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.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
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/
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/
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Friday, April 11, 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
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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).
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.
---------
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.
---------
Monday, April 7, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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)
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)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, March 31, 2008
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)
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)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pelosi Statement on 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
Press ReleaseFor 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."
Saturday, March 29, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, March 28, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"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.
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.
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