buddhist monk-led uprising in 2007 still vivid, few people are willing to
challenge a regime with no qualms about using violence against its own
citizens. At least 31 people were killed that September, including a
Japanese journalist, the U.N. says.

Aung, a 55-year-old businessman who witnessed the military's response to
the protests two years ago, said the Burmese learned a bitter lesson from
that experience. Thousands were detained in the aftermath of
demonstrations that drew 100,000 people into Yangon's streets. Hundreds of
activists were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

"The person who becomes involved in protests, their whole family is
persecuted. If you want to be brave, OK, but do you think all your family
must be brave too?" he said. "Nobody wants to risk that now."

Longtime observers say it is unlikely that major public demonstrations
will follow Suu Kyi's sentencing.

"If Suu Kyi is found guilty and jailed, there will be much popular anger,
but it won't make a real difference because (the government) is
well-equipped and experienced in dealing with the people's protests," said
Donald Seekins, a Myanmar expert at Japan's Meio University.

Seekins said the regime has already posted soldiers throughout Yangon, the
largest city, "and can suppress demonstrations with little difficulty."

For a nation still recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Nargis last
year, which left at least 138,000 dead, the ongoing economic hardship
makes coping day-to-day — not politics — the priority for many Burmese,
said Aung.

"People are so disturbed, so angry" about Suu Kyi, he said, clenching his
fist for emphasis. "But Nargis was a big hit. Everybody's suffering and
when people suffer, they don't have time to think about anything."

In the streets of Yangon this past week, there was little evidence of
heightened tension, with businesses operating normally.

However, increased security could be seen around Suu Kyi's gently decaying
lakeshore home as well as near her party's headquarters as a key
anniversary was marked — 19 years since Suu Kyi's party won a landslide
victory at the ballot box but were prevented from taking office.

A few political stalwarts have still managed to keep the faith. At a small
celebration Wednesday attended by foreign diplomats, senior party members
wore T-shirts calling for Suu Kyi's freedom and then released a total of
64 doves and balloons into the air at the dilapidated party offices. She
will turn 64 on June 19.

Meanwhile, several dozen faithful, including 80-year-old former political
prisoner Win Tin, have been holding daily vigils in the rain outside the
gates of Insein prison, where Suu Kyi is being held, despite the presence
of plainclothes security videotaping their movements and recording their
identities.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by regular Burmese, Win Tin said last
week that "everyone is angry, but people are concerned with earning their
daily bread. They are afraid, and there is no leadership."

Even if people wanted to talk about the incarceration of "The Lady," as
Suu Kyi is known, the dangers of criticizing the ruling regime too openly
are known to everyone, said Thein, a 48-year-old English teacher.

Instead, he said, political discussions are reduced to furtive whisperings
in neighborhood teashops and small gatherings in private homes.

"People have been frustrated a long time," Thein said. "We don't trust
anything. We don't trust each other. Always we think, 'Is he a spy?' The
rule is: 'Don't talk politics.'"

____________________________________

May 31, Agence France Presse
Aung San Suu Kyi 'covered up' truth: Myanmar junta

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi "covered up" the truth by failing to
report an American man in her home, a senior Myanmar official said,
warning foreigners not to interfere in the case.

"It is no doubt that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has committed a cover-up of the
truth by her failure to report an illegal immigrant to the authorities
concerned," Major General Aye Myint, Myanmar's deputy defence minister,
told a security forum in Singapore.

"Thus there was no option but to open legal proceedings in accordance with
the law," he said.

"She permitted him to stay.... She communicated, provided him food and
shelter," Aye Myint said.

"Countries should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of
Myanmar that will affect peace and security of the region," sid Aye Myint.

"Solving one's internal affairs through its legal system with legal
proceedings in accordance with law does not amount to the threat of peace
or breach of security of the region," he said in an apparent reaction to
criticism of the charges against Aung San Suu Kyi from other forum
participants.

____________________________________

June 1, Irrawaddy
20 die as ancient pagoda mysteriously collapses – Min Lwin

Danok Pagoda, an ancient temple thought to contain two Buddha relics,
collapsed on Saturday killing at least 20 people and injuring about 150,
according to local residents.

It is believed that the casualties were all construction workers and naval
personnel who were working to restore the pagoda when it suddenly
collapsed.

The incident is immediately shrouded in mystery and superstition with
locals and surviving workers telling tales of strange weather, bright red
lights and supernatural voices.

“The temple collapsed about 3:10 p.m. while I was loading bricks on a
platform around the pagoda,” said a 24-year-old construction worker who
sustained only minor injuries.

“The weather suddenly turned very dark,” he told The Irrawaddy. “Then we
saw a bright red light rising from the northern end of the pagoda. Then,
suddenly, the temple collapsed,” he said. “I also heard a strange haunting
voice coming from the direction of the light.”

The 2,300-year-old Buddhist temple is located in Danok Model Village in
Dalla Township in Rangoon Division, and is revered for being a site where
two Buddha relics are housed.

Restoration work on the 170-foot (52-meter) pagoda had been taking place
at the time of the collapse. As well as a construction team, naval
personnel from No. 36 Naval Flotilla were working on the project.

The disaster was particularly ill-fated: on May 7, junta chief Snr-Gen
Than Shwe’s wife, Kyaing Kyaing, along with family members and senior
military officials’ families, had attended a ceremony at the pagoda and
had symbolically placed the hti, a sacred golden umbrella, on top of the
pagoda.

Several elderly locals from Danok Model Village said that they believed
that the pagoda never welcomed cruel or unkind donors, and always shook
when such persons made offerings.

It is said that Kyaing Kyaing places hti on pagodas as an act to avoid bad
luck, said a reporter in Rangoon.

Rangoon-based weekly journals were instructed by Burma 's notoriously
draconian censorship board not to report the event.

According to some witnesses, they had seen the shadow of the pagoda in the
sky on Friday night between 10 pm and 2 am and noticed that no umbrella
was visible.

Astrologers in the former capital have said that the incident is a sign
that further ill-fated events will happen soon.

According to oral history, Danok Pagoda was built some 2,300 years ago.

According to sources in Rangoon, local residents are angry about the
government’s slow rescue effort, which continued until Sunday night. The
rescue team was reportedly unable to clear the debris under which five
people or more are thought to have disappeared.

Additional reporting by Aung Thet Wine in Rangoon.

____________________________________

June 1, Narinjara
People anxious about ailing Suu Kyi – Takaloo

News of the deteriorating health of Burma's detained democracy leader Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi is causing concern among people around the country, said
residents in Arakan.

"Almost everyone in our locality is worried about her after hearing that
she is ill in prison. Since she is our sole hope for democratic reforms in
our country, we pray for her good health and well-being," said a woman
shopkeeper in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan in western Burma.

Anxious over the trial of Suu Kyi, most people are listening to
foreign-based radio news from the BBC, RFA, and VOA, to keep abreast of
the latest situation regarding her. Local media and newspapers, which are
heavily censored by the military regime, rarely publish news about
political dissent in Burma.

"I don't hear people talking about the price of merchandise here for days
since the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Insein prison. They talk of
the latest news about her after hearing the BBC, RFA, or VOA radio
programmes. People are concerned and wish her good health," said another
woman, a cross-border trader from Maungdaw on the border with Bangladesh.

Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained in the notorious Insein
prison and is on trial on new charges of flouting her house arrest rules
after an American male intruded into her lakeside residence earlier this
month. She could face a minimum of five years in prison if convicted.

Critics say the regime has put Suu Kyi on trial in the face of severe
international pressure in order to keep her in prison during its 2010
general elections, which are widely believed to be an effort to legitimize
and entrench military rule in Burma.

Her party stated last Friday that it was seriously concerned about her
health as she could not sleep due to cramps in the legs at night and
demanded urgent medical care for her.

"Anxiety for her is clearly growing among the people after hearing the
news of her deteriorating health because everyone regards her as a
democracy leader and believe that Burma cannot become a democracy without
her," said U Pinnyadipa, a Buddhist monk from Mrauk-U, an ancient city of
Arakan.

According to Narinjara reporters inside Arakan, the military authorities
have stepped up security measures in the main towns of Arakan Sate. It has
especially restricted the travel of monks and is keeping a close watch on
some big monasteries in case Suu Kyi's trial triggers social unrest and
protests in the area.

____________________________________
ASEAN

June 1, Agence France Presse
Myanmar overshadows ASEAN as it tries to focus on trade – Martin Abbugao

Military-ruled Myanmar and its treatment of democracy leader Aung San Suu
Kyi are casting a cloud over the ASEAN bloc as it tries to focus on
strengthening international trade links.

Analysts said trade, investment and the threat of a nuclear-armed North
Korea were the dominant themes at a summit of Southeast Asian leaders with
their South Korean host in the island of Jeju.

But the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cannot brush aside
new questions about its credibility after its most troublesome member
Myanmar brought fresh charges against Aung San Suu Kyi, they said.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the current ASEAN chair, was trying
to convene a meeting of its leaders later Monday on the sidelines of the
ASEAN-Korea Summit, diplomatic sources said.

Abhisit said in Bangkok Sunday that Aung San Suu Kyi's trial, which has
drawn strong international condemnation, would be discussed.

Aung San Suu Kyi was brought to court for allegedly violating the terms of
her house arrest after an uninvited American swam to her lakeside home.
She has been under various forms of detention for 13 of the past 19 years.

Her lawyers worked Monday to prepare closing statements, a day after the
ruling junta accused her of covering up the American's visit.

"ASEAN was bogged down (by Myanmar) last week in its meeting with Europe,"
said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia specialist at the Johns Hopkins
University in the United States.

She was referring to last week's gathering in Hanoi of Asian and European
foreign ministers.

"The failure of ASEAN to take a strong stand on Myanmar has seriously
undermined the credibility of the organisation. ASEAN as an organisation
cannot evolve without Myanmar taking steps to show it genuinely respects
the norms of the international community," she told AFP.

Analysts and diplomats said the problem has become especially acute since
ASEAN members including Myanmar signed a charter, or mini-constitution,
which came into force last year.

Under this they commit themselves "to strengthen democracy, enhance good
governance and the rule of law, and to promote and protect human rights
and fundamental freedoms."

Myanmar however is "behaving as if it has not signed the charter at all,"
a Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP.

"Even with Myanmar on its back, ASEAN is doing quite well expanding its
trade ties. Imagine what it can do without having to deal with the baggage
of Myanmar," he said on condition of anonymity.

"ASEAN members are fed up with Myanmar, and although they are not saying
so publicly, many would like Myanmar to leave," said Welsh.

"Its intractable failure to respect basic human rights stains ASEAN and
every ASEAN country indirectly."

She said however that expelling Myanmar from the 10-nation grouping was
not the solution.

"More pressure on Myanmar to act responsibly is essential. ASEAN needs to
work with all the Asian countries to send a consistent message that their
treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi is not acceptable," Welsh added.

Negotiations for a region-to-region free trade pact between ASEAN and the
European Union have failed to make significant progress due largely to
European concerns over human rights abuses and lack of democracy in
Myanmar.

Some European countries are now proposing that the EU negotiate trade
pacts with individual ASEAN states rather than with the bloc as a whole.

Analysts said Myanmar will also be a sticking point should ASEAN and the
United States seek a free trade pact.

Myanmar has rejected the international condemnation, saying it will resist
interference in its domestic affairs.

Panitan Wattayanagorn, spokesman for Thai Prime Minister Abhisit
Vejjajiva, told AFP discussions about Aung San Suu Kyi at international
forums involving ASEAN could not be sidestepped.

"You cannot avoid this issue," he said, adding however that Myanmar needs
more time to put reforms in place.

____________________________________
REGIONAL

June 1, Mizzima News
Thai senators call for Suu Kyi’s release – Usa Pichai

Thirty senators of Thailand on Thursday submitted a petition to the
Burmese military junta urging that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi be released and
the creation of a favourable ambience for political stability in the
country.

Rosana Tositrakul, a Thai senator said she along with 29 other senators
signed a petition urging justice for the Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung
San Suu Kyi. It was submitted to the Burmese Prime Minister through the
Burmese Embassy in Bangkok.

“We want to express our concern from our standpoint of the good relations
between Thailand and Burma,” Rosana said.

“We would like to urge you [Burmese PM] to consider releasing Aung San Suu
Kyi soon to create human rights, which is reliable and usher in a
democratic atmosphere in Burmese society. The decision would help create
real political legitimacy and stability for your government,” Rosana said
quoting from the letter.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Parliament has urged the Thai cabinet to take a
clear stand and act on the trial of the Burmese Nobel Peace Laureate Aung
San Suu Kyi.

Torpong Chaiyasarn, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of
Thailand’s Parliament in a press conference on Wednesday said the
committee has discussed the Burmese junta’s trial of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The committee felt that the trial lacks transparency and also threatens
human rights in Burma saying, “The Thai government should come up with a
clear response on the issue but they should take into consideration
bilateral relationship between the countries.”

On Wednesday, the Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said ministers of
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will bring up the issue
of the trial against the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in
their discussion during the group’s meeting in South Korea next week.

The Burmese regime may continue detaining Aung San Suu Kyi, Abhisit, the
current chairman of the 10-member ASEAN, said. The association's leaders
will have an opportunity to discuss the issue during the ASEAN-South Korea
Commemorative Summit to be held on Jeju Island on June 1 and 2.

The Burmese junta has accused its neighbour Thailand of meddling in its
internal affairs following the May 18 statement, which said ASEAN members
are concerned over the situation in Burma.

On Tuesday, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) called on
ASEAN to suspend Burma’s membership if its military regime continued to
detain Aung San Suu Kyi. It also asked the grouping to consider imposing
sanctions against the Burmese junta.

But Abhisit said it would be “inappropriate” and the best way is to
restore relations as was indicated in the statement issued earlier.

Aung San Suu Kyi, whose six-year house arrest term in Rangoon ended on
Wednesday, is facing a trial on charges of flouting her detention law
after an American, John William Yettaw (53) swam to her lakeside home
earlier this month. If convicted, she could face up to five years in
prison.

____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

June 1, Democratic Voice of Burma
Former Burmese intelligence official ‘would testify’ at ICC – Htt Aung Kyaw

A former Burmese senior intelligence official and ambassador to Washington
has said he would testify against Burma’s ruling generals if they are
eventually brought in front of the International Criminal Court.

On Saturday Burma marked the six-year anniversary of the Depayin massacre,
in which 70 supporters of opposition National League for Democracy party
were killed by a government-backed militia.

The massacre happened whilst Aung San Suu Kyi had been campaigning for
supporters, and following the incident she was placed under house arrest.

Speaking to DVB on the anniversary, Aung Lin Htut, who served as the
junta’s deputy ambassador in Washington before he sought asylum in the US
in 2005, supported the idea of bringing the junta to the ICC.

“I myself would testify if [junta leader Than Shwe] is taken to the
international court,” he said.

“Even if I am imprisoned, I could appear as witness.”

The comments were backed by the general secretary of the exiled Burma
Lawyers’ Council, Aung Htoo, who is campaigning to take those responsible
for the Depayin massacre to the ICC.

“The most obvious point about Depayin is that no one was arrested and no
action was taken against a serious crime known to the country and the
world,” he said.

“[The authorities] not only failed to take responsibility for the
security, it was also arranged that people who take the security
responsibility commit the crime.”

Burma’s military government, and Than Shwe in particular, are said to be
shaken by the idea of being taken to the ICC.

A number of people have suggested recently that the spiraling human rights
situation in Burma, particularly regarding the use of child soldiers and
increasing numbers of political prisoners, warranted attention from the
ICC.

Last week, Thai MP Kraisak Choonhavan, who also heads the ASEAN
Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus, said the junta should be brought to
court.

“If they [ICC] are in their right mind and they go through the facts,
there is no denying that [junta leader] Than Shwe and his cronies should
be persecuted at the ICC,” he said.

Similarly, a group of over 60 British MPs last month called for a United
Nations commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma.

And in April, former senior legal adviser to the ICC, Morten Bergsmo, said
that the Burmese army’s use of child soldiers could constitute a war
crime.

____________________________________

May 31, United Press International
Burmese govt. in exile plans new strategy

Myanmar's government in exile says tensions are rising in that country
over the military junta's trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma says the trial of
Suu Kyi's has led to a change in its strategy for democracy in Myanmar,
with details to be announced in June, the Voice of America reported.

The new strategy will urge those supporting democracy in Myanmar to join
the effort, as Suu Kyi's trial has undermined the credibility of the
military junta's plans to hold elections next year, group spokesman Thaung
Htun was quoted as saying.

"Aung San Suu Kyi is the key partner for dialogue, the key person for
reconciliation," he said.

Countries in the region should work with the U.N. Secretary-General to
demand an authentic, inclusive democratic transition in Burma, the former
name of Myanmar, he said.

Thaung Htun said public tensions are rising in Myanmar's capital as the
trial reaches a conclusion, even as the junta beefs up security. A verdict
may come as early as Friday, the VOA said, adding Suu Kyi, a 1991 Nobel
Peace laureate, faces up to five years in jail if found guilty.

She has spent 13 of the past 19 years under house arrest. Her supporters
say the trial is an excuse to extend her detention and prevent her from
taking part in next year's elections.

The military government, defending the trial, claims no one is above law
and warns other countries to stay out of the country's internal affairs.

____________________________________

June 1, Mizzima News
Celebrity takes France's Total to task over Burma interests – Celeste Chenard

Highly committed to the plight of Aung San Suu Kyi’s for many years,
British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, a resident of France who met
Aung San Suu Kyi in 1999,  has asked Total CEO Christophe de Margerie to
accept United Nations control over the the French oil firm’s benefits
accrued from business with Burma's ruling junta.

In an open letter dated May 26th to Margerie, published in the French
daily Le Monde, Birkin underlines the responsiblity of the oil firm to the
ongoing hardship and fight of Aung San Suu Kyi and her political party.
She enjoins Margerie not to stand in the way of the creation of an escrow
account, a system that would place the company's vast earnings from Burma
under the serveillance of the international body.

"This is a cry of despair for Aung San Suu Kyi. If something bad happens
to her, I mean by those words her death, because her health condition is
getting worth each day, you need to know that I hold you responsible for
supporting the Burmese junta at the expense of one million dollars a day,
and this, over 15 years,” she wrote in her letter.

"After years of reaping monumental benefit from gas and petrol
exploitation and pipeline construction, isn’t it time to buy back your
conscience? Isn’t it time to act in favor of Aung San Suu Kyi? You, who
have a huge influence on the junta with your dollars?” asked Birkin.

"Today, I beg you to intercede with the influential people of this country
to stop her detention," she added.

Christophe de Margerie, in his response dated May 30th, justified the role
of Total in Burma, though refraining from addressing the proposed escrow
account. He argued that a withdrawal of Total, far from helping to solve
Burma's ills, would only serve to aggravate the situation of thousands of
Burmese dependent on Total for their living.

"Why advocate for the withdrawal of Total, that will just impoverish more
of the population? It seems to me urgent to reflect, all together, about
new solutions," he said in responding to Birkin's missive.

He further challenged that if Total leaves Burma, other companies "much
less watchful about human rights and the labor conditions of their
employees," would take the French company's position in Burma – leading
only to an increase in the amount of money pouring into the generals'
coffers.

"We try to use all of our influence every time we can, but this influence
in Burma is still very limited," he admitted, before ending his letter by
stating, "We sympathize with Aung San San Suu Kyi’s lot, but also with the
thousands of Burmese who rely more on Total than on the state."

According to Birkin, even if such a sanction as the proposed escrow
account were exposed to a Chinese or Russian veto in the United Nations
Security Council, the measure would still be far from useless as it would
prove that the benefits the junta accrues from Total's business in the
country without question impact the interests of Burma's generals.

Meanwhile, European governments are currently reflecting on possible new
sanctions against Burma that could deny the French energy giant the
ability to continue its Burmese operations.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner previously acknowledged on May
20th in Brussels that "the only serious economic lever” against Burma to
obtain the liberation of Aung San Suu Kyi "would obviously be Total."

He gave notice that "Total presents us with a problem that we are going to
try to solve."

Total, France's largest and most profitable company, has been a major
investor in Burma's Yadana gas field since 1992. Production from Yadana
represents 60 percent of Burma's gas exports to Thailand.

____________________________________
OPINION / OTHER

June 1, Guardian (UK)
The EU must start squeezing Burma – Simon Tisdall

Aung San Suu Kyi's trial should inspire concrete European action against
Burma's junta, not just a collective venting of wind

As the latest trial of Aung San Suu Kyi draws to its inevitable close,
Burma's most famous political prisoner does not lack high-profile vocal
support. Gordon Brown has joined showbiz and sporting celebrities in an
online campaign to mark her 64th birthday on 19 June. Barack Obama cannily
suggested that by dropping the "spurious" charges, Burma's military junta
could win political rewards. Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu are also on the
case.

But all this noise and fury signifies little more than a collective
venting of wind in the absence of concrete measures to squeeze the regime,
pro-democracy campaigners say. As in the past, the junta's defiance of
international opinion is unbending. Suu Kyi was being dealt with according
to the law, said Major-General Aye Myint, deputy defence minister, at the
weekend. And he warned that meddling in Burma's internal affairs could be
counter-productive.

A feeble attempt to lean on the generals at last week's meeting of EU and
Association of South-East Asian Nations foreign ministers in Phnom Penh
predictably went nowhere. Their call for Suu Kyi's release, the release of
all of Burma's more than 2,000 political prisoners and free elections next
year was contemptuously batted away. The trial "is not political. It's not
a human rights issue, so we don't accept pressure from abroad," the
regime's representative said.

Thus the most likely outcome is that Suu Kyi will be found guilty of
breaking the terms of her house arrest when the trial resumes later this
week and will receive a further period of detention. She may not get the
maximum five-year sentence, as a sop to Asian opinion; but the court will
ensure she can play no part in next year's polls, which British diplomats
believe was the object of the whole tawdry exercise. And with that, the
international furore will gradually subside.

It doesn't have to be that way, said Mark Farmaner, director of Burma
Campaign UK. There were many ways to bring decisive pressure to bear, not
only over political freedoms but over the persecution of Burma's minority
populations and accompanying, systematic abuses of human rights, he said.
"We cannot have another 'groundhog day' for Aung San Suu Kyi, where once
again she is detained, once again the international community expresses
outrage, and once again the generals get away with it."

In calling for a combination of new economic, legal and diplomatic
measures, campaigners are pushing in particular for more concerted action
by the EU. The US imposed a complete investment ban on Burma in 1997,
introduced financial and banking restrictions in 2003 and has begun to
actively monitor a ban of Burmese imports to ensure that gems and timber
do not slip through. Canada has put similar, swingeing sanctions in place.

In comparison, the EU has been tentative to the point of weak-kneed. This
is partly because effective, concerted foreign policy action on any issue
is problematic under current institutional arrangements; if Ireland
finally accepts the Lisbon treaty, that may change. But EU timidity is
also the result of divisions between countries such as Britain and Denmark
that have sought a tougher line and those, such as Germany, Austria and
Italy, that have tended to put their Asian business interests first.

Farmaner said the EU should revive the sanctions proposed after the 2007
Burmese uprising but never fully implemented. They include a US-style ban
on all investment, monitored curbs on lucrative imports, an expanded
programme of visa restrictions and asset freezes and a ban on issuing
insurance to companies doing business in Burma. He also urged the EU to
seek a UN-backed global arms embargo covering the junta's chief weapons
suppliers – China, India, Russia, Ukraine and Israel.

Diplomatic efforts to alter the junta's behaviour should be stepped up
simultaneously, Farmaner suggested, with a promise of aid and assistance
should the generals respond positively. But EU countries also had a duty
to explore legal action against the regime for its many documented
breaches of the Geneva conventions, for its use of ethnic cleansing,
torture and forced labour and for its defiance of the UN security council.
Prosecutions could be mounted through the International Court of Justice,
the International Criminal Court and national courts.

If Europe's leaders really wanted it, Suu Kyi's show trial could be a
beginning rather than another depressing dead end. "We've had a lot of
fine words but not much practical action," Farmaner said. "It's time that
changed."

____________________________________

June 1, Irrawaddy
Insein prison trial is a one-way street – Aung Zaw

Burma’s detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi believes she is
innocent and will continue to defend herself against the charge she faces
in the Insein Prison court, according to her lawyers.

One of her lawyers, Kyi Win, told The Irrawaddy that, according to the
evidence, “we have a very good case because she has not breached any
conditions and restrictions imposed upon her.”

Analysts believe, however, that the regime is likely to extend her
detention, pointing to the latest official statement on the case. Burmese
Deputy Defense Minister Maj-Gen Aye Myint told a security conference in
Singapore, “If offenders are not [prosecuted], anarchy will prevail, and
there will be breach of peace and security.”

Breach of peace and security? What can the man mean?

Kyi Win was firm in saying that the Nobel Peace Prize winner broke no law
or any of the restrictions imposed upon her during her current term of
house arrest, which expired last week.

First, the restrictions bar Suu Kyi or anybody else condemned to house
arrest from communicating with any foreign embassy or any political party
or connected persons. House arrest restrictions also bar any postal or
telephone communication with the outside world.

Suu Kyi strictly followed these regulations, addressing the regime leaders
in Naypyidaw through her lawyers. Their legal appeal against an extension
of her house arrest was rejected by the regime, indicating that the
military leaders had already made up their minds to keep her in detention.

According to Kyi Win, the American who gained access to Suu Kyi’s home,
John William Yettaw, had been guilty of breaching security, not she. “John
W Yettaw came into her compound without her knowledge or invitation and he
was the one who was breaching the security cordon placed around her
house,” he said.

Suu Kyi asked Yettaw to leave but he begged to stay, promising to leave
soon. Suu Kyi gave him the benefit of the doubt, the lawyer said.

Consequently, it’s Yettaw who should be on trial for breaches of security,
not Suu Kyi. Yet, to the surprise of her lawyers, Suu Kyi said last week
that she wanted to offend no one, including the regime, at her trial.

During the court proceedings, Suu Kyi is careful not to make accusations
or jump onto the bandwagon of those who suggest that the case was set up
by the regime to extend her detention.

“Suu Kyi herself does not suspect the government of that kind of set-up
and that’s her attitude,” Kyi Win told The Irrawaddy.

“I lost my words [after hearing Suu Kyi’s remarks],” Kyi Win said.

“I was astonished to hear that kind of attitude from her,” he added with
evident admiration.

During the three weeks she has now been held in Insein Prison, Suu Kyi has
been denied even the limited access to outside news that she had in her
home.

At home she at least had a radio and is believed to have kept herself well
up to date with news on Burma and the rest of the world. Visiting UN
officials were often surprised to learn how well informed she was.

In Insein Prison, however, she has no access to a radio and very limited
access to news from outside. She did meet some diplomats who were allowed
to attend two sessions of her trial last week, but journalists who were
also present were not allowed to talk to her.

Through her lawyers, though, Suu Kyi has learned about the international
outcry against her trial and the overwhelming support she commands.

Kyi Win said, “I conveyed sentiment and support from world leaders
including [British Prime Minister] Gordon Brown, [US President] Obama and
many other leaders. She expressed her sincere thanks to them.”

Moral support alone is not enough, however.

Another of her lawyers, Nyan Win, who is also spokesman of her National
League for Democracy, questioned the country’s judicial system and its
independence.

It is believed that the details of the court proceedings have been
submitted to the top leaders in Naypyidaw. Diplomats have said they
believe that the verdict has already been written, ready to be read out on
the final day of the trial.

There is no doubt that junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe holds the key to the
final decision. Political observers in Rangoon believe that the decision
to postpone the trial until Friday also came from Than Shwe. The judges
exercise no power in the Insein Prison court.

Although they know the verdict has already been decided, Suu Kyi’s lawyers
say they cannot afford to lose hope. “We will always have hope,” Kyi Win
said.

Kyi Win and Nyan Win did not want to comment on why the regime has
suddenly postponed the trial until Friday.

Has Than Shwe perhaps had second thoughts as international pressure
mounts? Analysts say that he still can still exercise one option—placing
Suu Kyi under house arrest with a suspended sentence—hoping with such a
gesture to reduce at least some of the pressure.

The regime is unpredictable, however, and defendants who appear before
special courts in Insein Prison rarely receive any mercy from the military
authorities.

There are plenty of examples, including 88 Generation Students leader Min
Ko Naing, Shan leader Hkun Htun Oo and prominent journalist and activist
Win Tin, all sentenced by these courts to  long jail sentences.

Whoever is unfortunate enough to be brought to trial before a special
court in Insein Prison stands in a one-way street, where there is no
U-turn. Suu Kyi is probably no exception, despite Kyi Win’s note of
optimism.

Suu Kyi undoubtedly knows where she stands. “She is aware that there is no
rule of law in the country,” according to Nyan Win.

____________________________________
STATEMENT


June 1, Seven Alliances
Call for global unity for the freedom of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and national
reconciliation in Burma

Introduction

We are outraged by the underhanded scheme of the Burmese military regime
which is using trumped up charges against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to extend
her detention. This unlawful action runs counter to the numerous calls by
the United Nations and the international community to release her and also
violates international and domestic laws as confirmed by the United
Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions.

We, the Seven Major Alliance Organizations of Burma democracy movement,
have come to a conclusion that it is time for us and international
community to strengthen and further synergize our efforts to bring about
change in Burma through and inclusive political proess towards a
democratic federal union.

At this critical juncture we are determined to do our best to coordinate
our advocacy efforts and to ensure that they are in harmony with the
movements and actions of the democratic forces inside Burma and we urge
the international community intensify their efforts and deliver collective
and vigorous measures to bring about genuine national reconciliation in
Burma.

Our Position

The current arbitrary detention and unlawful trial which Burmese military
regime designed in order to extend the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
on the basis of trumped up charges is totally unacceptable. Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi is not a threat to the security of Burma, but is an irreplaceable
factor in bringing cooperation, unity, and political progression to the
country. After decades of disastrous rule, with over 3300 villages
destroyed by the military regime, 2100 political prisoners and countless
victims of forced labors, systematic rape and a spiraling economy, it is
absolutely vital that change comes to Burma without any further delay.

This is a political ploy and a dire setback to the National Reconciliation
process called for by the UN, US, EU, ASEAN, and many others in the
international community, as well as fully desired by the people of Burma.
We have been working with many others inside Burma to push for genuine
political dialague in our country, and the people of Burma will keep
working for this. However, the military regime has repeatedly shown
through decades of systematic acts of inhumanity, the people of Burma are
inconsequential. We improve for strong united international support as we
work for peaceful democratic change.

The UN and the international community must take coordinated and firm
measures to stop this show case trial and secure the unconditional and
immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in
Burma. This is a firm and nonnegotiable benchmarks that must be attained
for peaceful and stable democratic progression in Burma.

Since the prosecution against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi violates domestic and
international laws and even the one year extension of her house arrest
last year was illegal, demands for change must be much stronger, nothing
is acceptable except her release.

We call for the immediate cessation of this illegal prosecution and the
release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi immediately and unconditionally, as well
as the release of all political prisoners.
Key Message

·	Cessation of Illegal detention and Trial against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

·	Immediately and unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all
political prisoners and allow them to play their rightful role in bringing
genuine national reconciliation and peace to the country.

·	Begin a genuine Political Dialogue and Constitutional Review of the 2008
constitution to at least start the task of genuine engagement and a return
to democracy for the people of Burma. Until this is met we hold the 2010
elections to be a disastrous false process that will only entrench the
military rule.

Objectives:

To mobilize coordinated and effective short term and long term diplomatic
initiatives by UN, EU, US, ASEAN, China and India to create a conducive
atmosphere for Political Dialogue in Burma. The military regime has been
able to deflect and avoid pressure from the international community, but
the time for change is now.

Calls to the UN and International Community

To secure the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
and all political prisoners, the Burma’s democracy movement calls on:

·	The UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon must take active initiative and
act to tailor and coordinate a collective strategic action plan. The
international community has clearly stated the importance and urgency of
the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and UN
Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon must accept nothing less than the
immediate realization of this key benchmark. This must also be followed up
with efforts to secure genuine political dialogue and a review of the 2008
constitution.

·	The EU should immediately send its Burma envoy, US should hasten efforts
to appoint their envoy and dispatch immediately. ASEAN should appoint and
send an envoy, and they should work in full coordination with each other,
as well as Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.

Unless Burma's military regime cooperates and meets the key benchmarks of
1) release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and 2)
inclusive political process towards national reconciliation, the democracy
movement calls on the UN and the international community to impose the
following measures against the military regime:

·	The UN Security Council should pass an arms embargo to hinder the
military regime from its brutal offensive against civilians.

·	The Security Council should begin a Commission of Inquiry to investigate
crimes against humanity.

·	To support a challenge of the regime's credentials at the United Nations

·	The US, UK and EU must impose stronger and targeted sanctions.

·	ASEAN must take firmer actions against the military regime that
continues to violate key principles of the ASEAN Charter: human rights,
good governance, and rule of law.

Seven Major Alliance Organizations*
Ethnic Nationalities Council
Forum for Democracy in Burma
National Council of the Union of Burma
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
Nationalities Youth Forum
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Women's League of Burma

* The most broad-based and multi-ethnic cooperation of political and civil
society organizations from inside and exile that for national
reconciliation peace and freedom of Burma.