Burma Point - www.burmapoint.com
October 2, 2007
Press Release
U.N. Actions on Burma Should be Re-examined
People of Burma have constantly been hoping that United Nations would rescue them from the country ruled by the worst regime in the world. Many people have dropped their hopes only because the world body proved that it is unable to do anything concretely to intervene in order to save them from recent and current killings by the brutal regime in Burma.
In the midst of the recent killings, the U.N. sends a special envoy Mr. Ibrahim Gambari to Burma to ease the situation there. However, the top generals are still playing games with the top U.N. official, who once said after his first visit to Burma that the regime was ready to “turn a new page”. While Mr. Gambari is running up and down in the country to reconcile the nation, the generals are continuing to kill more monks, young students and ordinary citizens, according Burmese media.
The question is “Can the U.N. do anything to save those peaceful people?”
On September 29, Burma Point received a report that the U.N. office in Rangoon is useless. We have also receieved similar reports in the past about the office led by Mr. Charles Petrie, the U.N. country coordinator.
The particular report says that people tried calling the hot line numbers provided by the U.N. office on the night of September 28, when they heard that soldiers were approaching monasteries to make arrests. But a male employee at the office replied to one of the callers saying he would put it in record and he would also inform the U.N. When others made calls, an official responded that the office “could not do anything to help”.
It is obvious the fact that monks and people are being killed and dissapearing according to our sources. As a matter of fact, even food donors to protesters and onlookers are now being arrested and perhaps tortured. Some have been sent to infamous Insein jail without any legal charges by the authority. Now, the rest of the many peaceful monks have been forced to take off their robes. Many teachers and their students, who are in their teens, were ordered to kneel down and slapped by soldiers because they were somehow involved in the movement, said a woman. Thus, we strongly condemn the act of the regime that calls themselves State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
Myint Soe, a former Central Working Committee member of the National League for Democracy party, which is led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Rangoon is corrupted. Much of the planned development programmes are incomplete.
“Projects staffs and participants who are going to attend the workshops or trainings had to take recommendation letter from police station and even Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) about whether he or she has not involved in any criminal cases and political activities”, Myint Soe, Secretary of National League for Democracy – Liberated Area, explained.
USDA and police in Burma are, today, the real criminals that have killed hundreds of peaceful monks and people. Should our people continue to get recommendation letters from these departments?
We are very sadden and disappointed the fact that the U.N. continues to stay silent on the corruptions that exist between its officials and the ruling regime.
We, again, request that the U.N., the world leading organization, to protect and stand by its principles stated in its Universal Declaration of Human Rights by raising the loudest voice and taking concrete actions to prevent further killings and tortures by the ruling SPDC.
Contact: Moe Chan – 646-643-8689, 718-396-1464
[SOURCE]
UN Actions on Burma Should be Re-examined
03 October 2007 Labels: Statements
From the heart of ordinary blogger
02 October 2007 Labels: EssaysToday, I felt overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness after I saw these pictures here. I simply could not find words to explicitly describe the brutal acts that the military regime has committed. When I met with fellow bloggers online, the atmosphere was thick with sorrow, frustration and helplessness. Here we are, sitting at a desk, in front of a computer, relaying all the news updates to the world and yet, we cannot do anything to cease those atrocities. News that we are posting on our blogs and message boards may appear as just news to the outside world. However, for us, those news are made up of heart-wrenching words.
My fellow Burmese people, who are dying, are just ordinary citizens who have absolutely no knowledge in weapons and warfare. So far, I have heard confirmed reports that they are gathering whatever they can get their hands on to defend themselves against the soldiers. But who can go against an army with fully loaded guns?
Some people say that the struggle must come from within, and sacrifices must be made for the greater good. I totally agree. However, I am still hopeful for a slim chance to avoid all these bloodshed. It also means that we, the people from outside, must do all we can to alleviate further sufferings of innocent people.
Recently, I have been following a few interviews with political academic. In particular, two interviews with someone stood out in my mind. I watched both of his interviews on Channel News Asia (Singapore TV station) and I was completely baffled by his views.
In his first interview, he seemed to indicate a special concern over seeing different ages of monks in current protests. What he failed to understand was that, in Burma, monks are highly revered regardless of how old the monks may be. Moreover, there is very little political agenda in the demands from the monks. Though the monks have made demands for the release of political prisoners, and a dialogue for national reconciliation, they have always emphasised on improving the well-beings of the people. And they have been asking for those through peaceful protests.
In his second interview, he mentioned that in Philippine, even after there was a change in government, there was not much improvement. My question to him will be: Does it mean we should never try to change? Is every movement that tries to change, destined for failure?
Of course, I must admit that I never studied political science. Neither do I have the authority in terms of qualifications to analyse from any political point of view. However, I feel pretty concerned to see that political analyst like him, seemed to be speaking without actually finding out the situation on the ground. In every field, we all know that the best analysis is made when you combine theory and reality together.
So, my sincere request to everyone who will be carrying out political analysis on Burma's situation is that, please talk to the people who have gone through it. Many a times, words fail to express the real scenarios in full picture.
As a blogger, having only words on my hand, I honestly feel rather useless at this moment. But I must never give up. Whatever I can give, I will give. I must continue for the sake of Burma's freedom.
Burma - Land of Fear by John Pilger
Labels: Videos
John Pilger and David Munro go undercover in one of the world's most isolated, and extraordinary countries, Burma, which Amnesty International calls 'a prison without bars'. They discover slave labour preparing for tourism and foreign investment.
International Actual Award for Risk Journalism, Barcelona, Spain, 1996; Bronze Plaque in the category of 'Social Issues - International Relations', The Chris Awards, Ohio, 1996; Gold Special Jury Award, 'Film & Video Production division', WorldFest-Charleston, 1996; Award for Best Factual Programme, RTS Midland Centre Awards, Birmingham, 1996; Gold Apple in the category 'Politics: Social organisations in other lands', National Educational Media Network Film & Video Competition at The 1997 NEMN Apple Awards, Oakland, California, 1997; the updated version won a Gold Special Jury Award in the 'Film & Video Production division', WorldFest-Houston, 1999
International Bloggers' Day for Burma on the 4th of October
01 October 2007 Labels: News
Free-burma.org has called for the action named as "Free Burma" to support the peaceful protests in Burma by international bloggers. In their web site, it is said that the purpose is to set a sign for freedom and show the sympathy for the people who are fighting the cruel regime without weapons. The participating bloggers will have to refrain from posting to their blogs on October 4 and put up one Banner underlined with the words, Free Burma!".
If you are a website owner or a blogger and interested to join this campaign, please visit to their website @ www2.free-burma.org for more information.
Myanmar: Amnesty International calls for comprehensive international arms embargo
Labels: StatementsAI Index: ASA 16/016/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 187
1 October 2007
Myanmar: Amnesty International calls for comprehensive international arms embargo
Amnesty International is today urging the United Nations Security Council to immediately impose a comprehensive and mandatory arms embargo on Myanmar, as accounts mount of killings, serious injuries and mass detentions of peaceful protestors by the Myanmar authorities.Amnesty International is also calling on the principal suppliers of arms to Myanmar, in particular China and India, in addition to Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and ASEAN nations, to prohibit the involvement of their agencies, companies and nationals in the direct and indirect supply of military and security equipment, munitions and expertise, including transfers claimed to be 'non-lethal', to Myanmar.
Amnesty International is also calling on the principal suppliers of arms to Myanmar, in particular China and India, in addition to Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and ASEAN nations, to prohibit the involvement of their agencies, companies and nationals in the direct and indirect supply of military and security equipment, munitions and expertise, including transfers claimed to be 'non-lethal', to Myanmar.
"An unambiguous message must be sent urgently to Myanmar military leaders that their brutal crackdown on peaceful protestors will not be tolerated or fuelled by any member of the international community," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
Although official reports speak about nine people killed, Amnesty International fears the actual number of fatalities is far higher. Over the past week, Myanmar security forces have raided monasteries and attacked peaceful demonstrators, firing live bullets as well as tear gas and beating protesters with batons. At least 1,000 people are believed to have been arrested in Yangon alone. There is a grave risk that security forces will continue arrests and react with escalating violence to any further demonstrations calling for democratic reforms.
“It is unacceptable for states to continue to supply arms to a government that is already responsible for persistent serious violations of human rights and which now resorts to violence against peaceful demonstrators,“ said Ms. Khan.
"A comprehensive arms embargo should remain in place until the Government of Myanmar takes concrete steps to improve the human rights protection of all, including the release of all prisoners of conscience," said Irene Khan.
The European Union (EU) and USA imposed embargoes on the direct and indirect supply of military items to Myanmar in 1988 and 1993 respectively, which need to be strictly imposed.
Demonstrations continue against the backdrop of persistent and massive human rights violations that have taken place before the current crisis. These include the prolonged detention of over 1,160 political prisoners held in deteriorating prison conditions; the continued detention of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior opposition figures who are prisoners of conscience; extrajudicial executions; and the widespread use of torture. There is also endemic suppression of freedom of expression throughout the country. Use of forced labour and child soldiers continue. There is evidence that military operations in eastern Kayin (Karen) state have involved acts against civilians that constitute violations of international humanitarian and human rights law on a scale that amounts to crimes against humanity. Access by independent observers and international human rights organizations to many parts of the country continues to be denied.
Background:
China
Since 1988, China has supplied the army in Myanmar with a wide range of military equipment, including tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery pieces such as howitzers, anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft guns and jet aircraft according to published sources. China has not regularly reported its arms transfers to the United Nations.
India
In January 2007, the Indian Foreign Minister promised to give a "favourable response" to the Myanmar Government’s request for military equipment, and in April military forces from Indian and Myanmar were conducting joint military exercises. Reports refer to an Indian agreement to supply a variety of military hardware such as tanks, aircraft, artillery guns, radar, small arms and an 'Advanced Light Helicopter' which is highly likely to contain components, technology and munitions originating from member states of the European Union and the USA.
Russian Federation
Also in 2007, the Russian Federation reported to the UN that it exported 100 large calibre artillery systems to Myanmar during 2006. Russia also exported ten combat aircraft in 2002, four combat aircraft in 2001, and the Russian MIG military aircraft company had a representative office in Myanmar in October 2006.
Serbia
Between 2004 and 2006, Serbia supplied Myanmar with large amounts of military weapons and munitions, including ammunition, according to customs data.
Ukraine
In April 2004, the Ukrainian state owned arms company, UkrpetsExport, agreed a ten year contract to supply 1,000 armoured personnel carriers to be assembled in Myanmar as part of a deal worth reportedly in excess of US$500 million, and in 2004 Ukraine told the United Nations that it had exported ten BTR-3U armoured combat vehicles and ten R-27 missiles to Myanmar in 2003.
Public Document [SOURCE]
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For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
Should or Could? The World's Immediate Actions!
" Should the world take immediate actions to stop ruling military
juntas in Myanmar from killing demonstrators?" I am really surprised with this question.
This is a good Quiz.Unfortunately, now is not the time to ask our people to answer such quiz, but the time to ask the world themselves if their eyes really open to see the dead bodies in the Myanmar streets during the juntas' recent violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
The UN Envoy Gambari is now in Myanmar and we, Myanmars, expect him much. Military juntas brought him to the fake pro-government rallies and keep him away from the true voice of our people. This is neither Hollywood studio nor the show time. How such urgent United Nations mission could bring Myanmar's ruling generals and their many foes to the peace table?
Can the ASEAN still close their eyes and keep their mouth sealed with a silly reason of internal affair only?
What causes keep China to stand on the military junta's side by rejecting all potential actions from the UN Security Council to solve the Myanmar affairs? What about our silent neighbor, the world largest democratic country, India?
We do not need international concerns or statements which will be ended only with the sympathetic words. We need actions. Effective actions, please! So, let me amend the question,
"Can the world and the UN take immediate actions to stop
brutal juntas from killing monks and peaceful protestors in Myanmar?"
(A comment sent to CNN)
Statement by Burmese Bloggers w/o Borders (27th Sept 2007)
Labels: Statements27th September 2007
Today is indeed an undeniably sorrowful day for all the Burmese people in Burma as well as for those Burmese residing in various countries around the world. On this day, we have seen inhumanely unimaginable act of brutality by the junta in Burma.
These events unfolded after the junta drastically increased the price of fuel overnight and the poverty, already faced by people, worsened due to the sudden increase in prices. In order to pray for the well-being of the people, the monks in a small town, Pakokku, staged a peaceful movement by walking through the town while chanting the verses from Metta Sutra. The junta cracked down using force against the monks and also refused to apologize for their actions when the monks demanded an apology. As a result, students from 1988 democracy movement and the monks decided to come together to help the people by calling for the following from the government:
1. Ease the living conditions of Burmese people
2. Release of all the political prisoners
3. Dialogue for the national reconciliation
[Date: 25th September 2007]
There is actually very little political agenda in those three demands. Their main priority has always been the well-being for the people of Burma. Despite such fact, the junta refused to enter into any form of dialogue with them and in the end, the peaceful movement quickly spread to other parts of Burma, resulting in the biggest demonstration since the 1988 movement. The main difference between 1988 and current situation is that, this time, the protests are spearheaded by monks. Thus, many people from other parts of the world are intrigued. In fact, in Burmese history, the monks have always played an important role. There have been some arguments over whether the monks should intervene in such worldly affairs.
Quoting from Burma’s national leader, Bo Gyoke Aung San (father of Nobel laureate, Aung San Su Kyi) “Our monks have enriched our culture and our civilization, and generally helped our society in its march forward in history. For these services, we owe a large debt of gratitude to our monks.”
From the inaugural address at the AFPFL convention, January, 1946
Even though the people of Burma have experienced the junta’s brutal suppression during the last uprising in 1988, they still carry on as they know that this is probably the last chance for them to break away from the military regime. In this movement, hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life such as monks, nuns, artiste and celebrities, students, ordinary people etc, have come together for their sole purpose of freedom. Burmese people are generally honest, gentle and contented by nature. And yet, their frustration with the regime has built up to the point that they simply cannot tolerate the hardship under the regime any longer, resulting in continuous protests with genuine feelings.
Another difference from 1988 uprising is the power of technology nowadays. Updated information on the live situation is published on many Burmese blogs almost instantly. Even the official media have to admit that they have a certain degree of dependency on the blogs to obtain latest photos, video clips, and accounts by the eye-witnesses. Such first-hand accounts on Burmese blogs are provided by courageous people from within Burma, who risk their lives and safety to take pictures, and video footages to send to the outside world. If they are caught, their camera may be confiscated, or they may be imprisoned and worse, they may even get hit by an intentionally strayed bullet. Why do they do all this despite such precarious situation? It is simply because they want the world to know the truth; nothing but the truth of what is happening in Burma. Now, the question is, how will the world respond to the plight of such courageous people?
On this 27th September 2007, the blood of Burmese people has been shed. So far, the international community has been unable to prevent the blood-shed. Statements of concern and hope for peaceful reconciliation are the only things that Burmese peaceful demonstrators have received. In recent UN General Assembly, China, who is deemed as having high influence on Burma’s military regime, said that even though there is unrest in Burma, the crisis was not a threat to international peace. Hence, China does not see the need for UN Security Council to intervene.
The military regime has been bold enough to show the world that they can carry out such brutal acts of suppression on peaceful demonstrations. Such seems to be an example of the junta’s nonchalance towards the international community’s concern and request for peace. Some countries declare that all these happenings are considered as part of internal affairs for Burma only. Is it really true? Is it fair to use arms against peaceful protesters? How will the international community view the bloodshed of innocent Burmese people on the fateful 27th September 2007?
[Burmese Bloggers w/o Borders]