• HURRAH! WOMAN C-IN-C IN THE OFFING!
• KIA EVACUATES, US, CHINA WANT NEGOTIATIONS!
• NAYPYITAW GETTING TOP PRIZE FOR SMALL SACRIFICE?
• CENSUS IN MARCH!
• WA MISSES OUT ON BEING HOST TO NPT-KIA PEACE TALKS!

Cartoon
Tips for labor minister: How you know you don’t have to be ashamed of doing that?

Think Piece
Pushing together, things can be moved.

President Thein Sein, quoted by Myanmar Post Global, 4 January 2013

If we are not able to act collectively now, we will be destroyed individually.

A participant at the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), 1 January 2013, reported by Bertil Lintner, 10 January 2013

Big gap in Thailand in income
8% of the population 54%
36% of the population 41.2%
56% of the population 4.8%

Bangkok Post, 23 January 2013

If the KIO can’t be extended an olive branch, we should send them bullets instead. How did the Second World War end? Because two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan.

MP Hla Shwe, USDP, Upper House representative, relating his debate in the parliament on 25 January to DVB, 28 January 2013

It is not the name that makes the country; it’s the country that makes the name.

Aung San Suu Kyi, on the on-off going debate on the country’s name, Bangkok Post, 27 January 2013

The money (compensation) is temporary; the loss of land is permanent.

U Thein, whose land in Sagaing was seized, Washington Post, 31 January 2013

Some people say they are willing to give their own land free of charge for national defense. But they cannot bear seizing and using their land for commercial purposes.

Tin Htut, Chairman, commission for investigation into seized farmlands and estate land, Eleven Media Group, 31 January 2013

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The World
20 January 2013

New prime minister Shinzo Abe’s foreign policy includes a new dimension – security and strategic cooperation. Earlier Japan had placed all its eggs in one basket, Asean. That confidence was shattered last July in Phnom Penh. (Kavi Chongkittavorn)

23 January 2013
China and Cambodia sign military aid pact during a visit by, deputy chief of staff of the PLA, Qi Jianguo. The report alarms the region. (Bangkok Post)

24 January 2013

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announces that more than 230,000 battle front posts are now open to women. It overturns 1994 rule prohibiting women from being assigned to smaller ground combat units. Women comprise 14% of the 1.4 million active military personnel. (AP)

30 January 2013
Reporters without Borders (RSF) released media freedom report:
Hong Kong # 58 (down from # 54)
Japan # 53 (down from # 22)
India # 140
Malaysia # 145 (down from # 122
Myanmar # 151 (up from # 179)
Laos # 168
Vietnam # 172
China # 173
North Korea #178
(AFP)

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International Relations
19 January 2013
Opinion survey indicates 53% readers think China should become involved in ethnic conflict in northern Burma. (Global Times / Irrawaddy)

19 January 2013

President Thein Sein meets visiting Chinese special envoy Fu Ying and a high ranking military delegation led by Qi Jianguo, new Deputy Chief of Staff of PLA in Rangoon. The two sides “agreed to protect peace and stability in the Sino-Burmese border areas,” according to Chinese foreign ministry statement. (Irrawaddy) It is billed as the first Strategic Security Consultation by Xinhua. (Mizzima)

20 January 2013
Government and donor countries, aid agencies and international development banks, meeting at Myanmar Development Cooperation Forum, sign Naypyitaw Accord. It lists a number of obligations for both the government and donors. It does not make any specific mention of the role of the ethnic groups, other than stipulating that the government would provide “a greater voice to women, minority and marginalized people.” (Irrawaddy)

21-22 January 2013

Indian defense minister A.K. Antony visiting Burma for defense cooperation and capacity building measures for Burmese armed forces, reports The Time of India. (Mizzima)

24 January 2013
Aung San Suu Kyi flies to Hawaii to accept a peace award. (AP)

25 January 2013

Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Oslo for a Nobel seminar. (Norway Post)

25 January 2013

Rita Subowo, chairwoman of Indonesia Olympic Committee, says tennis, gymnastic, and badminton have been dropped by the Burmese host for the December 11 SEA Games. They have been replaced with 14 traditional sports, 8 exclusively played in Burma. (Jakarta Globe/Mizzima)

26 January 2013

Speaking at East-West Center in Hawaii, Aung San Suu Kyi is “hopeful the parliament will approve constitutional revisions even though the army controls a vital number of seats.” (AFP)

29 January 2013
Authorities in Toungoo apprehends a French “supporter of peace” as he walks alongside peace marchers who set off from Rangoon on 21 January. (Mizzima)

30 January 2013
A Japanese embassy statement says it is canceling $ 3.58 billion in debt owed by Burma to encourage reforms. Burma accumulated $ 11.01 billion in foreign debt ($ 8.4 billion during BSPP days and $ 2.61 billion during SLORC/SPDC days). (AP)

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Thai-Burma Relations
13 January 2013

Jarupong Ruangsuwan, Minister of Interior, visits Mae La refugee camp in Tha Song Yang district, urges NGOs to continue supporting refugees. According to Mae La camp committee, Thai officials know it will need more time before refugees can be sent back. They want refugees to learn and gain livelihood skills while living here. (KIC)

18 January 2013
The Burmese government will start issuing temporary passports to illegal workers in Thailand, 15 February-15 May, in 10 centers, including Chiangmai. (Embassy statement)

21 January 2013
Thai cabinet gives nod to Mae Sot special economic zone. (Bangkok Post)

29 January 2013
Speaking at a labor seminar held in Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies, researcher Premjai Wangsiripaisarn says high wages in Thailand are likely to keep the majority of Myanmar migrant workers here over the next 3 years. (Bangkok Post)

30 January 2013

Lt Gen Tarnchiyan Srisuwan, director of Joint Operations of Supreme Command, says Burma, with two officers, will be among 101 countries to observe Cobra Gold exercises, 11-21 February in Chiangmai. (Bangkok Post)

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Politics/ Inside Burma
21 January 2013
A pilot census will take place, 30 March-10 April. (Mizzima)

22 January 2013
President Thein Sein agrees to amend constitutional tribunal law after rejection by parliament’s majority party, USDP. The proposed changes will give parliament greater influence over the tribunal but criticized for violating the 2008 constitution and the independence of the judiciary. Thein Sein had suggested amendment of the constitution, but was overruled last week. (DVB)

28 January 2013

USDP senior official Htay Oo says former supreme Than Shwe is in good health and follows politics in Burma. He denies Than Shwe “does things behind the scenes.” (Irrawaddy)

29 January 2013
Government ends 25 year old Order # 2/88 issued on the day the military took power banning gathering of 5 or more people. Peaceful Assembly law implemented in December 2011. Organizers however must obtain permission in advance. (AP)

31 January 2013
Parliament approves appointment of Irrawaddy Region speaker Hsan Hsint as new religious minister. (DVB)

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Ethnic Affairs
11-14 January 2013
Unity meeting among Arakan groups held in Chiangmai. A 6-point accord reached and a joint committee to work for building national unity formed. (Narinjara)

21 January 2013
In response to Mon National Day executive committee chairman Nai Tin Aung’s statement that government officials who wanted to join the committee must submit a formal request, Mon State Government decided not to pursue involvement in the preparations. Mon National Day falls on 16 February. (IMNA)

22 January 2013
DKBA leader Saw La Bwe meets Naypyitaw negotiator U Aung Min in Myawaddy. It agrees to return some 50 firearms, seized from the BGF during a clash on 5 January.

25 January 2013
Upper House passes proposal calling for the government to adopt “firm principles for building mutual understanding” with KIO. The proposal will now head to the lower house for approval. (DVB)

29 January 2013
Press release by defense ministry says international organizations, embassies and media have been “fabricating news”. The army had halted “regional clearance operations” since 19 January. It had only been “reacting” against KIA attack. (Irrawaddy)

30 January 2013
UWSA spokesman Aung Myint “confirms”, following agreement by Naypyitaw two days earlier, KIO/KIO has accepted its 24 January proposal to meet in Panghsang. KIO spokesman James Lumdau however cannot confirm when or where it would take place. U Aung Min announced on 27 January that he would go anywhere for peace talks, according to his close aide Hla Maung Shwe. (Irrawaddy/DVB)

30 January 2013
The UNFC is tipped to meet with the Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) in Thailand come February. (DVB)

31 January 2013
Presidential spokesman Ye Htut confirms peace talks will take place in Panghsang. (VOA)

31 January 2013

Marking 64th anniversary of Karen revolution, KNU Vice Chairwoman Zipporah Sein says “we are only in the middle of our journey.” Chairman Mutu Saypoe also says it has yet to reach “the stage of a firm ceasefire. The code of conduct is still not in place.” (Irrawaddy)

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Shans/ Shan State
27 January 2013
Chinese embassy spokesman Gao Mingbo says allegations that his country is equipping Wa army are “ill founded and misguided.” (Mizzima/Irrawaddy)

16-19 January 2013
Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) holds annual meeting. Declares continued engagement with Naypyitaw “to resolve political problems by political means.” (SHAN)

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Economy/ Business
21 January 2013
The trans-Burma oil and gas pipelines are expected to be completed on 30 May, according to contractor Gao Jianguo. They could begin operating in early June, he says. (Xinhua/ Mizzima)

21 January 2013
More than 1 million tourists flocked to Burma in 2012, compared to 816,000 in 2011. Income also records 67% increase: $ 534 million compared with $ 319 million in 2011. (CNN)

22 January 2013
Myanmar Mining Summit # 2 opens in Rangoon, made up of local and international members of the industry. (Mizzima)

23 January 2013
China-border trade in Muse reached $ 280 million last month: $ 105 million imports and $ 173 million exports, according to Soe Aung, deputy director of border trade department. (Mizzima)

23 January 2013
Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) says 5 more Japanese visited Naypyitaw last week: Oshimaya (textile), ASMO (auto parts), Marubeni (power plant), JFE (manufacturing) and METACC (iron and steel). (Eleven Media Group)

24 January 2013
Unemployment rate in Burma is about 37%, according to Lower House planning and finance development committee, headed by U Soe Tha. Its study also found dire poverty in the following states and regions:
Chin        73%
Rakhine    44%
Shan        33%
Irrawaddy    32%
Magwe        27%
Mandalay    27%
National average    26%
(Eleven Media)

28 January 2013
The Paris Club, grouping of creditor nations including France, Germany and the US, agrees to relieve Burma of half the arrears it owes, $ 2.2 billion in debt. Earlier announcement says the fledgling economy will start clearing $ 1 billion in arrears to the World Bank and ADB, financed by a loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation. With further concessions from Japan canceled half of its $ 6 billion debt and Norway, which canceled $ 534 million in arrears, the country is effectively relieved of more than 60% of its foreign debt. (Wall Street Journal)

30 January 2013
L&T announces signing of $ 100 million contract with Malaysia’s Petronas to execute off shore oil and gas project in Burma. (Mizzima)

31 January 2013
Credit card giant Visa announces its first credit card payment at the Green Elephant Restaurant in Rangoon. (Wall Street Journal)

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Human Rights
20 January 2013
Yunnan province’s Yinjiang County has set aside 21 medical staff, 5 ambulances, tents, food and cooking oil to provide assistance for any potential Kachin refugees. (China News Service)

21 January 2013
Monks and activists start 1,300 km peace march from Rangoon to Laiza. (AFP)

22 January 2013
A group of Burmese journalists visiting Laiza hand delivers Aung San Suu Kyi’s statement addressing directly to Kachin women refugees. She pledges to work closely with them toward peace. (VOA/KNG)

24 January 2013
Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (PSRD), inactive since August 2012, officially dissolved. (Bangkok Post)

25 January 2013
Activists gather in front of US and Chinese consulates in Chiangmai to call for international pressure on Burma’s government to end the war in Kachin State. Upper House MP Hla Swe, a former military commander, also criticized for saying Burma should follow US and Sri Lanka examples during WW II and Tamil Tiger war respectively “if it wants to lay the groundwork for lasting peace.” (Irrawaddy)

25 January 2013

US Ambassador to Thailand David Robinson visits Mae La and tells refugees US resettlement program will stop on 5 June. (KIC)

28 January 2013
A group of 1,390 Rohingya refugees will be allowed to stay for another 6 months, until Thailand, Burma and other countries agree on what to do with them. (Bangkok Post)

29 January 2013
More than 2,000 activists and local residents gather near Lepadaung copper mine to demand authorities to take action against those responsible for violent crackdown on protestors on 29 November. (Irrawaddy)

30 January 2013
Human rights lawyers say, residue inside a metal canister found at Letpadaung contained high levels of phosphorus. In war it is usually used as smoke screen or incendiary weapon. It is not considered a CW under 1993 convention but banned from uses that “cause death or harm”. American lawyer Roger Normand says a report will be released in a few days. (NY Times)

30 January 2013
Vice Quartermaster General Maj Gen Min Naing, during a meeting with the commission for investigation into seized farmlands and estate land, say the defense services have paid $ 1.16 million in compensation for 1,951.9 acres seized land, and will continue to pay for other seized lands. (Eleven Media)

31 January 2013
State media issues public apology for mistakenly using a photo from Air Bagan plane crash into a motorcyclist on Christmas Day as evidence of a mine attack by Kachin rebels. It is however not published in the English edition of New Light. (DVB)

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Drugs
24 January 2013
A total of 7.3 tons of heroin, 16.2 tons of meth, 4.7 tons of Ketamine and more than 5,800 tons of chemical agents confiscated last year, according to the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. (Xinhua)

31 January 2013
Police say it has destroyed 125 acres of poppy fields in Kachin State and 1.3 acres in Ngaphe township, Magwe Region. There are poppy fields in Kachin’s Waing Maw, Danai and Putao townships. Altogether it has reportedly destroyed 72,503.05 acres. (Myit Makha Media Group)

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War
19-20 January 2013

Heavy fighting in Kachin. Government forces have stopped airstrikes but continue to pound rebels with rocket-propelled grenades, artillery and ground troops. (NY Times)

19 January 2013
The government should forbid the army from spending any more money on fighting in Kachin State, urges Nang Raw, program director of Nyein Foundation, to President Thein Sein at a government organized event in Rangoon. The president promises to “work for a nationwide ceasefire and for political dialogue.” (Irrawaddy)

21 January 2013
Once the Burmese control the Kachin, the next target will be the Wa, a local Wa source told Chinese Shanzhon TV on 9 September 2012. (Irrawaddy)

22 January 2013
Burma’s military launches English-language version of its Myawady newspaper. (Irrawaddy)

22 January 2013
A KNLA soldier ambushed by 20 Karen BGF Battalion # 1014 in Pa-an. He and a civilian wounded. The KNLA lodges complaint with Burma Army in Papun. No response, says KNLA. (KIC)

23 January 2013
A draft copy of Canberra’s 2013 defense white paper reveals defense relations with Burma may be restored. Final version will be released by mid-year. (The Australian)

24 January 2013
16 88 Generation Student activists, including Ko Ko Gyi, returned from a study tour of the Philippines earlier this week after a 5 day trip on the Philippine armed forces working for peace. (Eleven Media)

24 January 2013
ILO’s Rangoon liaison officer Steve Marshall says 8 underage recruits held as prisoners of war were released by KIA. (Mizzima)

26 January 2013
Hka Ya Bhum, KIA outpost near Laiza, falls. (Agencies)

28 January 2013
Burma Army allegedly used cluster bombs for the first time yesterday on KIA positions, charges a KIA major. Burma is not signatory to International Convention on Cluster Munitions Neither are China, India, Russia and US. (KNG)

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