PDC NEWS COMMENTARY

November 2011
Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC) National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

T H E A C T I V I T I E S O F NLD A N D D O M E S T I C O P P O S I T I O N F O R C E S T HE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Despite remaining tensions between National League for Democracy (NLD) and USDP government, the signs of continuing efforts to positively resolve these issues can be seen. At the meeting held on September 30, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was briefed about the meetings with USDP government representative U Aung Kyi to the party CEC, and then the CEC passed resolution to support these meetings and its results. On the same day, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said to BBC that despite the changes seen in Burma, these changes still need to be substantial and real. Responding to the question regarding demonstrations demanding the release of political prisoners, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied to RFA on October 6 that these protests would not affect the democratic movements if these protests were peaceful. USDP government amended the electoral law in three ways to facilitate the inclusion of NLD in forthcoming by-elections and future elections. U Win Tin welcomed this development but he reiterated that he could not accept the 2008 Constitution. Under the intense pressure given by domestic and international community, USDP government released 6,359 prisoners on October 12 for the second time, but only 200 were political prisoners and the people at home and abroad expressed their discontent. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the release of these prisoners but she said on October 12 and 20 that the government needed to release more political prisoners. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her attitude on sanctions imposed by western countries to a Wall Street Journal reporter on October 23 that since there has not yet been measurable progress, it is not yet appropriate to lift these sanction. Regarding the convening of the second Panglong conference, party vice-chairman U Tin Oo said on October 21 that NLD would continue to stand in accordance with the principles made in Kalay Myo declaration. Similarly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on October 27 that the convening of the second Panglong conference was a requirement of the Union and must be implemented. Visiting Norway deputy foreign minister Mr. Espen Barth Eide met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on October 8 and asked her about the party registration and contesting in upcoming by-elections. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied to her that this matter had not by decided by her party but the party spokesman Nyan Win told RFA on October 27 that NLD party was likely to re-register after the amendments were made to the political party registration law and also Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was likely to stand in upcoming by-elections. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Aung Kyi met again at governments Seinlae Kantha guest house on October 30 for the fourth time. The meeting took place about 55 minutes and issued their joint statement. This joint statement says how much the government had done implementing the results of the prior meetings, exchanged views on importance of free trade and money in circulation for the
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economic prosperity in the country. The joint statement also says on governments efforts to achieve permanent peace with armed ethnic groups and latest developments and the issue on those who eligible to be included in the amnesty. After that meeting, Reuter reporter U Aung Hla Tun asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a press briefing, if some of the positive changes and developments made by government were enough for her party to re-register with election commission. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied to this question by saying the matter of re-registration of her party depended on the amendments made to the political party registration law so that this question could be answered only after these amendments were made. Her party would call a meeting to decide on this matter after the amendments were made and announced. When asked if there was any plan to release more political prisoners, U Aung Kyi replied, In implementing our work, we usually take step by step. We neither stop nor hop. CRPP secretary U Aye Thar Aung said on October 31 that NLD central executive committee and Committee Representing Peoples Parliament (CRPP) plans to discuss the issues of re-registration , standing for elections, and making final resolutions on these matters no later than November 4. USDP government is using these political prisoners as political hostages and bargaining chips in dealing with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and at the same time Home Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko instructed his police force to monitor the activities of NLD members and report back to him while the government is talking with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Moreover, the local police force threatened and harassed the NLD members who were working in cooperation with Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP) group in about 20 townships in Mandalay Region. We assume that all of these governments activities show their insincerity in dealing with the opposition forces. And also we assume that the government is making an about face in dealing with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD party not because of their intention to foster national reconciliation, but to receive recognition by influential democracies including US, which is giving support to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. USDP parliament made minor amendments in political party registration laws to enable the NLD party to contest in the election but didnt make any amendments to the more important 2008 constitution, which contradicts democratic principles and values. We think this point is significant to and assume that President Thein Sein may appear trustworthy to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi but she should not underestimate the political machinations of USDP and its army which control the government and parliament from behind the scenes. We also assume that even if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is held and trapped within the frameworks of 2008 constitution and able to participate in parliamentary politics, she needs much time to amend the provisions of this constitution. Thus we think that NLD should get a guarantee from USDP government to amend some provisions in the 2008 constitution in the presence of world democracies including UN by making official pledge and assurance to do so before deciding reregistering of their party and standing for election. And at the same time, UN and western countries should continue putting pressure on USDP government until the latter gives assurance to do so.
T HE R ELATIONSHIP BETWEEN E THNIC G ROUPS AND T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

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The USDP government is extending their peace offers to some of ethnic armed forces while escalating massive attacks against others. We see they are strategically dividing the unity of these armed ethnic groups by proposing separate peace offerings to them. The fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and USDP government since June 9 this year is escalating day by day and month by month. Besides the forces under Northern and Northeast Command, the USDP government is deploying and reinforcing those from LIDs 88,99, 33 and 66 along with artillery batteries in their spearhead operation against KIA headquarters, Laiza. In October this year alone, there were total over 160 clashes and the government troops suffered heavy casualties. These battles reached far-distances such as Waimaw, Mansi, Bahmo, Lweje, Momauk, Sumprabum Townships in Kachin State and Monko, Kutkai, Namkham and around Lashio in Shan State. Beginning on October 14, sixteen battalions from LIDs 33 and 66 were used in the offensive against KIA Laiza HQ and reached 10 miles vicinity of Laiza where 4-8 battles occurred every day. In addition to the 120 mm-fierce attacks by the government troops, KIA claimed that chemical weapons were used in the fighting between Shwe Nyaung Pyin village and Ga Ra Yang village, Waingmaw Township which resulted in dizziness, difficulty breating, and vomiting among the KIA troops. U La Nag, the spoke-person of the KIO, said on October 26 that KIO will remain sticking to the principle that nationwide cease-fire and dialogue through the alliance rather than individually, despite being imposed the massive military pressure by the USDP-led government. The government has been hosting peace talks with UWSA, NDAA (ESS), SSA, SSPP, SSA(RCSS), KNU, DKBA and NMSP while they are launching imminent offensive against KIA. Delegations led by Internal Peace Implementing Committee Chairman U Thein Zaw and USDP General Secretary U Aung Thaung met with UWSA in Lashio on October 1 and met with NDAA (ESS) again in Kyaing Ton on October 9 and signed agreements respectively. The 8 points-agreement was reached with UWSA and the 7 points-agreement was also reached with NDAA (ESS), however, the contents of the both agreements were reportedly similar. The following points were included in the agreement with NDAA (ESS); Both sides shall cease fighting, liaison offices shall be re-opened as previously, a prior-agreement shall be sought if the armed troops of brother parties want to trespass the terrain, respective relationships committees shall be established by both sides at the earliest convenient, one must agree not to secede from the Union, a Maunglar liaison office shall be re-opened in Kyaing Ton and government servants shall be allowed to work in Maunglar area, plans for local development, health care, education and transportation shall be working together with the government, the government's 15 year-anti drug mission will be cooperated and bilateral discussions shall be held for the sake of sustainable peace. Transformation of Border Guard Forces and disarmament issues were not discussed by UDSP led govevb rnment. The 5 ethnic political parties which contested in the 2010 elections issued a joint statement on October 20, calling for urgent peace talks to end the ongoing armed conflict in the ethnic areas. Dr. Nay Zin Latt, a team leader of political advisory team to the President, said on October 3 that he would advise to the president to negotiate the negotiable issues with the ethnic but the issues of right to secede. SSA/SSPP said on October 13 that the release of their leader General Sao Htin was seen as positive move of the USDP led government. SSA/SSPP has halted fighting for a month after the 6
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months-long fierce fighting against the government's troops in Mong Hsu, Mong Yae, Kye Thi, Tangyan, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Nam Sang townships and Nam Kham in northern Shan State. General Sao Htin, serving his 106 years imprisonment, was released on October 12 and arrived back home on October 14. Shan Herald Agency for News reported on October 31 that USDP led government delegation led by U Thein Zaw held talks with SSA/ SSPP in Naypyidaw on October 29 and the government agreed to withdraw its 4 military posts stationed nearby SSA/SSPP's Wan Hai Headquarters in Kye-Thi. SSA/RCSS's spokesperson Sai Lao Hseng said on October 4 that U Thein Sein led government was offering peace talks with SSA/SSPP through local militias and Thai authorities that had been impossible under Snr-Gen Than Shwe as it had been determined not to make any talk with Gen Yawdserk led SSA/RCSS. He also said on October 6 that although they had accepted the government's offer, the time and place for the talk wasn't set yet. KNPP and USDP-led government's troops engaged fighting for twice in Hpruso Township, Karenni State and both sides suffered heavy causalities. The USDP government was offering peace talk with the KNU and DKBA while fighting continued with them throughout October. KNU spokesperson Major Saw Hla Ngwe said on October 3 that the Karen State Prime Minister sent a letter offering a talk about ceasefire and peace, via a negotiation team consists of fathers and monks to KNU on September 28 but KNU replied that it preferred to hold the talk through UNFC, rather than individually. The DKBA reached agreements with the USDP led government the October 26 peace talk in Mon State, while KNU had not currently reached agreements during their two meetings with the government delegation. The Peace Committee of New Mon State Party (NMSP) met the delegation of Mon State Government at Battalion Office of IB # 61 as a preliminary talk on October 6. NMSP's General Secretary, Naing Han Thar, said on October 7 that regarding a cease-fire and politics, the NMSP will only discuss with the government as whole group of UNFC. UNFC expressed its doubts in the USDP led government's peace offers in its Statement on Appeal of UNFC to the people and international community to bring genuine peace talks," released on October 8. The State Media reported on October 11th, that 15 Karen armed members led by Major Saw Eh Htoo of KNLA/KNU Peace Council under the leadership of Major General Htay Maung, surrendered to Col. Htay Myint Aung, the Mon State Security and Border Affairs Minister. Dr Timothy, Foreign Affairs Secretary of KNLA/KNU Peace Council, denied that news. A few bomb blasts occurred inside Burma during the battles along the border. On October 2, the accidental bomb explosion occurred near the government servants housing in Myitkyina, Kachin State, resulting one death. On October 24 early morning, a bomb was exploded in front of USDA office in Ward # 4, Myawaddy, Karen State, resulting a monk wounded. On evening of October 30, members of Security Forces detonated bombs found under pavilion of the City Hall which is located in the heart of the Rangoon. The USDP led government has not fully relinquished the border guard or local militias policy that will bring the ethnic armed groups under the Burmese army's command. They are buying time to overcome the challenges encountered during the transitional period through short-term agreements with some organizations. We believe that the USDP-led government has been trying to seek a systematic divide and rule the armed ethnic groups and plant doubts among the ethnic groups over Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD. We assume that the USDP led government will destroy some
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ethnic groups with ceases fire agreements including UWSA once they have earned support from the western countries, including the United States of America.
T HE A CTIVITIES OF NLD AND D OMESTIC O PPOSITION F ORCES

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received a visit of the US government's special envoy Mr. Derek Mitchell and regularly attends political and social events. She also issues video messages and felicitation letters to internationals meetings and forums. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met Derek Mitchell at the resident of American ambassador in Rangoon on October 29 and the meeting lasted 90 minutes. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also met some of the recently released political prisoners at her residence. She received a visit of Ko Thura (aka) Zaganar on October 17. She also attended the 49th birthday event of Min Ko Naing held in Thamine Myoma Pariyatti monastery along with nearly 2000 other well-wishers. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a speech on October 21 at a ceremony paying homage to veteran politicians and welcoming political prisoners. On October 23, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the exhibition of a portrait held at the NLD Headquarters Office. On October 31, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the Central Executive Committee, including Vice Chairperson U Tin Oo, gave speeches at the opening ceremony of a literacy program and the closing ceremony of a political awareness training held at Beda Free Education School in Thingangyun Township, Rangoon. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD face a major challenge as they move beyond the Shwegadone declaration and registering the party to contest in the elections. Cooperation with the new government would largely be dependent upon the release of political prisoners, cessation of ongoing battles along the border, and implementation of the results of the meeting with President Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said General Secretary U Aye Thar Aung, The Committee Representing Peoples' Parliament (CRPP) announced on October 13th that it would cooperate with the new government, if the government released more political prisoners including the imprisoned ethnic leaders. The NLD and members of the different networks has been escalating their efforts in party organizing, education, and social work. On October 7, members of NLD (Women) and Youth Network jointly offered nutrition to 200 people at the Myitta Parahita Shelter in Mayaungchaung village, Hlae Coo Township. NLD (Mandalay Region) and HRDP were jointly providing human rights education to 20 townships in Mandalay region. Attendees of the NLD meeting (Pegu Region) welcomed President U Thien Sein's decision to suspend the construction of Myitsone Dam, but called for a complete cessation of the dam construction. On October 12th, among the released 200 political prisoners, only 80 of those released are members of the National League for Democracy (NLD). On October 13, the NLD called for the release of all political prisoners who remain behind bars. On October 16, NLD leaders U Win Tin and U Win Htein along with about 300 well-wishers attended the 5th commemoration of student leader, Thet Win Aung, who died during his long sentence in Mandalay Prison. 8 portrait paintings were sold at Portrait Exhibition held in NLD Headquarters on October 24. On October 26, the Social Support Group of NLD donated 4 million Kyat as startup funding and also donated rice and money for 500 households affected by the Pakokku flood, which killed hundreds and damaged the livelihoods of thousands. Youth members of Blood Donation Group (BG) donated food, clothes and school materials for 5 flood-affected villages in Yedashe Towsnhip, Pegu Region.

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Protests of peasants and workers continued throughout October. Local farmers in Sintkoo village, Daedayae Township, Irrawaddy Region, lodged a complaint to ILO on Oct 3rd in response to the authority's failure to take action against the exploitation of a local rice mill owner. In early October, the Arakan State government tried the first-ever case filed by local farmers regarding farmlands confiscated farming lands by State Peace and Development Council in Minbya Township, Arakan State. Chairperson U Than Swe of the newly founded "All Burma's Farmers and Agricultural Workers Organization" said the organization was founded on Oct 25 after meeting with farmer activists from all states and regions and applying for legal registration. On October 27, about 40 farmers from Dagon Seikkan Township demanded in front the Housing Department on Boyoke Aung San Street, Rangoon, to revoke the La-Na 39 Act and restore the farmer rights. Of these protesters, Lawyer U Po Phyu and 7 farmers were arrested for failing to seek prior permission from authorities, but released for a 5 million Kyat fine on October 28. Workers' protests also occurred. Two shop owners staged a protest in the Hlae Tan intersection when their shops in front of a Myanmar Mall were destroyed by staff of the Ministry of Commerce because of their failure to pay rent on-time. They were released after 7 hours of detention. On October 5 about 600 factory workers from the Myth Apparrel Myanmar Co. Ltd in Industrial Zone # 7, Hlaing Tharya Township, staged protests and demanded wages increase. The authority assisted in the companys negotiations with the protested workers. Generation Wave, an underground youth movement which generated from the 2007 Saffron Revolution, announced on its 4th Anniversary that it will now register and conduct above-ground activities. Arakan youth started a campaign to demand public distribution of electricity generated by the gas in their state. Police forcibly removed a Shwe Gas campaign T-shirt from a youth in Rathedaung Township. Human Rights activists provided human rights education and assisted in filing complaints of human right violation to the USDP led, Myanmar National Human Rights Commission. HRDP has been conducting human rights training across townships in Mandalay Region. On October 23, a discussion on human rights was held in Tatarphyu Ward # 8, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Rangoon Region. HRDP member Ko Mying Naing was released on October 12. He was beaten by the USDA members and authorities while he was conducing human rights education in Hinthada Township 4 years ago. He announced on his release day that he will seek justice against those who attacked him. U Aung Than Tun, a member of NLD's Thingangyun Township Organizing Committee recently released from Myaugmya prison, said he will file human rights violations committed against him by prison authority to deter such violations occur again. Human Rights activist U Aye Myint (Guiding Star) said that he welcome the statement of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission released on October 7 but would "wait and see" about how they implemented these activities. Those political prisoners who were released have been campaigning for the release of the political prisoners who remain behind bars. On October 12, the political activists along with the political parties, the prominent politicians, and the imprisoned 8888 Generation Student leaders called for the releases of all political prisoners. The members of the Signature Campaign For release of Political Prisoners sent their petitions to the President on October 21. On October 24, Zaganar made a prison

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tour in Tharyawaddy and Paungde townships and donated Kyat 10000 and books for each political prisoner. Famous artists including Htun Eaindrabo donated money and books. Network for the Support of Families of Political Prisoners called for the release of Ko Zaw Linn Tun, Ashin Gambira, Ko Htay Kyawe, and former Capt. Nay Myo Zin, whose health has been deteriorating behind bars. On October 26 , 15 political prisoners in Insein Prison staged a hunger strike for prisoner's rights. The Network for the Support of Families of Political Prisoners stated that two protesters were taken to the hospital on October 30 because the prison authority had stopped proving water for them. The other 8 political prisoners were taken to the dog cells for punishment. The Award Committee of the Burmese community in Japan announced on October 4 that Ashin Wirathu (aka) Win Khing Oo, Zeya Aung, Thant Zaw, Swan Hla Aung and Ma Mar Mar Oo were selected for the "Ordinary Hero Award" to honor political prisoners every year. Sasana Dhamma Sarira Venerable U Thondara was sentenced to 49 years imprisonment in 1988 for his leading role as Chairperson in the Myinggyan Monk Committee. He was released from Mandalay Prison on October 12 after 22 years incarceration and revealed his prison experiences to the media. Venerable U Kawida, who was arrested during the 2007 Saffron Revolution and released from Thayat Prison recently, also disclosed the ill-treatment of prison authorities to exiled media. Families of Daw Khin Ye and Daw Win Kyi held re-ordination ceremonies for them on October 30. Similarly, Ashin U Eithariya from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery in South Okkalapa Township, who was arrested during the 2007 Saffron Revolution and released from Kyaington Prison, told the media about the torture practices that authorities used during interrogation and prison terms. On October 26, All Burma Monks Alliance called for the immediate release of all monks, especially Ashin Gambira whose health condition is deteriorating and serving a 63 year sentence in Kalay Prison. The activists opposing the Myitisone Hydropower Dam project have been campaigning for the complete termination of the project. Prominent writers, artists, environmentalists continued public discussions. On October 6, the Burma Rivers Network opposed CPIs comment to Chinese media that Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project had no impact on the Burmese people. If the Chinese company tried to sue the government over the decision to suspend the Myitsone Dam Project, the details of the project agreement should be made public, said High Court Lawyer, U Yan Naung, on October 5th. The people of Burma have gained more freedom from fear and awareness that they have to fight for their rights by themselves. The artists such as Zaganar and Zeyathaw have been more decisive since their release from the militarys notorious prisons.
T H E USDP G O V E R N M E N T A N D D O M E S T I C S I T U AT I O N T HE S ITUATION OF T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

The USDP led government tried to convince the National League for Democracy (NLD) to register and take part in the election by amending the political party registration law and building good relations with western countries including the United States of America. The government also seems to be establishing better relationships with regional governments, including the neighbors. On October 24, Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann and Foreign Affairs Minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, met with the US Special Envoy to Burma, Mr Derek Michell, and the government also allowed him to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, separately. Speaker Thura Shwe Mann also received a
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visit from the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, on October 7th. President Thein Sein's political adviser Ko Ko Hlaing claimed to Swedish Radio that Burma only had around 600 prisoners of conscience and has already released almost half of them. A high profile delegation led by President Thein Sein paid a four-day goodwill visit to India on October 12. On October 14, Thein Sein and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and international issues, including ways to open further border trade. India offered USD 500 million in credit for infrastructure projects, including roads, inland waterways, and ports to Sein, who agreed to promote further public and private investments by Indian companies in the oil and natural gas sectors. The two leaders also agreed to cooperate in the construction of the Thamanthi and Shwe Saryae Hydropower Dam project on Chindwin River as well as the joint offensive against India separatist rebels, currently hiding on the India-Burma border. India also pledged it would not make a relationship with KIA. It can be assumed that Thein Sein's India visit was a balancing act to counter the China-Burma relationship. On October 20, Burmas Vice President Tin Aung Myint Oo began an 8 day-state visit to China to attend the 8th China-Asean Expo in Nanning and meet with Chinese leaders. On October 21st, during meetings with Burmese Vice President, Tin Aung Myint Oo, China's Premier, Wen Jiabao, stressed to the Chinese media that Burma should abide by its prior agreements to implement projects. On October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Burma, Mr. Li Junhua, stated that both China and Burma are eager to solve the problems, as the Chinese Company is asking for legal settlement of the Burmese government's, unilateral decision to suspend the Myintsone Hydropower Dam Project. China Power Investment (CPI), Chairman Lu Qizhou, said on Oct 3 that he was surprised to hear about the suspension of the project and asked the Chinese government to appeal to Burma to protect the rights of Chinese investments. On October 6, Mr Jim Della Giacoma, Southeast Asian Director of International Crisis Group (ICG), warned that Sino-Burmese relationships will be damaged if the suspension of the Myintsone Dam Project rebuilt ties with international governments while damaging relations with China, particularly when it comes to China's "on the fence policy about ethnic groups on the China-Burma border. The USDP government is attempting to build closer relations with the Indian government and western governments including the US. The USDP government was encouraged by positive responses from the UN and western countries in response to some of their changes in policy. A member of the Burmese governments delegation to UNGA said on October 18 that the UNGA's 2010 resolution on Burma was more positive than the previous resolution and the President planned to announce amnesty. President Advisor, U Ko Ko Hlaing, also said on October 15th that another amnesty program would be announced. Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, arrived on October 31 in Burma for 5 day-visit and met with the Foreign Affairs Minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin and Labor Minister, U Aung Kyi. The Burmese government has agreed to accept a repatriation plan for over 28000 UNHCR recognized Rohingya refugees from refugee camps in Bangladesh. The USDP government approached the Japanese Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support. USDP invited the Japan-Burma Friendship delegation (led by Japanese Lower House legislator Mr. Ryota Takeda) to meet with Upper House Speaker Khin Maung Myint on October 4. During this meeting, they discussed resuming assistance to Burma through the Oversee Development Assistances (ODA). On October 20, Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Gamba, met with his Burmese counterpart, Wunna Maung Lwin, and stressed that the Japanese government was
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closely observing developments in Burma and pledged to support these changes. The IMF delegation invited by USDP arrived in Burma and held a series of discussion about money exchange systems with the stakeholders from the government, the private banking sector, and others during their 3 week-visit. The USDP government has also tried to create stronger relations with ASEAN countries. President Thein Sein and his cabinet ministers received the newly elected Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, and discussed bilateral cooperation and trade during her one-day visit on October 5th. On October 11, Deputy Labor Minister Myint Thein visited Thailand and discussed the situation of Burmese migrant workers. On October 17, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Maung Myint, met Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and agreed to exchange detainees held in both countries. Malaysian News Agency, Bernama, reported on October 22 that the Burmese army agreed to send army officials to attend 9 of 16 military courses offered by Malaysian Armed forces, during Burma's Defense Minister Lt-Gen Hla Min's visit to Malaysia. On October 28, Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr. Marty Natalegawa, whose country holds the current rotating chairmanship of ASEAN, arrived in Burma and was briefed about current political developments by the 6 members of the Presidential Advisory Team. During the second meetings of the first parliamentary session, three significant laws were passed in rgards to political parties, labor, and local village leadership. The three sections of the Political Parties Registration Law were amended. The Peaceful Assembly and Procession Bill, which was proposed by Interior Minister revokes the 1964 Labor Act was also amended. It was also decided that the Legal Drafting Committee should review the direct appointments of village and ward administrators by the central government. U Tun Myint Oo, a representative of Lower House, questioned whether it was possible to hang photos of Burmas independence hero, Aung San on the walls of government offices. The Minister of the President Office, Soe Maung, responded that the present head of state photo would be hung. On October 19, Myanmar Tourism Board (MTB) Chairperson Khin Shwe, decided to sell the 120year-old historic Ministers Office building (where National Hero General Aung San and other Burmese martyrs were assassinated) to a hotel company. However on October 26th , Industrial 1 and 2 Minister, U Soe Thein, announced that due to public protest, the historic building will be preserved as a museum. On October 1st, the Central Bank of Myanmar granted 6 private banks the rights to trade three types of foreign hard currencies. According to a business owner, due to the complicated regulations and limitation of exchange up to 2000 USD per person, export and import business owners have continued to rely on black market exchanges. According to unconfirmed sources, regional commander reshuffles were made during October.
T HE S OCIO - ECONOMIC S ITUATION OF T HE P EOPLE

Due to the intensified battle raging up in Kachin and Northern Shan Sates, over 1,000 Kachin in KIA Brigade # 4 areas fled to Shan State. Another 600 Kachin refugees fled to Mai Jayan and over 2000 Kachin escaped to the Chinese border, opposite of Loi Jal, because of fierce fighting in KIO Headquarters controlled areas. Children, elderly persons, and pregnant women were being wounded as the government troops shelled and burned Kachin villages. 81 Kachin women, including 19 year old Ma Yan Kawbu from Waimaw, were raped or sexually attacked in the 8 months of fighting. The
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government troops have been demanding porters in Kachin and Karen States, leading to further injury and loss of life. Heavy rain and severe flooding across the country resulted in the loss of livelihood, housing, plantations, and the deaths of local residents and cattle. Over 100 local people are missing or were killed by the Pakokku flood and several houses and onion fields were inundated. Many Burmese migrant workers lost their jobs because of Thailands extreme flooding, worst in 50 years, and returned home to Burma. Burmese migrant workers attempting to escape Thailands floods were reportedly arrested and exploited by Thai and Burmese Immigration Officials on a daily basic.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S S U R E

Western governments' positions towards the Burmese government have slightly changed following Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement that President Thein sincerely believed in change. The US government, EU, and the United Nations viewed President Thein Sein's decisions to suspend the Myintsone Hydropower Dam Project, release many political prisoners, and amend the Political Parties Registration Law in order for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD can participate in the elections, as positive developments. Visits of US Special Envoy Mr. Derek Mitchel to Burma have been more frequent. US Senator Mr John McCain hailed the decision of President Thein Sein over Myitsone Dam suspension and urged the Burmese government to continue to respond to the peaceful will of the people to make additional positive changes in other areas, on October 5. Spokeswoman of US State Department Ms. Victoria Nuland said on October 6 that the US government welcomed the changes that the Burmese government was pursuing, but implored that sanction would remain in place as much progress still needed to be made in Burma. US Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific, Mr Kurt Campbell, said on October 10 that the US government will be working with the Burmese government's democratizing steps. However, he also said on October 25, that changes in Burma were in the "early" stages and it was premature to say substantive changes were occurring. Some positive developments, which were never seen during the past decades in Burma, are now emerging. The US government, Special Envoy, Mr Derek Mitchell, cited in the State Department's press conference held on October 16 that there are still questions about how far theyre going to go and where this is going to lead regarding reforms by President Thein Sein's government. According to the US State Department, the Special Envoy made the second visit to Burma on October 24th and called for the USDP government to release political prisoners and to show the world tangible democratic developments. On October 4, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Catherine Ashton welcomed President Thein Sein's decision to suspend the Myintsone Hydropower Dam Project and indicated that EU will review its sanctions policy based upon other changes in Burma. The British government stated on October 17 that they will not review or revoke Burma sanctions unless there are tangible changes in Burma. The British government is also disappointed by the Burmese government's recent amnesty program where only a few political prisoners were released. On October 19, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, released a statement in support of UN Special Envoy to Burma's calls to release all political prisoners in due time and allow the NLD to become an official political party. UN Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Kimoon reiterated the international community's call to release all political prisoners on October 12. On October 19, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Mr Tomas Ojea Quintana
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called for Burmese government at the UN General Assembly to investigate the alleged war crimes committed in the ethnic areas, if it failed to do so, the International Community is responsible for taking action. Mr Steve Marshall, the International Labour Organisations liaison officer to Burma, said on October 14 that ILO welcomed Burma's new labor law approved by President Thein Sein, but it was studying the new law in detail to determine its efficacy. Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) welcomed the release of political prisoners, but called for the government to release the remainder of political prisoners behind bars.
// End of Report // Thursday, November 10, 2011 // End of Translation // Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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