Show To Support Burma's Democracy Movements

Date: Feburary 1st 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 11am to 1pm -> Food
1pm to 5pm -> Performance
Place: Chabot College, Performing Arts Center
25555, Hespeian Blvd, Hayward, California 94545
Tickets: $50, $30, $20
Contact: Ph (415) 577-6505
Email: t4tsanfrancisco@gmail.com

Saffron Revolution A Year Later: It's NOT Over!

Article Written by ALTSEAN.

8888 - "Burma Day"

61st Anniversary of Burma's Martyr Day (19th, July 2008)

July 19th 2008.
Burma's Martyr Day.
The Day that All the Burmese People Should Never Forget.

Canadian Senior gives $110K donation to Burma Victims

The Canadian Press
Fri Jun. 27 2008


TORONTO — A Toronto senior has offered up what's thought to be the largest private Canadian donation to date to help survivors of Burma's cyclone.

Joseph Lariviere donated $110,000 to the Burmese Buddhist Association of Ontario earlier this week for its relief program for Burma.

The abbot of the Toronto temple where Lariviere offered his donation says at first he didn't believe it.

He says the association is touched by the generosity of seniors but is checking to make sure they'll have enough money left to live on.

The association has raised about $300,000 to date to help survivors of the May 2 storm in Burma.

Canadians have donated about $8 million to cyclone relief for Burma.

WaSo-Robe Offering, July 6th Sunday, Fremont CA

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday Invitation, June 22nd Los Angeles

June 15 Event Invitation

Penang Sayadaw Damma Talk

Join the Meditative March and Protest Regarding Burma's Cyclone

When:
May 23, 2008 11:30am - 1:30pm

Where/What:
11:30-11:50 Meet at Justin Herman Plaza and set up for meditation march
11:50-12:10 March to Singapore Consulate, 595 Market Street, San
Francisco, CA, 94105
12:10-1:30 Meditation in front of Singapore Consulate

Contact:
510 593 4388

Why:
Singapore is the chair of ASEAN and a great enabler of Burma's brutal regime. Most ASEAN members, such as Thailand and Singapore,enjoy Burma's resources at cut-rate prices while millions suffer greatly under the junta.

After the deadly Nargis hit Burma's delta region, there was great outcry from much of the world as we witnessed the regime's cruel and dispassionate neglect of the massive destruction and deaths. As usual, member nations of ASEAN kept quiet until they saw western navy ships perched to act in the best interest of the cyclone victims.

These are the same forces from the US, UK and France who effectively aided tsunami victims in the same region when members of ASEAN did not have sufficient resources or expertise to help their own.

In an emergency meeting held on May 19, 10 members of ASEAN said they will make sure aid from all over the world will flow into Burma without any explanation or details as to how this aid will actually make it to the areas of greatest need. They also said they will hold a donor conference -- which France denounced as it ignores the real and immediate need of aid delivery to the Irrawaddy delta area.

It is obvious that ASEAN's move is politically motivated. They should have acted much earlier rather than stalling to protect the Burmese regime's ineptitude. Had the welfare of the cyclone victims been their true priority, they would have had this meeting within days of the cyclone instead of waiting until there seems to be imminent humanitarian intervention by western countries.

The insufficient and superficial aid operations of ASEAN, still tightly controlled by
Burma's military, will inevitably result in hundreds of thousands of more deaths in the coming weeks and the potential of 2.5 million people dying of starvation, dehydration, disease and/or exposure.

We will, therefore, inform the Singapore consulate, the current chair of ASEAN, that it will be responsible for any future deaths if massive aid operations as called for by the US, UK and France are not implemented. Singapore has a responsibility to ensure that the 2.5 million lives receive the best care possible in this dire situation.

It must continue to pressure the junta to accept as much aid as is needed in Burma, whether it be in supplies or personnel, and no matter which country is providing such aid.

The question to all ASEAN member nations should answer is: Is this the plan you would want for your country in the next tsunami?

Ref: BADA

Fund-Raising Event for Burma's Cyclone Victims

Please Donate to Cyclone Victims in Burma

Burma's Junta Adopts Dubious Means to Win Support for Constitution

Mungpi
Mizzima News
April 26, 2008
New Delhi -

Notwithstanding the Burmese military junta's claim that it will hold the May 10 referendum in a free and fair environment, its activities on the ground and information leaked by insiders suggest that the junta is desperately resorting to various means, not all of it ethical, to win support.

The junta desperate to garner supporting votes is creating a fear psychosis by intimidating and coercing the people as it vigorously carries on with its campaign.

Intimidation and an environment of fear

In a campaign meeting held in Rangoon, a junta official who is the chairman of a township, told participants that for the convenience of voters, every vote is being registered with code numbers.

This coding system would help authorities trace the voters and the votes cast, thereby creating an environment of fear.

"In every ward, for everyone, votes are registered with code numbers against the name. It is for your convenience," the official said.

The official while explaining this method provided an example saying, "For instance, you are staying in a ward and you work for the whole day and you can come to the station only after your work. It would be tiring and difficult to find a card for you where your name is registered with a code. For this, we suggest you cast your vote in advance so as to avoid inconvenience."

Besides, the official said that policemen are to cast their votes in advance as they would be taking charge of security during the actual polling and that they will have no time to come to their respective booths to vote.

This clearly reveals that the junta has already planned polling in advance for its civil servants, which is against the universal norm of voting.

Win Min, a Burmese military analyst based in Thailand, shoring up this information said, "a reliable source of mine very close to the military said they [the junta] is planning to force civil servants, including university lecturers and school teachers, and possibly other USDA members to go for advance voting in front of senior military authorities' eyes."

"This is clear intimidation to vote 'Yes'. It's unacceptable since it violates the basic right to secret voting. It also shows that the authorities are worried that these civil servants are likely to vote 'No' if they're free to do so," added Win Min.

Vote rigging

An official in Burma's second largest city of Mandalay, who has been appointed secretary of one of the polling booths told Mizzima that while the counting of votes will be conducted after the voting, the results will not be announced but sent to higher authorities.

"It now seems that the results will be declared only from Naypyitaw, though counting will be held in the polling booths," said the official, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Sources in the military establishment said, Maj. Gen. Myint Swe, member of the ruling military council, communicated this information to a meeting of 600 people that included senior government officials and senior NGO representatives in Naypyitaw on April 9.

Misleading campaign

Sources said the junta in a bid to lure people to vote 'Yes' is also twisting its campaign slogans to mislead people.

Van Lian, chairman of Burma's largest opposition party – the National League for Democracy in Chin state's capital Hakha town, said authorities are explaining to villagers that 'Democracy could only prevail if they vote in favour of the draft constitution.'

"They [authorities] told villagers that 'if you don't like the military you should vote 'Yes' because approving the draft constitution will end military rule," Van Lian told Mizzima.

Van Lian said, In Chin state, northwestern Burma, most people do not like the military and therefore authorities are adopting this tactic to win supporting votes.

In one of the secret campaign meetings in Rangoon, the township chairman told participants that if the draft constitution cannot be approved in the referendum, the military will prolong its rule merely by saying that a fresh constitution needs to be drafted.

"We know the public does not like being governed by the military. If you don't like being governed by the military, you should vote 'Yes' in the referendum."

"But if you say 'No', the military will say they will re-draft the constitution and stay in power as long as it likes. So you should vote 'Yes' to prevent it from staying in power longer," added the official.

Memorial Service for Buma's Fallen Stars

Why:
Fallen stars of Burma
Ludu (people) Daw Ah Mar
(November 29, 1915 - April 7, 2008)
A respected leading dissident writer and journalist in Burma

Kyae Mone U Thaung
(Oct 4, 1926 - April 3, 2008)
A legendary journalist and famous dissident writer

You are cordially invited to following Swan Offering event:
Ludu (people) Daw Ah Mar (92 years old) has passed away in April 7, 2008 in Mandalay , Burma. She kept saying “You have left your work to keep Burmese to be united to reclaim the freedom, and dignity, and rights that has been robbed away by Military Junta.”

Famous journalist Kyae Mone U Thaung (Aung Ba La) (82 year old) has passed away on April 3, 2008 in the United States . U Thaung is a founder of the Mirror Daily (Kyae Mone News paper) and authored 26 books and support of human rights and democracy in his motherland, Burma

What:
Swan Offering (Potluck)
Pay last respect to both fallen stars Daw Ah Mar and Kyae Mone U Thaung

When:
10 A.M., Saturday May 3, 2008

Where:
Matta Nada Monastery 4619 Central Ave , Fremont , CA 94536
Phone: (510) 795-0405

Who:
Burmese community & friends of Burma
(San Francisco Bay Area)

May Fallen Stars of Burma , Daw Ah Mar and U Thaung Souls Rest in Peace.

UC Berkeley Talk about Burma

The Center for Southeast Asia Studies, UC Berkeley
presents a talk in its SPECIAL BURMA SERIES

Topic: “Politics, Anti-Politics & the 2007 Monks' Protest in Burma”
Speaker: Ingrid Jordt
Position: Assistant Professor, Anthropology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Time: 5:00 p.m. to­ 6:30 p.m.
Place: IEAS Conference Room, 6th floor
Address: 2223 Fulton St. (at Kittredge), Berkeley CA

"Turning over the alms bowl" is a form of non-violent Buddhist protest with deep historical roots in Burma. This talk will discuss the religious boycott as a soft power movement that negotiates the careful divide between religious moral sanction and outright political action.

Prof. Jordt is a special authority on Burmese Buddhism having spent several years in Burma as an ordained nun in the 1980s. She received her Ph.D. from Harvard University where she studied with Prof. Stanley Tambiah, and has emerged as a leading expert in recent months in providing context on the popular protests that erupted in Burma in 2007. Her most recent book is "Burma’s Mass Lay Meditation Movement: Buddhism and the Cultural Construction of Power" (Ohio, 2007).

Co-Sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Center for Buddhist Studies

Free and open to the public. This lecture is made possible through the generous support of an external grant made to UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.

_______________________________
The Center for Southeast Asia Studies
International & Area Studies
University of California at Berkeley
2223 Fulton Street, #617
Berkeley, CA 94720-2318
Phone: (510) 642-3609
Fax: (510) 643-7062
http://ias.berkeley.edu/cseas/

Announcement from OBP (Singapore)

UN Rapporteur Warns Burma on Vote

BBC, 15 April 2008

Mr Pinheiro said there were no signs of political change in Burma.

Burma's referendum next month will be a "ritual without real content" unless international monitors are allowed in, a top United Nations official has said.
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the Special Rapporteur on Burma, also accused military rulers of a clampdown on people campaigning for a "no" vote.

The referendum, set for 10 May, is on whether to adopt a new constitution.
Leaders say it will pave the way for elections by 2010, but critics say it is aimed at entrenching military rule.

The charter was drafted by the generals without input from the pro-democracy opposition.

It allocates a quarter of seats in parliament to the military and bans anyone who has been married to a foreign national from holding office - ruling out detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Her National League for Democracy has called on people to vote against the referendum.

'No transition'

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Pinheiro said that the referendum would not have any credibility if opponents were prevented from speaking out.

Burmese troops used force to end anti-government protests in September "How can you have a referendum without any of the basic freedoms?" he was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying.

"It would be important to have international observers to validate the referendum, because if not it would be just a ritual without real content."

In a separate interview with Reuters news agency, he accused the Burmese government of detaining "no" campaigners, and said that he saw no signs of political change there.

"If you say a real political transition process is taking place in Myanmar (Burma), this would be almost offensive to countries in Asia like the Philippines and Indonesia or Thailand that passed through a transition process to democracy," he said.

Mr Pinheiro last visited Burma in November 2007, weeks after a military crackdown on anti-government protests left at least 31 people dead.

The Burmese government has since then refused to allow him back in.

The full text of the constitution went on sale in government bookshops on 9 April.

Burmese in Singapore now can Vote for Referendum

Myanmar Warns Embassies ahead of Referendum

Thu Apr 10
YANGON (AFP)

- Myanmar's military government Thursday warned foreign embassies not to support Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party, as the nation gears up for a referendum on a constitution opposed by her supporters.

ADVERTISEMENT

The warning carried in the official New Light of Myanmar newspaper came the morning after the regime announced that the referendum would be held on May 10.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party is urging voters to reject the constitution, saying it will not bring democracy to the country which has been ruled by the military since 1962.

"Certain foreign powers, with the intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar, are now ... aiding and abetting some local political parties to destabilise the country," the paper said.

"Some diplomats of certain foreign embassies in Yangon regularly visit NLD (headquarters), hold talks and give directives to harm the interests of the nation and the people," the paper said.

"The embassies should stop such activities," the government mouthpiece said.

The ruling junta says the new constitution will help create a "discipline-flourishing democracy," with multiparty elections set for 2010.

But critics say the constitution will give the generals a dominant role in government, even after the polls.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the NLD to a landslide victory in elections in 1990, would be barred from running in new polls.

The military never recognised NLD's election win, and has silenced the Nobel Peace Prize winner by keeping her under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years.

One quarter of the seats in parliament would be reserved for soldiers, appointed by the commander-in-chief. The military would also have broad powers to declare a state of emergency and take direct control of the government.

Amending the constitution would be almost impossible without the military's consent. Three-quarters of parliament must approve any changes, which then must go to voters in a referendum.

Although the NLD and other pro-democracy groups are calling for a "No" vote, they have little ability to campaign effectively because the regime has outlawed speeches and leaflets about the referendum.

In a statement released Thursday, the NLD accused the junta of suppressing free speech and physically intimidating and arresting their supporters.

"An intimidating atmosphere for the people is created by physically assaulting some of the members of (the) NLD," it said in a statement.

"For these reasons, it is now obvious that the forthcoming referendum cannot be free and fair."

Copies of the constitution were only released to the public on Wednesday, when they were put on sale in government bookstores for nearly one dollar -- a price far beyond the means of most people in this impoverished country.

Thailand-based Myanmar analyst Win Min said that by placing the date for the referendum only one month away, the regime left voters with little time to understand the 194-page document.

"They are worried that if they make it longer, the movement for holding a 'No' vote will get some momentum, and people will be more likely to vote 'No,'" Win Min told AFP in Bangkok.

"They are giving little chance to the opposition to organise," he said.

The regime may also have sought to avoid scheduling the referendum too close to the symbolically important date of May 27, which will be the 18th anniversary of the 1990 elections won by the NLD, he said.

That is also the date when the military is due to renew Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest.

In Washington, President George W. Bush said he was disappointed with the pace of democratic reforms in Myanmar.

The United States and the European Union have tightened sanctions on Myanmar since a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks in September.

At least 31 people were killed while 74 went missing, according to the United Nations. More than 700 people are still behind bars over the protests, Amnesty International has said.

Town Hall Meeting with ABSDF Leaders in LA (April 20, 2008)

San Fran Olympic Torch Relay Protest was a Great Success

Dear All,

On April 9, hundreds of you -- some as far away as from Chicago, Los Angels and Santa Cruz, Fresno, joined the Peace Walk for Burma across the San Francisco Golden Gate bridge and other actions despite being on work day and uneasy commute. You do care about Burma and stood up for her at a time when she needed you most. Thank you all.

Amid beautiful weather, clear sky, and kinder wind, bearing peaceful mind and kind heart, the Free Burma supporters gathered and marched peacefully across Golden Gate Bridge to relive the memories of last September saffron peaceful marchers in Burma. Even a Wheelchair-bound women (who worked for Mayor) joined the walk to show her support for Monks, nuns and the people of Burma. What a way to open an important day, and in fact, with this great walk completed successful, we the Burma supporters had already had our day even before the torch relay began.

After the walk, many of us did proceed to protest at the torch relay closing designated location. While most of us are walking on the Bridge, some of us were at the locations near McCovey Cove to protest for Burma. Both groups met and protested near the Justin Herman plaza. Our day ended with a march to the City Hall along Market street chanting slogans; and then a rally and protest at the City Hall steps. We really had a long day then.

Due to your support and hard work and good team work by the organizers, we have noticed the significant progress in mentioning Burma-China connection in the Olympic torch protest news. Pased below please find the coverage for April 9 Burma actions. And here are some highlights:

A couple of local stations aired the peace walks; and national networks also carried it

Among others, CNN photographer was on site taking pictures and there of those made it into the collection

Radio Free Asia allowed us to broadcast live of the Peace Walk into Burma as it was happening.

Voice Of America also cover the events in detailed

A reporter from Salon.com trailed the Burma protesters and produced a featured cover story about our protests

Saw significant progress in mentioning Burma explicitly by high-profile news agencies including AP, USA Today, BBC, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal and others in their coverage about Olympic protests.

Bush, Pelosi, other leaders are now consistently mentioning Burma along with Tibetan and Darfur as issues China has been heavily citied

Photos and videos are on Flicker and many other news reports including CNN.

Videos Burma Peace Walk are posted on YouTube (believed to be taken from the air probably from Helicopter that we saw)

However, In their call for Bush to to boycott the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic games, Senator Clinton and Obama and McCain did not mention Burma at all. Therefore we need to do a lot of work in highlighting China's support to Burma's dictator and the suffering of 50 millions due to Chinese arms, trade and veto at the UNSC).

Nothing has changed in Burma and she still needs you to help free her from the brutal dictatorship.

Thanks.

BADA
Photo: BADA flickr Album
------------ ------

Local TV Stations News Video of Burma Peace Walk:
(National NetWork also aired theses)
ABC& Local Network Coverage; Monks march through Golden Gate
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6070807

KRON 4 NEWS Video: Burmese Monks and Supporters Walk Across Golden Gate Bridge
http://www.brightc ve.tv/title.jsp?title=1496480847&channel=1274168794

Burma April 9 Torch Protest Featured Coverage:

Salon.com spent a day with Burma protesters and made this feature front page story:
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/04/10/torch/

Press Democrat: On day of chaos, quiet march speaks loudly
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080410/NEWS/804100357

YouTube Video of Peace Walk taken from the Air

San Francisco: Peace Walk begin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ro6eSs0SE

Peace Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ro6eSs0SE

Peace Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4wCF_b7_c4

CNN.com Photo Collection:

CNN: There photos from Bridge Walk made it to this collection of 14 photos by
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/09/sf.protests.ireport/index.html

The Province: Bridge Walk Photo is used in this Canada Article:
B.C. residents join anti-China demo
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=ac65862f-f072-42ba-b23f-a824f50848b0

Other coverage where Burma was mentioned:

Americans take dim view of relay
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23518784-2703,00.html

Olympic Torch Takes Unexpected Route Through SF
http://www.cityonahillpress.com/article.php?id=1137

CBC Canada on the Bridge Walk Coverage:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/080410/w041015A.html

USA Today: Olympic torch run out of sight for most:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-09-torch_N.htm

BBC: Confusion strikes US torch relay:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm

The Guardian: San Francisco is braced to greet Olympic torch - and thousands of protesters
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/09/olympicgames2008.usa

AP: Torch concludes bumpy tour of Bay Area:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/olympics/2090ap_oly_olympic_torch.html

Some of the coverage before April 9 :

NBC11 Video: Burmese Activists To SF: Drop Torch Run completely
http://www.nbc11.com/newsarchive/15734804/detail.html

Video: Burmese activists protest SF torch run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lfvXVbPjtc

Video: Burmese activists protest SF torch run
ABC7 News:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6048985

April 9 Action List

The Beijing Olympic Torch arrives in San Francisco on April 9 as part of the world wide torch relay. This will be the only visit to the whole North America (US & Canada).

Join us and help shed the light on continued great pain and suffering of the 50 million people of Burma under a 46 year long brutal dictatorship due to China's great military, economic and diplomatic support. China is exploiting Burma's market and her bountiful resources (especially oil and gas) to support its burgeoning economy while people in Burma struggle to live hand to mouth under the world's worst oppression imposed upon them.

Action List

9:30 am – 11:30 am- (You may arrive early to San Francisco side of the bridge to catch shuttle or buses to the other side)
- Vista Point (Marin Side) Golden Gate Bridge
- Peace Walk for Burma across Golden Gate
-(Contact: 707 362 8452; 510 220 1323; 415-939-2084)

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
- (Arrive between 12:00 -12:30 before we start moving to protest locations)
- Aquatic Park, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Protest at the torch route near Aquatic Park area
-(Contact: 415 531 1946; 510 220 1323; 707 362 8452)

11:00 am to 1:30 pm
-(Arrive between 11:00 -11:30 before we start moving to protest locations)
- Near Train Station; 4th and King Streets, San Francisco, CA 94107
-Protest at the opening near McCovey Cove
-(Contact: 415 577 6505; 415 595 4591, 415 335 2145)

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
-(We will have some organizers present even before 2:30 here)
-Washington St & Drumm St, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Protest at the closing near Justin Harman Plaza
-(Contact: 510 485 3751; 415 577 6505)

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
-(Our final action of the day will close with a rally and songs)
- Civic Center Plaza, Polk St & McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Rally In front of City Hall
-(Contact: 510 220 1323; 707 362 8452; 415-939-2084, 415 203 0541)

Co-sponsoring organizations:
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF),
- Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA),
- International Burmese Monks Organization Inc. (Sasana Moli),
- Burmese American Women's Alliance (BAWA),
- US Campaign for Burma (USCB),
- 8888 Generation Students (Exile),
- Burmese Youth Association (BYA),
- 8-8-08 for Burma,
- 8888 LA Organizers Group (Los Angelse)
- BFUU Social Justice Committee and Global Exchange (GX).

Democracy in Burma back on UN agenda

FT, April 8 2008

With the United Nations under fire from Burma’s opposition for failing to hasten the end of military rule more than six months after the violent suppression of anti-regime protests, western states will this week seek to push the issue back on to the international agenda.

The US, Britain and France intend to press fellow members of the UN Security Council to adopt a new statement calling for the early establishment of democracy.

But Burmese dissidents said they doubted words would be enough to dent the intransigence of the ruling junta as it prepares for a constitutional referendum whose purpose they claim is to entrench its authority.

The situation of the Burmese, whose plight dominated headlines as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly’s annual session last autumn, has since fallen victim to the current dynamics of the 15-member Security Council in which China and Russia baulk at action they construe as interference in member states’ internal affairs.

Last autumn’s crackdown, in which hundreds of Buddhist monks and other protesters were rounded up, prompted unanimous condemnation from the council in October to which even China, Burma’s closest ally, put its name.

But since then public pressure has subsided and three visits by Ibrahim Gambari, UN special envoy, have failed to win concessions from the military regime.

The Nigerian diplomat’s decision to take the regime’s word on its commitment to reform, in spite of the lack of concrete results, has angered opposition leaders and has even been questioned by diplomats in New York.

Mr Gambari told the council last month that the regime was proceeding with a “road map” to democracy it had itself established by setting dates for a constitutional referendum in May and elections in 2010.

He also appeared to rule out international sanctions on the regime which are in effect closed to the Security Council because of the near-certainty of a Chinese veto.

Opposition figures accused him and the UN of betraying the Burmese people. Aung Din, head of the US Campaign for Burma, and one of his chief accusers, said at the weekend: “He’s still acting as if he can do something. He persuaded the opposition he could deliver and he hasn’t.”

Although this week’s draft statement expresses appreciation for Mr Gambari’s work, a western envoy acknowledged privately: “We feel he needs to be clearer in areas where the regime is failing and not always put a positive gloss on the regime.”

The western drafters want the council to demand the early release of all political prisoners and detainees and to engage in an inclusive dialogue with all opposition figures, including Aung San Suu Kyi, who would be barred from seeking election under the terms of the regime’s new constitution. They also call for guarantees of freedom of expression and assembly ahead of next month’s referendum as well as international monitoring of the vote.

That is not enough to satisfy the Burmese opposition and may be too much for some members of the Security Council to accept.

---------

Announcement from Butterfly3 Organization

Please Sign Up - Burma Needs You On April 9th

Please sing up online here: http://www.badasf.org/2008/event-sign-up.htm

Give voice to 50 millions people of Burma suffering under China-backed brutal regimes for 46 years.

Sign up for actions on April 9th; Please check back at www.badasf.org for updates on actions.

Details:

- 10 am to 12 pm, Peace Walk for Burma Across Golden Gate Bridge

- 1 pm Rally / Protest at Opening near AT&T Park

- 3 pm (Est.) Rally / Protest at Closing (Ferry Building in front of Justin Herman Plaza)

Myanmar's draft constitution bars Suu Kyi, cements military role in parliament

AP
Posted: 2008-03-31

YANGON, Myanmar (AP)

- Myanmar's draft constitution, which goes before voters in a May referendum, perpetuates military domination of politics and protects junta members from prosecution for past actions.

The text of the proposed constitution has not yet been made public. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the 457-article, 194-page document Monday.

It draws on guidelines that a national convention completed last year after 14 years of on-and-off meetings.

It contains several new points not in the guidelines, however, in an apparent effort to stave off challenges to the military's authority.

The ruling military junta announced the referendum in February and said it would be followed by a long-awaited general election in 2010. The junta calls the process its "roadmap to democracy."

Critics have denounced the process as a sham designed to perpetuate military rule. The drafting process did not include Aung San Suu Kyi or members of her opposition National League for Democracy.

One of the draft's most contentious clauses follows the guidelines in barring anyone who enjoyed the rights and privileges of a foreign citizen from holding public office. This would keep Suu Kyi out of government because her late husband, Michael Aris, was a Briton and their two sons are British.

The draft charter allots 25 percent of seats in both houses of parliament to the military. It empowers the president to transfer legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military's commander in chief for a year if a state of emergency arises.

It also stipulates that no amendments to the charter can be made without the consent of more than 75 percent of lawmakers - making proposed changes unlikely unless supported by military representatives in parliament.

A clause in the charter draft, but not covered in the guidelines, protects members of the junta in power since 1988 from legal prosecution for any acts carried out as part of their official duties.

The junta has been accused of gross human rights violations in suppressing Myanmar's pro-democracy movement and in its counterinsurgency operations against restive ethnic minorities.

Neighboring Thailand last year adopted a similar clause in its own military-backed constitution, effectively protecting from prosecution leaders of the military and their allies who carried out a September 2006 coup d'etat and administered the country for more than a year of interim rule.

In a significant change from the guidelines, Myanmar's draft charter delays when the new constitution would take effect.

Instead of becoming law after voters accept it in the May referendum, it would do so only after parliament's first session - which could not happen until at least 2010. Parliament will convene within 90 days of the election.

Other proposed changes include a new name and national flag. The draft proposes to rename the country, which was called Burma until 1989, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It is now called the Union of Myanmar.

The new constitution is supposed to replace the one scrapped when the current junta took power in 1988.

After the last election was held in 1990 the military refused to hand power to the winner, Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party. Suu Kyi has been in prison or under house arrest for more than 12 of the past 18 years.

Myanmar has been in a political deadlock since 1990 with hundreds of Suu Kyi's supporters thrown in jail.

The junta has faced international pressure to make democratic reforms, especially since it crushed peaceful protests in September. The U.N. estimates at least 31 people were killed and thousands more were detained in the crackdown.

UN Must Reject Burma's False Constitution!

TAKE ACTION!!

Tell Your Political Representitive:
UN Must Reject Burma's False Constitution!

Please go to:
http://uscampaignforburma.org/action/2008-tell-your-rep-un-must-reject-burmas-false-constitution.html
and follow the prompts to take this important step.

Thank you all.

What you can do to hlep Burma on April 9 in San Francisco? Please sign up!

Sing up for April 9th actions:
http://www.badasf.org/2008/event-sign-up.htm

Sign petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stand-by-the-people-of-burma---no-olympics-torch

Make donations:
www.badasf.org

Dear All,

The eyes of the world will be on the streets of San Francisco when the Beijing Olympic Torch arrives on April 9 – the only visit to North America. Chinese government really wants to make the street of San Francisco looks like the Streets of Beijing -- filled only with cheering crowds. But, we are working with many groups to highlight China's irresponsibly causing and committing Human Rights abuses around the world (Visit ExposeBeijing. org).

As much as Olympic is precious to all of us, we must not let Chinese government hide its atrocious image under the cover of Olympic -- prolong brutal dictatorship and causing continued great pain and suffering to 50 millions people in Burma due to China's great military, economic and diplomatic support to the dictators to exploit Burma's oil and gas, her market, and her roads to India Ocean for its military; in short --- China's gain, Burma's pain.

Please do something on April 9 to give voice to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her 50 millions people. It will be the great and rare opportunity to expose Burma and her cause at the world stage again -- after last year protests in Burma.

Why Burma needs you to come out on April 9:

1. Chinese government is pressuring the San Francisco Mayor really hard that he is behaving like China's representative rather than our Mayor. He previously stated that we can not protest along the torch route, but only at the staged free-speech zones -- major insult to the city and the people in the area.

2. Due to great local push back, he is now backing off, but he still scares us that the protesters will be outnumbered 1 to 10 by the cheering crowd. Given that large Chinese Community lives in San Francisco that is not an overstatement at all.

3. We have also learned that other communities are rallying their supporters and thousands are coming to San Francisco from all over the United States on April 9 to highlight their causes.

4. As for Burma, the events in Rangoon has already passed six months, and much of our emotion has died down and therefore it does not look like very many of us will be on the streets for her that day -- at least not yet unless each and every one of us steps up.

5. The reality is that nothing has changed in Burma, and we must not forget her. We must restore our feeling, emotion, and outrage that we had on or around September 24, 25, 26 of 2007 during the saffron events in Burma. Let's fill the streets with Burma supporters on April 9. Therefore we need you to come out on April 9 for Burma.

What you can do:

Please motivate people around you. Tell them to give April 9 to Burma and do something. Forward this message; call or speak in person and explain why he or she should do something. Outreach to Collagues, high schools, religious schools, churches, monasteries, community groups and centers. Any little effort counts.

Sing up for actions here: http://www.badasf. org/2008/ event-sign- up.htm to attend, participate, help organized the Burma related actions on April 9. Make sure, you check back this page for updated actions as the city has not released the torch route.

Make signs and hold them along the torch routes; State any messages that you are comfortable with: Free Burma; Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; China's Gain, Burma's Pain; China's Policies, Burma's Misery; Burma's Blood on China's Hands; Free Burma, Shame on China; No Genocide Torch; Boycott Olympic; And make sure to put images that highlight the suffering of our people.

We are flying an air plane to tow a "Free Burma" billboard. Other groups have put up billboards in the city and also flying like us and they are even relaying their torches around the world in parallel with Beijing torch. But we will do what we can for Burma even though the flight will cost us nearly $ 3000 for 3 hours. We are also making signs, banners, posters, scarfs, buttons, cloths and many items. So the cost is exceeding our resources and need your help.

To help us, please donate here online at www.badasf.org. Also solicit donations from your neighborhood stores, shops and groups. Your donation will be used only for all April 9 Burma related actions. Any amount counts.

Attend Civil Disobedience training on Saturday April 5 at 12pm-3pm prompt time! at Amnesty International Office; 1663 Mission Street Suite 694 (near corner of Van Ness); San Francisco; exit Civic Center Bart Station; Please RSVP to Margaret Howe at margaret@bpf. org or 707-360-8452.

Also attend the ACLU's training to be held at the same Amnesty International Office on April 7th at 12 noon. Please RSVP Anil at anilverma7@gmail.com or Call (510)485-3751.(Space is limited)

Pelosi Statement on 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

Press Release
For Immediate Release
03/28/2008

Washington, D.C.

- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing:

"The Olympic Charter states that the Olympics should seek to foster 'respect for universal and fundamental ethical principles.' Sadly, the Chinese government has not lived up to its commitments to improve the human rights situation in China and Tibet . I believe the International Olympic Committee made a mistake in awarding the 2008 Summer games to China , and I sponsored a Congressional resolution expressing that view at the time.

“However, I believe a boycott of the Beijing Olympics would unfairly harm our athletes who have worked so hard to prepare for the competition.

"The Olympics should provide for more opportunity for free expression, not less. When the Olympic torch passes through San Francisco next month, I support the rights of individuals and groups to make their views known about the actions of the Chinese government.

"As I said in India last week where I met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, if freedom-loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China 's oppression in Tibet , we have lost our moral authority to speak out on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world."

Seattle Burma Roundtable Meeting

Friends,

The next meeting of the Seattle Burma Roundtable is as follows:
- Next Tuesday, April 1st
- From 6:30-8pm
- At the Greenwood Branch of the Seattle Public Library,
- 8016 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle

see http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_open&branchID=12 for directions. April Fool's jokes and suggested agenda items are welcome.

March 28 Protest, 2pm, San Francisco City Hall

Dear All,

Please join Burma activists, supporters and youth at the protest at the San Francisco Hall to support the forty six year long struggle of the people of Burma against the dictatorship and to show our continued outrage against China's great support to Burma's brutal dictators by urging the Mayor (of San Francisco) to not welcome the Beijing Olympic Torch scheduled to visit on April 9, 2008.

We will be submitting the Petition (below) to the Mayor office while others protest/rally outside. If you have not singed, please sing here at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stand-by-the-people-of-burma---no-olympics-torch

Date:
Friday March 28, 2007

Time:
2 pm - 4 pm

Location:
Platform between the City Hall and the Civic Center Plaza
(Near Polk Street & McAllister street)

Contact:
(415)420-1504; (415)264-9053

Thanks.

Vote "NO" to Burma's So Called Referendum

Dear all Friends and Comrades:

I would like to express views on "NO Vote or Vote NO".
We should be aware of the SPDC's technicality or trick or trap.

(1) We don't know yet how voting system will be conducted, not even the sample of ballot.

(2) We don't know how the percentage of voters be counted. 50+% registered voters be declered legitimacy of Referendum, and hence 50+% YES or NO Vote decide the fate of proposed Constitution. We don't know yet.

(3) How valid or invalid votes be decided? Transparency is not guranteed yet.

We should be aware that:

(1) It's not like in 1990 Election where every party reps can present at the poll stations. There will only be the SPDC under watched, since SPDC denied UN or international access to the poll stations. Fairness is totally denied.

(2) SPDC will not allow NGO's at poll stations so far, neither NLD reps nor other parties.

(3) Military families shall not be allowed to casted NO vote for sure. It's not like in 1990.

(4) Registered voters count and list is not publisized yet. It also is not released to the public till today.

(5) The list of registered voters is neither handed to any political parties nor to UN & NGOs. In 1990, every parties had the list of registered voters in town.

(6) Today; We are lost in statistics. We all don't have access yet.

Referendum is not only a political issue but also the "Game of Statistics" as well. ie. "Statistic Game" that SPDC has already played for months. I would remind you to focus on digging Statistics in any possible ways.

THEN!! "NO Vote or Vote NO" be decided by the People of Burma. I have total faith in People of Burma.

All the Best
8888 Organizer

"8888 LA Organizer" Group Announcement

Dear "8888 LA Organizers" Group Members and Friends,

We have two issues that need your support and attention:

(1) Protest in San Francisco against Chinese Olympic Torch Relay
- On April 9, 2008 (Wednesday)
- Meet at Vista Point (Marin side) at 9:30 am and
- then walk at 10 am arranged by BADA and USCB.
- SF is the only North American city to host the Relay.
- Whoever want to join this protest please contact us at 714-260-2960 ASAP so that we can arrange for transportation.

(2) Website for "8888 LA Organizer Group"
- We have been communicating with all the members via Yahoo Group.
- It has been pretty efficient.
- However, to reach out more people with our activities, we are planning to create a stand-alone web site.
- We do need a domain name for the site which should include but not limited to such as Burma, Burmese, Democracy, Freedom, movement, action, LA etc. etc.
- The last one we have is "LA Burma Action".
- Please post your favorite domain name at our yahoo group.
- We will go over all the submitted names and pick the best one.

Thank you.

March for Burma (At the Golden Gate Bridge) - Organized by USCB

Date:
- Wednesday, April 9, 2008 (the day the Olympic Torch goes through San Francisco)

Time:
- Gather at 9:30am, Vista Point (Marin side)
- Walk at 10am (rain or shine)

Who:
- Led by Burmese monks and Buddhist clergy, including Jack Kornfield & other senior teachers.

What:
We will walk in peace to support the democracy movement in Burma.
We call on China to reflect the peaceful values of the Olympics by:
-immediately halting arms supplies to Burma
-demonstrating support for a comprehensive UN Security Council arms embargo on Burma.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Why April 9?
- This is the day that San Francisco hosts the Olympic Torch Relay, which is making its way to Beijing to start the Summer Games. San Francisco is the only North American city to host the Relay.

Why China and the Olympics?
- The August 2008 Beijing Olympics are a key opportunity to draw attention to China's role in the suffering of the Burmese people. China is a major supporter of and trading partner with Burma, not only in oil and natural gas but they are the largest single supplier of military goods to Burma. Further, China vetoed a resolution at the United Nations which called for dialogue, national reconciliation and the release of all political prisoners.

Why Burma?
- The monks of Burma are engaged in one of the most visible, potent non-violent revolutions in our time. As concerned people of the (more) free world, we can support this ongoing movement through our actions here. The people of Burma take great strength from our actions and knowing that the international community supports their struggle for basic human rights and democracy.

Details:
This is a permitted walk. Parking is limited in bridge areas and we will have shuttles running from the SF side to Vista Point so that people will only have to walk one way. Wear red! The Bridge has strict rules. All signs must be hand held by one person. No sticks. Signs must be 3 feet by 2 feet at most. No musical instruments, banners, or flags. We can have these things before and after just not while on bridge.

Schedule Details:
8:30
- Park at Battery Park gravel (free) parking lot on southeast side of bridge at Lincoln St. directions below).
- Shuttles will be running across the bridge until 9:15am.

9:30
- We will gather at Vista Point on the Marin side of bridge in front of the flagpole.

9:50
- Move towards the Bridge

10am
- Begin walking.

Sponsored by:
- US Campaign for Burma (USCB),
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship,
- Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA),
- International Burmese Monks Organization Inc. (Sasana Moli),
- Burmese Youth Assoc., & Global Exchange.

Call 707-360-8452 or 510-220-1323 for more information or go to www.bpf.org

Directions to Battery Parking lot:
- This is on east side of Bridge.
- Take Hwy 1 North to the "last SF exit" going towards Marin.
- Pass by paved bridge lot.
- Turn right at stop sign.
- Then left at next stop sign on to Lincoln St. going towards Crissy Field.
- Parking lot is the gravel lot immediately on your left.
- Shuttles will run continuously until 9:30.
- You can also park on the Southwest side of bridge and walk through tunnel to east side.

Public transport:
- 29 & 28 MUNI stop near toll plaza.
- 29 MUNI stops right in front on parking lot.
- All Golden Gate Transit buses going north and south stop at Toll Plaza.

Burma (Arakan State): 1600 Sign Letter Against Government's Harassment of Labour Right Activists

Pic: Forced Labor in Burma

Mar 18, 2008 (DVB)

–About 1600 signatures have been collected from the people of Arakan state for a complaint letter to the International Labour Organization about the government’s increased harassment of labour right activists.

The letter, addressed to the ILO (International Labor Organization) headquarters in Geneva, details the rising number of labour right activists who have been arrested and imprisoned by the military junta, one of the campaign leaders said.

The letter also calls for ILO action against the military government for breaching the agreement recently signed between the regime and the ILO to extend its cooperation on tackling forced labour.

In January this year, residents of Taunggok township in Arakan state collected signatures for a petition to be sent to the ILO to draw attention to forced guard duties imposed on them by local authorities.

Olympic Torch Visit Sparks Controversy in San Fran

The Olympic torch is one of the most recognizable symbols of international unity, but when it passes through San Francisco on the way to Beijing next month, it might spark more controversy than global goodwill.

City leaders organizing the event are keeping secret even the most basic details, including its route and the time it starts, because of fears that protesters critical of the Chinese government will disrupt or stop it.

The city known worldwide for its spirit of protest and dissent has denied permits for demonstrators and plans to restrict them to "free-speech zones." People critical of China's human-rights record and spurred by the recent uprising and subsequent crackdown in Tibet are organizing alternative torch run events and rallies and, despite the restrictions, plan to line the route.

And today, the city's Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution critical of China's human rights record. The resolution urges the public official who represents the city during the ceremonies to "make publicly known that the 2008 Summer Games Torch is received with alarm and protest."

Supervisor Chris Daly, who introduced the resolution, said the magnitude of attention paid to the Olympic Games and the torch relay makes the event the appropriate platform to discuss human rights.

"If someone can look you in the face and tell you the Olympics are limited to the individual competitions that take place, well, that's a good poker player," Daly said.

In the days leading up to the Olympic torch event on April 9 in San Francisco, a Tibetan Freedom Torch and a Human Rights Torch that are traveling around the world will make stops for relays in San Francisco. Organizers expect thousands of people at those events.

Because of the controversy generated by China hosting the Olympics, city officials coordinating the main torch relay event plan to designate areas for people to protest the Chinese government or other issues. The designated "free-speech zones" have been used at large events in other cities but have not had a significant presence in San Francisco.

Daly is critical of those zones and says he might amend his resolution to condemn their use.

"I don't see why we should break from our pattern of how we handle mass protests or demonstrations for China," he said.

Mayor Gavin Newsom said he has "very serious concerns" about the situation in Tibet but said that the city is "privileged" to be the torch's only stop in North America and that the event should rise above political concerns.

"I separate the issue of Tibet ... and the Olympic Games," said Newsom, who added that the Games should be a time "to focus on the things that unite us and not divide us."

A spokesman for the United States Olympic Committee said he could not remember any instances in which protests accompanied the torch as it passed through U.S. cities.

"We absolutely anticipated that (in San Francisco), but that freedom of expression is something we very much stand for as a country," said Darryl Seibel, spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The USOC recommended San Francisco as the city to host the torch because of the city's "wonderful Olympic tradition," many Olympians having lived and trained in the Bay Area, Seibel said. He also noted the city's cultural connections to China and the city's interactions with the committee in previous bids to host the Games.

Protests and alternate events are being strongly condemned by the Chinese Consulate in the city.

Defa Tong, the consulate's spokesman, said in a written statement, "The so-called Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay and Global Human Rights Torch Relay are manipulated by anti-China forces whose motive is to use the human rights and Tibet issues to attack China and disrupt the Beijing Olympic Games."

He called the events "attempts to politicize" the Games and said they violate the Olympic spirit.

Organizers of those events, who have come together and call themselves the "Expose Beijing Coalition," called the argument about politicizing the Olympics "disingenuous."

"Every Olympics has been political," said Giovanni Vassallo, president of the Committee of 100 for Tibet, an international group that believes China is illegally occupying Tibet. The Tibetan Freedom Torch event will be held the day before the Olympic event, and Vassallo said many people plan to protest the Olympic torch outside of the designated zones.

"I'm scratching my head on how the mayor can expect people to only be at the beginning and the end of route and voluntarily go into these zones," said Vassallo, who said actor Richard Gere, a member of the Committee of 100 for Tibet, has committed to attending their event.

Maria Daly, who is coordinating Human Rights Torch events in San Francisco and San Jose, said it is important to put pressure on the Chinese government through protests.

"This is a chance for the city of San Francisco, a city that upholds human rights and is internationally known as a city that upholds human rights ... to stand up and say something," Maria Daly said.

Clampdown: Police in China quell dissent in far-flung towns and villages as protests spread from Tibet to neighboring

The Olympic protests
The major concerns of groups protesting the Olympic torch include:
-- China's presence in Tibet and the recent crackdown on dissenters there;
-- The suppression of the Falun Gong spiritual movement in China;
-- China's policies related to Burma and the Darfur region of Sudan;
-- China's policies toward Taiwan;
-- General lack of freedoms in China, such as expression, assembly and the press.

For more information on the alternative torch runs, which are planned in the days leading up to the April 9 Olympic event, go to www.tibetanfreedomtorch.org and www.humanrightstorch.org

For information on the Olympic torch visit in San Francisco, go to www.sustainablejourney.org

Wyatt Buchanan,
Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle, Page A-1, Wednesday, March 19, 2008
E-mail Wyatt Buchanan at: wbuchanan@sfchronicle.com

Announcement from International Burmese Monks Organization

International Burmese Monks Organization published an announcement to boycott the Burma Military Government's referendum internationally on April 26th 2008 (Saturday). There will also be a meeting/boycott on that day from 1pm to 6pm, at 777 United Nations Plaza in New-York.

For more information, please call:
- (917) 686-1738
- (347) 665-5323
- (716) 512-3801
- (917) 617-7597

Congressman Tom Lantos Memorial Invitation

This is to let you all know about the memorial service on Wednesday evening, March 26th in South San Francisco for Congressman Tom Lantos. Please see the flyer attached above.

Please pass the words to your friends in your organizations who you think might want to attend the memorial for Congressman Lantos, perhaps in relation to human rights and humanitarian causes he supported during his 27 years in the House of Representatives.

Mrs. Annette Lantos, who worked fulltime without pay throughout the years Congressman Lantos was in Congress, helping him develop the work of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, will be present and will be receiving guests after the memorial.

Last but not least, Mr. Lantos was also a very active advocate for our Burma Human Right and Democracy issues.

May he rest in peace.....

Burmese Military Intelligence Arrested Kyaw Ko Ko, Leader of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions

Tue, 2008-03-18 15:26
Bangkok, 18 March, Asiantribune:

Burmese Military Inteligence Unit arrested on 17 March Kyaw Ko Ko, the leader of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, taken away from his hiding place. Earlier, with the help of supporters, Kyaw Ko Ko twice had escaped arrest. Nyan Linn Aung, another ABFSU leader, was also arrested together with Kyaw Ko Ko. It is not known where they were taken.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has expressed concern over the arrest of Kyaw Ko Ko and Nyan Lin Aung. Military authorities are notorious for torturing political prisoners, and often the most severe treatment occurs during the interrogation stage following the arrest.

Background:
Kyaw Ko Ko is a student who is attending in Economic University from Yangon for a master degree. He is 25 years old and a son of U Kyaw Gyi. He is a leader of All Burma Federation of Student Unions which was reestablished on 28 August 2007. Burma’s first student union, the Rangoon University Students’ Union, was founded in 1931 by national independence hero Gen Aung San and his friends.

The group was renamed the All Burma Students’ Union in 1936 before switching to the ABFSU in 1951.Following Gen Ne Win’s military coup in 1962, the office of the ABFSU in Rangoon was demolished and hundreds of students were killed by the army.

During the nationwide pro-democracy 8888 uprising, the ABFSU resurfaced under the leadership of Min Ko Naing and other prominent student leaders on 28 August 1988.
During th Suffaron Revolution.

“Today we reestablish the ABFSU to take on the shifting roles of former students in a new generation to fight for freedom, justice and the building of a democratic country,” Kyaw Ko Ko said on 28 August 2007 when the fighting peacock flag was raised again.

“I hereby encourage all students across the country to accept the shifting responsibilities on behalf of our former brothers and sisters,” he added. The influential All Burma Federation of Student Unions has resumed its struggle against the country’s military government .

“Student unions must exist for the students in Burma,” said Kyaw Ko Ko.

- Asian Tribune -
http://www.asiantribune.com

China's Brutal Crackdowns in Tibet

Dear Burma Supporters,

If you are outraged by the news and images of ongoing brutal crackdowns against monk protesters in Tibet (the same thing you witness last Sept/Oct in Burma), you can help by following the actions outlined below.

Tibet, Burma, Darfur and Funlung Gong activists are jointly pushing for a resolution that will put a major blow to China and its Olympic torch visit to San Francisco on April 9th. We can't let China get away with hosting the world's precious Olympic at the same time committing/causing broad human rights violations in Tibet, China, Burma, Darfur and around the world.

The city has already approved the Burma resolution last October and thanks for all your help then. Now, this will be an important resolution to get passed, and your actions are greatly requested.

Stand up for the powerless and give voice to them.
BADA (Burmese-American Democratic Alliance)
------------ -----

Expose Beijing Coalition Supports SF Board Resolution on Human Rights and The Olympics

Five steps you can take now! Before Thursday!

(1) Below and attached is a Board resolution commending the Tibetan Freedom Torch, Global Human Rights Torch Relay, and generally calling attention to China's role in human rights issues. It has been referred to an unfriendly committee where two of the three members must vote it out to the full Board for their action: Carmen Chu, Jake McGoldrick, and Sean Elsbernd are the three members who must be called now. Those who live or work in their three Districts (see details by control clicking on their names below) will carry greater weight, but all should call on them.

(2) SF residents, please, before March 20th, contact your Supervisor now asking that they support passage of Chris Daly's Resolution Commending Tibetan Freedom Torch and Global Human Rights Torch Relay. Not sure which Supe is yours? Control click on their name and see District definition information

Aaron Peskin*
District 3
* Board President
(415) 554-7450 - voice
(415) 554-7454 - fax
Aaron.Peskin@sfgov.org

Jake McGoldrick
District 1
415) 554-7410 - voice
(415) 554-7415 - fax
Jake.McGoldrick@sfgov.org

Michela Alioto-Pier
District 2
(415) 554-7752 - voice
(415) 554-7843 - fax
Michela.Alioto-Pier@sfgov.org

Carmen Chu
District 4
415) 554-7460 - voice
(415) 554-7432 - fax
Carmen.Chu@sfgov.org

Ross Mirkarimi
District 5
(415) 554-7630 - voice
(415) 554-7634 - fax
Ross.Mirkarimi@sfgov.org

Chris Daly
District 6
chris.daly@sfgov.org or
call our City Hall office 415-554-7970.

Sean Elsbernd
District 7
(415) 554-6516 - voice
(415) 554-6546 - fax
Sean.Elsbernd@sfgov.org

Bevan Dufty
District 8
(415) 554-6968 - voice
(415) 554-6909 - fax
Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org

Tom Ammiano
District 9
(415) 554-5144 - voice
(415) 554-6255 - fax
Tom.Ammiano@sfgov.org

Sophie Maxwell
District 10
415) 554-7670 - voice
(415) 554-7674 - fax
Sophie.Maxwell@sfgov.org

Gerardo Sandoval
District 11
Gerardo.Sandoval@sfgov.org
(415) 554-6975
Fax: (415) 554-6979

(3) Offer very brief statement around 1 p.m. (we can't guarantee the time) on Thursday, March 20th in the Board Chambers of City Hall before the Board's City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee hearing on the resolution. State your District residency or organizational tie;

(4) Attend the press conference at noon with Chris Daly on the steps of City Hall (opposite Civic Center on One Goodlet Place); and

(5) Visit our web site for further actions on April 5th (Union Square), April 8th (Civic Center and Chinese Consulate), and April 9th (tbd).

Burma's Famous Writer, LuDu Sein Win's Speech

(Translation of Ludu U Sein Win’s Speech given on March 9th, 2008)

"Dear friends:

In the history of the World, there’s never been a despot who willingly relinquished the power within his clutch. Hitler had to be overpowered. By the same token, the Philippines’ Marcos and Indonesia’s Suharto had to be forced out.

Nor has there ever been a country that was successfully rescued by the United Nations. So please don’t fantasize—don’t waste time dealing with the Security Council or brokering dialogues.

The Country is hurting; the people are suffering. We’ve endured this regime for nearly half a century. [Our struggle] ought to be brought to a swift end. We already have the power necessary to defeat the regime. It’s People Power. Nothing is more powerful than that.

Last September, during the Saffron Revolution, we showed you the courage of our monks, students, and the public. The voices of those who claimed the people could no longer stir or rise up; those who, based on this notion, advocated dialogues and negotiation in the hope of securing positions and favor for themselves—these voices have been silenced forever.

Friends, this is the critical moment when the tide can turn. The Saffron Revolution made this possible. Its momentum reached worldwide. We must make the most of this chance.

Believe in the Burmese people’s heroism. Believe in People Power. Defeat the Despot with People Power."

Ludu Sein Win (Burma's Famous Writer)
March 3, 2008

UN Human Rights Expert Pinheiro Asks Human Rights Council to Act on Burma

BBC Burmese, 03-14-08

Mr Pinheiro hopes the Human Rights Council will take action on the lack of cooperation of the military government.

Mr Pinheiro said that the lack of information concernig the investigation of the events of September 2007 is a compelling example of the challenges to the promotion and protection of human rights in Burma.

This reflects the lack of significant steps by the Burmese government to implement the requirements set out in Human Rights Council resolution. He said that he hopes the Human Rights Council will take action on the lack of cooperation of the military government.

Mr Pinherio was allowed to visit Burma in November 2007, but he said it was not fully fledged investigation. Since then he has not been granted access to the country for a follow-up mission.

"I don't know. I can't read the thoughts of the government. The only thing that they did is that they have not invited me as the council has proposed. I think that the council must act on this issue", Mr Pihneiro said to the BBC Burmese Service.

The Council should take up the matter and if the Burmese Government does not follow the decision.

8888LAOrganizers: An Honor to Burma's Human Right Day - March 16

This is to invite all of you that my Organization, "8888-LA-Organizers" is organizing a special event to honor Burm's Human Right Day.

It is tomorrow, March 16 2008 (Sunday) at Dhammajoti Meditation Center in Baldwin Park, CA. Here is the detail Info:

What:
Burma's Human Right Day Memorial

Date:
March 16, 2008 (Sunday)

Where:
Dhammajoti Meditation Center
4436, Walnut Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

When:
10am - 3pm

Organizers:
8888-LA-Organizers Group

Everybody(Burmese/Non-Burmese) is invited.
Please join us in our special event for the unforgettable memories of Burma.
Thank you.

Famous Burmese Singer (Sai Htee Saing) Memorial Service

Together with Shan Nationalities residing in Los Angeles, Music Admirers and friends are planning to have Memory Night for our famous singer "Sai-Htee-Saing" scheduled as Below-

Date: March 30- 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location:
Golden Coast Buffet
2223 W. Commonwealth Ave
Alhambra, CA 91803

Direction: Freemont Ave Exit from (10) Freeway. Turn Right on Commonwealth Ave.

ENTRY Fees:
- Adult-$17.00,
- Children $8.30 (Height 4'6" or less)
(The price You paid included Buffet food, Tax & Tips PLUS Room Fee ONLY.)
- Walk In and First Come First Serve.
- Official Entrance Fee collection will be conducted by assigned Shan Nationalities and Restaurent employees.

SHOWs
- Video Documentary by Dr. Sai Htwe Maung - A friend of Sai Htee Saing and a classmate of Dr. Sai Kham Leit at Mandalay Institute of Medicine.

- Burmese Radio Station's (BBC, VOA, RFA, DVB) Announcement Collection with family members voices and famous Burmese singers comment. (by Admirer Team)

- Redezvous Band, Karaoke (Please bring your own VCD)- Sai Htee Saing's Songs ONLY in honor to him. Please keep in mind for time saving and for NO Hassle.

- Recorded Materials shall be sent to Sai Htee Saing's remaining family in Rangoon. (PS: you shall bring some photos with Sai Htee Saing when he was in USA).

On behalf of facilitating members-

Contacts:
626-378-6950 (Cell)
626-448-8019 (Home)
626-258-8913 (Cell) or 626-241-3319

UN Envoy Fails to Meet Burma Head

BBC, 03-10-08

Mr Gambari met Aung San Suu Kyi twice during his visit
The UN special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, has ended his latest visit to the country without meeting military leader Than Shwe.

He did meet detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but requests for talks with top generals were denied. Mr Gambari has been pressing Burma's authorities for political reforms, but with little apparent progress.

Burma has rejected his call for independent observers to monitor a referendum on the new constitution. It also refused to consider changing the constitution to allow Aung San Suu Kyi to take part in proposed elections.

Little progress

This was Mr Gambari's third visit to Burma since September's brutally suppressed pro-democracy marches. He met Aung San Suu Kyi twice, as well as the information minister, Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan, and several junior ministers.

There has been no word as yet on the content of the talks, but analysts say there is likely to have been no significant breakthrough - especially as Mr Gambari was not granted an audience with Than Shwe or other senior officials.

During his trip, Mr Gambari had hoped to discuss the junta's recent announcement that it would hold a referendum in May on its plans to move towards democracy. The process is due to lead to democratic elections in 2010, although opposition groups have cast doubt on whether the government will stick to its pledges.

Pro-democracy activists say the proposals will leave the military largely in power. A quarter of seats in parliament would be reserved for the armed forces under the plans.

After leaving Burma, Mr Gambari flew to Singapore, en route to meeting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Africa to report on his mission.

Burma Generals Reject UN’s Reform Plans

By Amy Kazmin in Bangkok
Financial TImes-Published:
March 10 2008 16:14 |

Ibrahim Gambari, the UN’s special envoy to Burma, left the military-ruled country empty-handed on Monday after the generals rebuffed his proposals for political reform and offers of help for a forthcoming constitutional referendum.
The evident failure of Mr Gambari’s mission – the envoy was not even granted a meeting with the junta’s top leader – leaves the international effort to engage Burma’s generals, and nudge them towards dialogue with opposition forces, in disarray.

“It’s almost a dead end now,” Win Min, a lecturer on Burmese politics at Thailand’s Payap University, said of a UN process that gained urgency after the junta’s bloody crackdown on mass anti-government protests in September.

“The generals were not serious about this UN process from the very beginning,” he said. “They just accepted it because of the pressure from China. It’s becoming more and more clear it was just for public relations.”

During Mr Gambari’s visit – his third since September – Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, the information minister, publicly accused the envoy of “bias” and of exceeding his mandate by conspiring with Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained democracy ­advocate.

Mr Gambari was dispatched to Burma after the crackdown to foster dialogue among the generals, Ms Suu Kyi and ethnic minorities. But the few subsequent meetings between Ms Suu Kyi and a junta “liaison officer” never touched on substantive matters, prompting the Nobel laureate to express her “dissatisfaction” to party colleagues permitted a rare visit in January.

Then last month the regime announced plans for a national referendum in May on a controversial new constitution – which critics say would in effect legalise military rule – followed by general elections in 2010. The generals have made it a crime, punishable by up to three years in prison, to ­criticise the referendum ­publicly.

Mr Gambari proposed that the regime consider amending the draft charter to ensure the interests of the opposition were protected, but Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan ruled out any changes. He also rejected a UN offer of technical advice for the referendum, and the idea of international election observers to monitor the process.

“It appears that the military is not inclined to listen to any of the suggestions from the good offices of the UN to make its process more credible and gain more international legitimacy,” said Shari Villarosa, the US charge d’affairs in Rangoon. “They seem to be rebuffing the good offices of the UN.”

Mark Farmaner, an activist with the Burma Campaign UK, said the failure of Mr Gambari’s mission, the 35th visit to Burma by a UN envoy in years, should persuade the international community to get tougher with the generals. “It’s about time that the UN worked out that this softly-softly approach isn’t working,” he said.

The Financial Times Limited 2008
http://www.ft.com

Burmese Army Regime Attacks Ethnic Minority Villages While UN Envoy Enters Burma

2008-03-09 02:56
Scorched-Earth Terror Campaign Against Civilians Continues
Washington, DC, 09 March, (Asiantribune. com):

The US Campaign for Burma condemned two attacks on ethnic nationality villages carried out by Burma's military regime just two days before the UN Secretary-General' s Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari entered the country. The attacks took place on March 4th, 2008 in the jungles of eastern Burma.

Since 1996, Burma's regime has destroyed 3,200 villages in eastern Burma and forced 1.5 million civilians to flee their homes as internal and external refugees. For context purposes, the number of civilian villages destroyed in eastern Burma is nearly twice the number destroyed in Darfur, Sudan.

"It is awful that as the United Nations envoy to Burma prepared to enter Burma for talks about human rights and democracy the regime carried out attacks on civilians, but even more shameful that the UN has barely lifted a finger to stop the attacks in the first place," said Aung Din, executive director of the US Campaign for Burma. "Because of China's veto and the UN Secretariat' s silence, the UN Security Council has remained paralyzed and the UN makes the same mistakes the world made on Rwanda, yet again."

"We urge the UN Security Council to immediately demand an end to attacks on civilians by Burma's military regime, something it has never once done," added Aung Din.

The most recent attacks took place in Northern Papun district in eastern Burma, in the general vicinity of Maw Pu. According to the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian group that provides food and medicine for refugees, over 1,700 villagers fled after being fired upon by mortars launched by soldiers of the military regime.

In a separate attack, 9 houses were burned while 85 people fled their homes. It is suspected that an additional 400 fled the area as well, who already internal refugees were hiding from the military regime. In total, it is estimated that over 2,200 people were forced to flee.

Since 1996, Burma's military regime has carried out a massive, scorched-earth campaign against civilians in eastern Burma in an attempt to subjugate the area to regime control. The area had been controlled by ethnic nationalities attempting to hold onto their ancestral homelands, but slowly the regime is carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing and asserting control over the resource rich land.

As in Darfur, the regime is targeting food supplies, rice fields, cooking utensils, medical facilities, and schools for attacks so that civilians either die or are forced to flee. The regime also uses rape as a weapon of war against ethnic minority women, and has recruited up to 70,000 child soldiers to carry out attacks, more than any other country in the world.

- Asian Tribune -

Aung San Suu Kyi's Message on Burma's Human Rights Day

National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road Bahan,
Rangoon

Tribute from Aung San Suu Kyi ,
General Secretary of the National League for Democracy
on the 13 March (Burma's Human Rights Day)
on production of the NWE-OO OWAY poster

"I wish to remind the people how it came about that the 13th of March (beginning of summer) is now commemorated as Human Rights Day for Burma- the day when Maung Phone Maw, a Rangoon Institute of Technology student was felled down and died.

When the youths and students came together in 1989, the anniversary of Maung Phone Maw's death, they resolved that they would not let revenge or hatred rule their hearts but would focus on the need for human rights in Burma.

NWE-OO OWAY and untimely death of Maung Phone Maw is a reminder of outstanding contribution made by the students and youth in politics and the revolution. This poster not only depicts the deterioration in human rights but the determination and courage of the youth to renew, restore and revive these human rights.

At this time when human rights are being so strenuously violated, when there is great need for courage and loyalty to the nation, I applaud with pride the NWE-OO OWAY poster that the youth wing of the National League for Democracy has successfully produced."
Aung San Suu Kyi

(Translator explanation- "Nwe-Oo" (poetic language) means commencement of summer. " Oway" is the word used in imitation of the sound made by the peacock, which for the students symbolises their struggle for independence and human rights.)