16 JUNE 2017
Yangon Court Releases Myanmar Satire Columnist Detained Under Controversial Law
A Myanmar court in Yangon on Friday released a detained satire columnist of an independent newspaper after the publication’s top editor testified that he was solely responsible for an article that allegedly insulted the armed forces under a controversial telecommunications law
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/yangon-court-releases-myanmar-satire-columnist-detained-under-controversial-law-06162017161031.html
24 MAY 2017
Aung San Suu Kyi Opens Second Round of Myanmar Peace Talks
The second round of peace talks under Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, called “21st Century Panglong”, commenced in the capital Naypyitaw Wednesday amid a cloud of frustration over the lack of progress made since the first conference held under her leadership in August
http://www.voanews.com/a/aung-san-suu-kyi-opens-second-round-myanmar-peace-talks/3868567.html
http://www.atimes.com/article/peace-process-pieces-myanmar/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170524_29/
18 MAY 2017
Myanmar’s army sues journalists for satirical article
Myanmar’s military on Wednesday sued two local journalists using a controversial censorship law over an article they wrote criticising the top brass as fears grow over curbs on press freedom
http://www.mizzima.com/news-domestic/myanmar%E2%80%99s-army-sues-journalists-satirical-article
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/26031-the-voice-daily-chief-editor-writer-face-defamation-suit.html
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burma-army-files-article-66d-lawsuit-satirical-piece.html
30 DECEMBER 2016
Nobel laureates slam Suu Kyi over Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis, call for UN intervention
More than a dozen Nobel laureates on Thursday urged the United Nations to “end the human crisis” of Myanmar’s Rohingya minority group, whose members have been fleeing to Bangladesh to escape a bloody military crackdown that has killed at least 86 people
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2058191/nobel-laureates-slam-suu-kyi-over-myanmars-rohingya-crisis
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38470232
19 DECEMBER 2016
ASEAN meeting on Rohingya ‘genocide’ ends with humanitarian access promise
Myanmar has agreed to grant “necessary humanitarian access” to the troubled Rakhine State, after a rare intervention from South-East Asian countries
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-20/asean-meeting-on-rohingyas-secures-humanitarian-access-promise/8133666?section=world
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/asean-offers-myanmar-humanitarian-assistance-for-rakhine/3379138.html
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/12/rohingya-violence-burmese-army-true-suu-kyi-failed-report/
30 NOVEMBER 2016
Myanmar’s ongoing great power balancing act
Donald Trump’s recent victory calls into question Washington’s commitment to its current engagement strategy, let alone the ‘rebalance’. Even with its new civilian leadership, Myanmar is unlikely to move headlong into a new dependence relationship with the West, geopolitically or otherwise
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/11/30/myanmars-ongoing-great-power-balancing-act/
21 NOVEMBER 2016
‘Mass destruction’ of ethnic Rohingya villages underway in Burma, human rights group warns
New satellite imagery from Burma’s western Rakhine state reveals mass destruction in ethnic Rohingya villages, said Human Rights Watch on Monday, calling for an urgent United Nations investigation into alleged abuses
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/21/mass-destruction-of-ethnic-rohingya-villages-underway-in-burma-h/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38049106
15 NOVEMBER 2016
Burma Army Says 86 Killed in Fighting in Arakan State
As many as 69 members of what Burma’s government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group and 17 security forces have been killed in a recent escalation of fighting in northwestern Arakan State, the army said on Tuesday
http://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burma-army-says-86-killed-in-fighting-in-arakan-state.html
2 NOVEMBER 2016
Japan competes with China for Myanmar influence with 800 billion yen (7,73 US $) aid deal
Japan will provide aid worth 800 billion yen (US$7.73 billion) to Myanmar over five years as it competes for regional influence with the country’s biggest trading partner China
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2042380/japan-competes-china-myanmar-influence-800-billion-yen-aid-deal
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161102_34/
19 OCTOBER 2016
India and Myanmar agree to closely coordinate with each other on border security while Prime Minister Modi offers economic support
India and Myanmar on Wednesday agreed to closely coordinate with each other on border security while Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to help develop Myanmar
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/india-myanmar-to-closely-coordinate-on-border-security-1.1915392
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161019_36/
10 OCTOBER 2016
In Myanmar, Rakhine border raids kill nine police officers
Nine Myanmar police officers were killed in coordinated attacks by insurgents on posts along the border with Bangladesh early yesterday, an official and police said
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/22992-rakhine-border-raids-kill-nine-police-officers.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/attack-kills-myanmar-police-bangladesh-border-161010132157512.html
8 OCTOBER 2016
US lifts sanctions on Myanmar but vows to keep pushing for democratic reform and human rights
US President Barack Obama has lifted sanctions on Myanmar and pledged to assist the country’s civilian government led by de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in carrying on its efforts for political reform and broad-based economic growth
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2026300/us-lifts-sanctions-myanmar-vows-keep-pushing-democratic
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-08/us-lifts-economic-sanctions-on-myanmar/7915136
4 OCTOBER 2016
The US, Myanmar and the dragon in the background
Moves by the Obama administration to soften sanctions and reward Myanmar’s progress to democracy, while welcome, are not enough to meet the country’s economic growth needs, giving China a strategic advantage, Monish Tourangbam and Pawan Amin write.
http://www.newmandala.org/us-myanmar-dragon-background/
18 SEPTEMBER 2016
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi gets Harvard humanitarian award
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been honoured as the 2016 humanitarian of the year by students and faculty at the Harvard Foundation
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2020415/nobel-laureate-aung-san-suu-kyi-gets-harvard-humanitarian
14 SEPTEMBER 2016
Obama Pledges to Lift All Sanctions Against Myanmar
President Obama pledged on Wednesday to lift all remaining sanctions against Myanmar, seeking to reward the country’s recent moves toward democracy after decades of brutal military rule
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/world/asia/myanmar-obama.html?ref=asia&_r=0
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/obama-vows-to-lift-myanmar-sanctions-as-suu-kyi-visits/3127248.html
10 SEPTEMBER 2016
China eyes closer military ties with Myanmar
China’s military wants to strengthen ties with neighbouring Myanmar by having more exchanges and greater cooperation, a top officer told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a visit to the Southeast Asian country
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-eyes-closer-military-ties-myanmar
http://www.ecns.cn/military/2016/09-10/225992.shtml
31 AUGUST 2016
Historic peace conference begins in Myanmar
Peace talks between Myanmar’s government and warring ethnic minorities kicked off Wednesday in a bid to end decades of conflict that have claimed thousands of lives and kept the country mired in poverty
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/myanmar-panglong-peace-summit-kicks-off/
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160831_31/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/peace-vital-to-building/3089780.html
29 AUGUST 2016
India, Myanmar join hands to fight border insurgency
India and Myanmar have agreed to continue efforts to combat insurgent activities in the border areas and infuse new energy into a much- delayed highway project during Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw’s visit to India.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/india-myanmar-join-hands-to-fight-border-insurgency
http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/together-we-fight-terr
19 AUGUST 2016
China’s Xi Jinping Pledges Support for Myanmar’s Peace Process
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi received a pledge of support from Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday in Beijing an upcoming peace conference that will bring together Myanmar government representatives, the national military, and armed ethnic groups
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/chinas-xi-jinping-pledges-support-for-myanmars-peace-process-08192016155956.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160819_06/
13 JULY 2016
Burmese Buddhist leaders against anti-Muslim Ma Ba Tha movement
For the first time, the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee openly disavows the extremist group. In a statement, Buddhist leaders say they never supported the ideas and statements by ultra-nationalists. For a Ma Ba Tha spokesman, the group is a voluntary organisation that does not require anyone’s approval
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Burmese-Buddhist-leaders-against-anti-Muslim-Ma-Ba-Tha-movement-38032.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/myanmars-top-monks-parry-claims-of-buddhist-hardliners-amid-surge-in-sectarian-violence
7 JULY 2016
Mixed reviews on Myanmar government’s first 100 days
July 7 marked the 100th day in office for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD) government. The cabinet, led by State Counsellor, foreign minister and de facto leader of the nation Aung San Suu Kyi, has focused largely on trying to end armed conflicts in Myanmar and establishing a stronger rule of law
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/mixed-reviews-on-myanmar/2939194.html
7 JUNE 2016
Myanmar BBC reporter gets jail, hard labor
A BBC reporter in Myanmar has been jailed for three months with hard labor after being convicted of assaulting a police officer while covering a student protest, his lawyer said Tuesday.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-06/07/content_15445807.html
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/mandalay-upper-myanmar/20701-bbc-reporter-jailed-for-assaulting-police-officer.html
8 APRIL 2016
Myanmar: New Suu Kyi government releases 69 prisoners
A Myanmar court has freed 69 jailed students in the first wave of detainee releases after Aung San Suu Kyi pledged that the release of activists and political prisoners would be the first priority of her new government
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-04-08/myanmar-court-frees-student-activists-after-aung-san-suu-kyi-pledge/1567492
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-government-releases-69-prisoners-160408094045351.html
http://www.euronews.com/2016/04/08/dozens-of-political-prisoners-released-in-myanmar/
6 APRIL 2016
China pledges support for new Myanmar government
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged Beijing’s support for Myanmar’s new government after holding talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that touched on China’s sometimes controversial investment projects, including the suspended Myitsone dam.
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/19857-china-pledges-support-for-new-myanmar-government.html
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-04/06/c_135255773.htm
4 APRIL 2016
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi drops two ministerial jobs, takes on spokeswoman role
Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi has dropped plans to run two major ministries but will act as spokeswoman for the country’s new president, a ruling party official said
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-drops-two-ministerial-jobs-takes-spokeswoman-role
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160404_27/
30 MARCH 2016
Htin Kyaw sworn in as Myanmar’s first elected civilian president in décades
Mr Htin Kyaw, the man chosen by Aung San Suu Kyi to serve as her proxy, was sworn in as Myanmar’s president on Wednesday (March 30), becoming the country’s first civilian leader after decades of military rule since 1962
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/htin-kyaw-sworn-in-as-myanmars-first-elected-civilian-president-in-decades
http://www.voanews.com/content/myanmar-swears-in-first-civilian-head-of-state-since-1962/3260795.html
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/19730-transcript-president-u-htin-kyaw-s-inaugural-address.html
http://www.irrawaddy.com/burma/the-faces-of-the-next-five-years-burmas-sworn-in-leadership.html
25 MARCH 2016
The Yangon Stock Exchange opens doors for first day of trading
The Yangon Stock Exchange is scheduled to come to life at 9:30 this morning when First Myanmar Investment shares become free to trade electronically, following a pre-launch lockdown during which even the FMI public relations team was turned away.
http://www.sltrib.com/home/3705479-155/yangon-stock-exchange-opens-for-business
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/19653-ysx-opens-doors-for-first-day-of-trading.html
22 MARCH 2016
Aung San Suu Kyi to be nominated to Burmese cabinet as foreign minister
Aung San Suu Kyi will be foreign minister in Burma’s first civilian government for decades, her party said on Tuesday, giving the democracy champion a formal post despite being blocked from the presidency.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/12200741/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-Cabinet-nominated-Burma.html
http://www.dw.com/en/myanmars-president-elect-nominates-suu-kyi-to-cabinet/a-19132857
15 MARCH 2016
Myanmar elects Htin Kyaw as first civilian president in decades
Myanmar’s parliament has elected Htin Kyaw as the country’s next president, the first civilian leader after more than 50 years of military rule.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35808921
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/nay-pyi-taw/19423-u-htin-kyaw-from-computer-science-grad-to-nld-loyalist.html
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/htin-kyaw-suu-kyis-schoolfriend-myanmars-proxy-president
13 MARCH 2016
Myanmar army frees 46 child soldiers: state media
Myanmar’s powerful military releases 46 child soldiers from service, state media reports, the latest move towards ending a scourge that has long beset the nation.
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-03-13/myanmar-army-frees-46-child-soldiers-state-media/1558258
10 MARCH 2016
NLD names U Htin Kyaw for president
U Htin Kyaw has been named as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s candidate for the presidency, ending four months of uncertainty following the landslide election victory of her National League for Democracy
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/19403-nld-names-u-htin-kyaw-for-presiden.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35770535
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/12189606/Who-is-poised-to-be-Burmas-new-president-The-rise-of-Aung-San-Suu-Kyis-former-driver-and-loyal-aide.html
1 MARCH 2016
Burmese ‘Gypsy Writer’ Maung Tha Ya Dies At 86
Renowned Burmese writer Maung Tha Ya, author of over 60 books, passed away at age 86 in the US on Monday
http://www.irrawaddy.com/burma/burmese-gypsy-writer-maung-tha-ya-dies-at-86.html
25 FEBRUARY 2016
Myanmar government and signatory armed groups agree to prevent further clashes
The Myanmar government, eight signatory ethnic armed groups and civil society groups have agreed to seek ways to prevent further clashes, an official report said Thursday, quoting a statement from the Joint Cease fire Monitoring Committee (JCMC)http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/myanmar-government-eight-ethnic-armed-groups-agree-prevent-further-clashes
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/19161-military-sends-warning-to-shan-palaung-armies.html
17 FEBRUARY 2016
Myanmar rebels continue fight despite ceasefire deal
As a large number of rebel groups continue fighting in northern states, communities are being torn apart
http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/asia/2016/02/myanmar-rebels-continue-fight-ceasefire-deal-160217144556153.html
9 FEBRUARY 2016
The Rohingya issue is more than a humanitarian crisis
With a new parliament sworn in and the date for selecting a new president fast approaching, Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD) is now tasked with laying the foundation for the country’s democratic development. At the heart of this challenge lies curbing religious extremism and integrating the Muslim Rohingya minority into Burmese society
http://www.fairobserver.com/region/asia_pacific/rohingya-issue-humanitarian-crisis-43405/
8 FEBRUARY 2016
Myanmar presidential nominees to be named March 17
The cut off point for presidential candidate proposals will be March 17, Win Khaing Than, the speaker of Myanmar’s combined houses of parliament told lawmakers Monday.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/myanmar-presidential-nominees-named-march-17-093558768.html
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-02-08/myanmar-presidential-vote-to-begin-on-march-17-as-transition-talks-between-aung-san-suu-kyi-military/1545150
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/02/aung-san-suu-kyi-burmese-presidency/
5 FEBRUARY 2016
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi names former general to head key advisory panel
Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party on Friday nominated Shwe Mann, one of the country’s most powerful politicians, to head a prominent legal advisory panel, as the freshly-elected parliament prepares to choose a new president.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/suu-kyi-names-former-general-head-key-advisory-panel
1 FEBRUARY 2016
Historic day in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party takes power
Myanmar’s parliament dominated by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party on Monday began a new and historic session that will install the country’s first democratically elected government in more than 50 years
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35456982
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/myanmar-era-parliament-holds-historic-session-160201043336484.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/31/asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-nld/index.html
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-02-01/aung-san-suu-kyis-prodemocracy-mps-take-their-seats-in-myanmars-parliament/1542366
22 JANUARY 2016
In Myanmar, 52 political prisoners released in amnesty
More than 50 political prisoners, including one New Zealander, have walked free from prisons across Myanmar today, in a presidential amnesty for over 100 inmates
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/18625-52-political-prisoners-released-in-surprise-amnesty.html
http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/22/myanmar-begins-releasing-political-prisoners/
8 JANUARY 2016
China frets over relations with Myanmar
China is clearly anxious over the trajectory of relations with Myanmar, concerned that a West-ward shift in policy under President U Thein Sein will go even further in that direction under the new government to be led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/18379-china-frets-over-relations-with-myanmar.html
28 DECEMBER 2015
Burma activist jailed for six months for mocking military junta
A political activist in Burma has been jailed for six months for a social media post mocking the country’s powerful military establishment, in the latest sign of a renewed crackdown on free speech as the country struggles to chart a new democratic course
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/12071449/Burma-activist-jailed-for-six-months-for-mocking-military-junta.html
18 DECEMBER 2015
What’s Next for U.S. Policy toward Myanmar?
The resounding victory of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party is an outcome many in the United States had long wanted to see. But rather than being an end goal in itself, the election results signaled the start of a more challenging process and have taken Myanmar into completely uncharted territory
http://cogitasia.com/whats-next-for-u-s-policy-toward-myanmar/
9 DECEMBER 2015
Washington cuts sanctions on Myanmar ahead of democratic transition
The US has temporarily lifted certain trade sanctions on Myanmar, aiming to reinvigorate trade and support a peaceful political transition after a historic victory by democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party in November elections
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/washington-cuts-sanctions-myanmar-ahead-democratic-transition
13 NOVEMBER 2015
Myanmar election results: Suu Kyi’s NLD wins landslide victory
With more than 80% of contested seats now declared, Aung San Suu Kyi’s party has more than the two-thirds it needs to choose the president, ending decades of military-backed rule
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34805806
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/13/asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-historic-win/index.html
11 NOVEMBRE 2015
Myanmar president and army chief congratulate Suu Kyi
Myanmar President Thein Sein and the country’s powerful army chief have congratulated opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as her party continued to steam towards victory in the country’s historic élections
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/myanmar-president-promises-peaceful-transfer-power-151111091302625.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-s-army-chief/2253566.html
8 NOVEMBER 2015
Polling peaceful in Myanmar’s first free election in 25 years
Voting unfolded smoothly in Myanmar on Sunday with no reports of violence to puncture a mood of jubilation marking the Southeast Asian nation’s first free nationwide election in 25 years, its biggest stride yet in a journey to democracy from dictatorship
http://atimes.com/2015/11/polling-peaceful-in-myanmars-first-free-election-for-25-years/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34756381
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/voting-ends-myanmar-parliamentary-election-151108090030043.html
2 NOVEMBER 2015
7 things you may not know about Burma’s historic élections
Burma will vote on November 8 in its first national elections since a civilian government was introduced in 2011, ending nearly 50 years of military rule. Here are seven factors at play in the pending elections that may surprise readers
http://asiancorrespondent.com/2015/11/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-burmas-historic-elections/
26 OCTOBER 2015
Exclusive: ‘Strong evidence’ of genocide in Myanmar
Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit has uncovered what amounts to “strong evidence” of a genocide coordinated by the Myanmar government against the Rohingya people, according to an assessment by Yale University Law School
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/exclusive-strong-evidence-genocide-myanmar-151024190547465.html
15 OCTOBER 2013
Burma signs ceasefire deal with eight rebel factions
Myanmar’s government and eight smaller ethnic rebel armies signed a ceasefire agreement to end more than six decades of fighting, but other more powerful groups refused to come on board, signaling that peace will remain elusive.
http://www.france24.com/en/20151015-burma-myanmar-government-ceasefire-rebels
http://www.euronews.com/2015/10/15/myanmar-s-president-hails-ceasefire-deal-with-rebels-as-historic/
14 OCTOBER 2015
Myanmar activist arrested over Facebook post on military
A female Myanmar opposition activist has been arrested over a satirical Facebook post about the military, officials said on Wednesday (Oct 14), in the latest crackdown against free speech in the country
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-activist-arrested/2192694.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/729936/myanmar-activist-arrested-over-facebook-post-on-military
20 SEPTEMBER 2015
Myanmar approves ‘discriminatory’ marriage bill
Myanmar’s president has signed a law requiring Buddhist women to seek permission before marrying outside their faith. Parliament passed the bill in July despite criticism that it discriminates against religious minorities and encourages anti-Muslim sentiment
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/myanmar-approves-discriminatory-marriage-bill-150920075228353.html
28 AUGUST 2015
Myanmar parliament suspended ahead of crunch polls
The combined houses of parliament will reconvene only after the November 8 vote, the first nationwide poll in a quarter of a century to be contested by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s hugely popular National League for Democracy (NLD)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-parliament/2083362.html
20 AUGUST 2015
Myanmar approves controversial religion bills
The bills regulating religious conversion and polygamy were approved by parliament on Thursday, according to a spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition, who said his party had voted against the proposed legislation over fears that it was detrimental to human rights
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-approves/2064264.html
13 AUGUST 2015
Shwe Mann ousted as head of Burma’s ruling party in ‘internal coup’
Myanmar President Thein Sein has moved to consolidate his power in the country’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) by forcing out his chief rival Shwe Mann as party chairman, months ahead of a November general election
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/shwe-mann-sacked-as-party-chief-in-power-struggle-with-thein-sein.html
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/15976-security-forces-surround-usdp-meet.html
http://cogitasia.com/shwe-manns-fall-from-power-a-mixed-blessing-for-myanmar/
21 JULY 2015
Myanmar editors fined for insulting president
A Myanmar court on Tuesday fined two editors of a weekly newspaper 1 million kyat (US$809) each after finding them guilty of violating the country’s media laws by insulting the president
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/631140/myanmar-editors-fined-for-insulting-president
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33618558
13 JULY 2015
Myanmar’s president Thein Sein will not run for second term, his office says
Myanmar president Thein Sein decides not to run in a parliamentary election scheduled for November 8, a senior official from his office says, meaning he will not be eligible for a second term as head of state
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-07-14/myanmars-president-thein-sein-will-not-run-for-second-term-his-office-says/1469508
Analysis: Why Burma’s election will be neither free nor fair
Burmese President Thein Sein will do his best to hold a free and fair election on November 8, but however hard he tries this election will not deliver democracy
http://asiancorrespondent.com/134120/why-burmas-election-will-neither-be-free-nor-fair/
8 JULY 2015
Myanmar general election set for Nov 8
Myanmar officials on Wednesday announced November 8 as the date for a historic general election set to be the first contested by Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition in a quarter of a century
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/617084/myanmar-general-election-set-for-nov-8
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33441000
25 JUNE 2015
Myanmar’s parliament keeps Aung San Suu Kyi away from the presidential election
With their veto power intact, the military still keep the main opposition leader out of the run for the presidency. Only 388 lawmakers out of 664 voted in favour of changing the constitution, far short of the 75 per cent threshold
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Myanmar’s-parliament-keeps-Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-away-from-the-presidential-election-34615.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-parliament/1941000.html
11 JUNE 2015
Rebels declare ‘ceasefire’ with Myanmar army
Rebels who have fought Myanmar’s army along a rugged border area with China for four months declared a unilateral ceasefire Thursday, after fighting left scores dead, threatened a nationwide peace pact and spilled over the frontier
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/589689/rebels-declare-ceasefire-with-myanmar-army
10 JUNE 2015
Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in China for first visit
Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has arrived in Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders, on a trip that will further underline the Nobel laureate’s apparent transition from human rights defender to pragmatic politician
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/10/asia/myanmar-china-suu-kyi-visit/index.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33064192
2 JUNE 2015
Myanmar jails writer for 2 years for ‘insulting religion’
Myanmar on Tuesday jailed a writer for two years with hard labour for “insulting religion”, his lawyer said, with rights groups condemning the verdict as the country’s latest strike on freedom of expression
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-jails-writer-2-years-insulting-religion-lawyer
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/activists-o
28 MAY 2015
UN council holds first-ever briefing on Myanmar human rights
The United Nations Security Council on Thursday held its first closed-door briefing on the human rights situation in Myanmar, focusing on the dire situation of the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/un-council-holds-first/1879094.html
16 MAY 2015
Myanmar denies responsibility for migrant boat crisis
Myanmar’s government has said it is not responsible for the migrant boat crisis in south-east Asia, and may not attend an emergency summit on the issue.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32766748
8 MAY 2015
Myanmar president meets ethnic rebel leader in peace push
Myanmar President Thein Sein held a surprise meeting with a powerful armed group representing the ethnic Wa minority on Friday as the government tries to convince an array of rebel groups to sign a ceasefire
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-president-meets-ethnic-rebel-leader-peace-push
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/thein-sein-makes-surprise-visit-to-ethnic-leaders.html
31 MARCH 2015
Myanmar army and rebels sign draft ceasefire agreement
Myanmar’s president Tuesday signed a draft national ceasefire with armed rebel groups that the UN hailed as a “historic and significant achievement” as the country tries to end decades of civil war
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32126918
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/513799/un-myanmar-leader-hail-historic-draft-ceasefire-pact
30 MARCH 2015
Myanmar, rebels agree landmark draft peace deal
Myanmar peace negotiators agreed the draft text of a historic nationwide ceasefire agreement on Monday, as the country edges closer to ending decades of conflict between ethnic minority groups and the government
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/512627/myanmar-rebels-agree-landmark-draft-peace-deal
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-rebels-agree/1757654.html
25 MARCH 2015
Myanmar signs deal to buy Thunder fighter from Pakistan
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense said that a contract had been signed for Islamabad to sell the JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong, which was jointly developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150325000059&cid=1101
25 MARCH 2015
Myanmar charges 69 protesters with rioting after police crackdown
A Myanmar court laid charges, including rioting, on Wednesday against 69 students involved in a protest two weeks ago that was broken up in a police action that drew sharp criticism from Western governments, a student activist said
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-charges-69-protesters-rioting-after-police-crackdown
19 MARCH 2015
2 Myanmar journalists jailed on defamation charges
The Mawlamyine Township Court in Mon State has sentenced two local journalists to two months in prison under section 500 of defamation charges. It is the first time for the journalists to face imprisonment on defamation charges in more than 100 years since the British colonial rule to successive Myanmar governments
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9361:two-journalists-jailed-for-defamation&catid=44:national&Itemid=384
14 MARCH 2015
China sends fighter jets to Myanmar border after bomb kills four
China sent fighter jets to patrol its border with Myanmar after a bomb dropped by a Myanmar warplane killed four Chinese in southwestern Yunnan province, state media reported Saturday
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/496925/china-sends-fighter-jets-to-myanmar-border-after-bomb-kills-four
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31885318
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/497000/myanmar-denies-bombing-china
10 MARCH 2015
Myanmar police crack down on student protesters
At least 16 police officers and eight protesters were reportedly hurt, when Myanmar police clashed with students, monks and journalists as they broke up protesters calling for academic freedom, according to news reports and witnesses
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/myanmar-police-crack-student-protesters-150310123609713.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31812028
3 MARCH 2015
Myanmar students defy deadline to disperse
Hundreds of students protesting against an education bill in Myanmar have defied an order to disperse.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31716169
http://www.irrawaddy.org/multimedia-burma/tension-mounts-as-clock-ticks-for-student-demonstrators.html
2 MARCH 2015
Myanmar president hosts rare Suu Kyi talks amid constitution debate
Myanmar President Thein Sein had a rare meeting on Monday with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss constitutional changes and the first election under the country’s new democratic system, a minister said
http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-myanmar-president-hosts-rare-suu-kyi-talks-amid-constitution-debate/2664546.html
27 FEBRUARY 2015
United Nations warns on Myanmar reform ‘set back’
The UN’s human rights chief has warned that Myanmar’s treatment of minorities and suppression of free speech is setting back its political reforms.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31635566
20 FEBRUARY 2015
Myanmar army deepens offensive on ethnic rebels near China border
Myanmar’s army has continued an offensive to flush out rebels from areas around a flashpoint town on the northeastern border with China, state media said Friday, in 11 days of fighting that have displaced tens of thousands of people.
http://www2.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/480062/myanmar-army-deepens-offensive-on-ethnic-rebels-near-china-border
17 FEBRUARY 2015
Myanmar declares emergency in war-torn region as fighting rages
Myanmar on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in a conflict-torn border region, where ferocious fighting between the army and ethnic rebels has sent thousands fleeing airstrikes and fierce gun battles
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-declares-emergency-war-torn-region-fighting-rages
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/myanmar-declares-state-emergency-war-torn-region-150217124515270.html
13 FEBRUARY 2015
47 Myanmar soldiers reported dead in clashes with Kokang rebels
Days of clashes with rebels from a minority ethnic group in northern Myanmar have left 47 government soldiers dead and dozens more wounded, state media reported Friday
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/12/asia/myanmar-violence/index.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/myanmar-kokang-rebels-kill-dozens-soldiers-150213072401121.html
11 FEBRUARY 2015
Myanmar revokes Rohingya voting rights after protests
Rohingya Muslims will not be able to vote in Myanmar’s referendum after the prime minister withdrew temporary voting rights following protests
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31421179
24 JANUARY 2015
More than 400 child soldiers freed from Myanmar army in 2014: UN
There are no verifiable figures on how many children are currently serving in Myanmar’s huge military, which has faced a slew of accusations over rights abuses, including the forced recruitment of children to work as porters or even human mine detectors
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/459825/more-than-400-child-soldiers-freed-from-myanmar-army-in-2014-un
7 JANUARY 2015
China’s influence in Myanmar facing growing scrutiny
Mounting local opposition to Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Myanmar over the past few months has again led to growing scrutiny on Beijing’s influence in the Southeast Asian state
http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/chinas-influence-in-myanmar-facing-growing-scrutiny/
2 DECEMBER 2014
Is the Myanmar regime splintering?
With one year remaining before Myanmar’s general election there is growing concern, both internationally and domestically, that the reform process is at best beginning to stagnate and at worst rolling back in some critical areas.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/12/02/is-the-myanmar-regime-splintering/
22 NOVEMBER 2014
UN presses Myanmar over Rohingya rights
The United Nations adopted a resolution Friday 21 urging Myanmar to grant citizenship to its Rohingya Muslim minority, ramping up pressure on Rangoon to scrap a controversial identity plan.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/444762/un-presses-myanmar-over-rohingya-rights
19 NOVEMBER 2014
Suu Kyi party admits ‘cannot win’ fight to change constitution
Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party on Wednesday admitted it “cannot win” its battle to scrap parts of a junta-era constitution that bars her from Myanmar’s presidency, decrying a parliamentary decision to postpone amendments until after 2015 elections
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/suu-kyi-party-admits-cannot-win-fight-change-constitution
22 Dead as Burma Army Fires on Kachin Military Academy
Twenty-two ethnic Kachin soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded when Burmese troops fired on a rebel base in Laiza on Wednesday, rebel officers confirmed.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/22-dead-burma-army-fires-kachin-military-academy-rebels-say.html
18 NOVEMBER 2014
Myanmar rules out constitutional change before polls
Myanmar’s parliament speaker said Tuesday the current junta-drafted constitution, which bars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president, cannot be changed before elections in November 2015.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/444056/myanmar-rules-out-constitutional-change-before-polls
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/military-mps-object-constitutional-change.html
14 NOVEMBER 2014
Aung San Suu Kyi condemns ‘unjust’ constitution
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said constitutional rules which bar her from running for president because her sons are half British are “unfair, unjust and undemocratic”.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30049266
President Obama tells Myanmar to move forward on democracy
On the road to democracy, Myanmar has sputtered, and it’s time to move forward, said President Obama from the porch of an infamously symbolic home in the country’s largest city.
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/14/world/asia/myanmar-obama-democracy/index.html?hpt=ias_c1
7 NOVEMBER 2014
Report accuses Myanmar generals of war crimes
Military activities carried out by Myanmar’s powerful minister of home affairs when the country was under army dictatorship could constitute war crimes, a new study has said.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/11/report-accuses-myanmar-generals-war-crimes-20141177143567931.html
1 NOVEMBER 2014
UN bill urges Myanmar to drop identity plan
A new UN draft resolution takes aim at Myanmar’s aggressive campaign to have its Rohingya Muslims identify as a term they reject, urging “access to full citizenship on an equal basis.”
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/11/un-bill-urges-myanmar-drop-identity-plan-201411102155672770.html
31 OCTOBER 2014
Myanmar, government opens talks with Aung San Suu Kyi on peace, reconciliation and reforms
On the orders of the head of state Thein Sein, the talks include the Nobel Peace Laureate, the head of the army, ethnic representatives and those of the main political parties. For the first time the various spirits and powers of the country come together for discussions. However, for critics it’s just a façade ahead of the upcoming East Asia Summit
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Myanmar,-government-opens-talks-with-Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-on-peace,-reconciliation-and-reforms-32576.html
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-moots-changing-constitution-barring-suu-kyi-presidency-0
24 OCTOBER 2014
Detained Myanmar reporter Aung Naing shot dead
A military statement said that Aung Naing was arrested in Mon state at the end of September while covering clashes near the border between Thailand and Myanmar, which is also known as Burma.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29758329
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/missing-reporter-killed-custody-burma-army-report.html
23 OCTOBER 2014
Burmese military wants to retain veto power of constitutional reforms
With 25% of the seats allocated to them by law, the military control the country and all modern and democratic reform in society. Issues in dispute include Art. 59 (F) which prevents Aung San Suu Kyi becoming president and Art. 436, on the military veto. The next elections scheduled for late October and early November 2015.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Burmese-military-wants-to-retain-veto-power-of-constitutional-reforms-32501.html
17 OCTOBER 2014
Study: Rohingya Among World’s Most Persecuted
The Rohingya minority community in Myanmar should rank as one of the most excluded, persecuted and vulnerable communities in the world. That is the conclusion of a pair of studies, prepared over a three-year-period, looking at the plight of the stateless group.
http://www.voanews.com/content/stateless-rohingya-deemed-among-worlds-most-persecuted/2486813.html
7 OCTOBER 2014
Myanmar pardons 3,000 prisoners
Myanmar’s government has pardoned 3,073 prisoners, including 58 foreign nationals, as part of an amnesty that rights groups said included more than a dozen political prisoners.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/10/myanmar-pardons-more-than-3000-prisoners-20141078411568883.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/436372/myanmar-frees-3000-prisoners-including-ex-military-figures
30 AUGUST 2014
Myanmar ‘loses ten million people’ in census
Myanmar has discovered it has only 51 million people – far less than the previously estimated 60 million, according to preliminary results of the latest census.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/08/myanmar-loses-ten-million-people-census-201483055945633777.html
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-census-shows-population-9m-fewer-estimated
25 AUGUST 2014
President’s post unlikely for Suu Kyi
There are many reasons, the first of which is the maths involved. A quarter of Parliament’s 664 seats are reserved for the military. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has another 336
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news-63761.html
24 JULY 2014
Myanmar lets Medecins Sans Frontieres back into Rakhine
Myanmar has invited the aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres to resume its work in Rakhine state, which has been plagued by sectarian violence
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28471142
13 JULY 2014
Over 50 journalists charged for protesting without permission
Over 50 journalists who staged a silent protest during President Thein Sein’s visit to the Myanmar Peace Center on Saturday have been charged for protesting without permission, according to senior police sources.
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6760:journalists-and-protestors-charged-with-section-18&catid=44:national&Itemid=384
12 JULY 2014
Journalists stage ‘silent protest’ while President meets with artists
Journalists staged a silent protest after the police stopped journalists who were holding a boycott and wearing t-shirts with the slogan ‘Stop Killing Press’ while coming to cover the meeting between President Thein Sein and artists held at Myanmar Peace Center
http://elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6743:journalists-stage-silent-protest-while-president-meets-with-artists&catid=44:national&Itemid=384
10 JULY 2014
Five reporters in Myanmar sentenced to 10 years in jail
A Myanmar court has sentenced five journalists to jail with hard labour for 10 years for writing that the military was making chemical weapons
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28247691
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/07/myanmar-jails-journalists-10-years-2014710113757674385.html
4 JULY 2014
Myanmar Buddhists Threaten to Kill Muslims
Myanmar police cordoned off Mandalay’s Muslim neighborhood as hundreds of Buddhists wielding knives, swords and bamboo poles roamed the city on Friday, following communal riots that killed two people earlier in the week
http://www.voanews.com/content/myanmar-buddhists-threaten-to-kill-muslims/1950712.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/418879/curfew-imposed-in-mandalay-after-religious-attacks
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6658:curfew-imposed-in-mandalay-following-two-deaths-in-unrest&catid=44:national&Itemid=384
2 JULY 2014
Sectarian unrest shakes major Myanmar city
Myanmar police fired warning shots after an angry mob attacked Muslim property in the central city of Mandalay, authorities said Wednesday, in the latest eruption of religious unrest to shake the Buddhist-majority nation.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/418645/sectarian-unrest-shakes-major-myanmar-city
25 JUNE 2014
Myanmar amends public protest law
Myanmar’s parliament amended a controversial law that requires people to obtain permission for public protests and subjects violators to penalties, including prison terms, state media reported Wednesday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/417317/myanmar-amends-public-protest-law
13 JUNE 2014
Burmese vote to retain Suu Kyi Burma presidential ban
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s hopes of becoming Myanmar’s president next year have been dealt a blow when a parliamentary committee voted not to change a constitutional clause that bars her from the post
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/415192/suu-kyi-presidency-chances-fade
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27838184
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/suu-kyis-presidential-bid-dead-yet-nld.html
7 JUNE 2014
Suu Kyi faces pushback from army over public pressure
Analysts say her tactics on charter change may backfire
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Suu-Kyi-faces-pushback-from-army-over-public-press-61181.html
24 MAI 2014
Myanmar ‘needs charter change’
The United Nations (UN) human rights envoy to Myanmar on Saturday expressed concern over the military’s veto power on constitutional changes, which he said are crucial for the country’s democratic transition and next year’s elections
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/411546/un-rights-envoy-myanmar-needs-constitution-change
17 MAY 2017
Myanmar rally calls for charter change
Thousands of people joined a rally in Myanmar’s main city on Saturday to call for changes to a military-drafted constitution that bars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/410321/myanmar-rally-calls-for-charter-change
2 MAY 2014
UN envoy: Myanmar must give status to Muslims
The top United Nations envoy to Myanmar says the country’s Rohingya Muslims must have a path to citizenship, otherwise their security will remain under threat
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/05/2014520519321853.html
http://asiancorrespondent.com/122304/un-envoy-burma-must-give-status-to-muslims/
30 APRIL 2014
Cracks Appear in US Myanmar Rapprochement
Recent legislation introduced to U.S. Congress to put conditions on U.S. cooperation with Myanmar’s military may be one of the first signs of emerging dissatisfaction with President Barack Obama’s rapprochement policy with the post-junta government
http://thediplomat.com/2014/04/cracks-appear-in-us-myanmar-rapprochement/
23 APRIL 2014
Myanmar’s Military Goes Back to the Barracks
Myanmar’s feared military, the Tatmadaw, which dominated the country’s politics and economy for decades until democracy came in 2010, has been returning to the barracks much faster and more completely than anyone could have imagined, according to a new report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/myanmar-military-barracks/
21 APRIL 2014
Veteran Myanmar pro-democracy campaigner Win Tin dies
Win Tin, one of the founders of Myanmar’s pro-democracy opposition and the nation’s longest-serving political prisoner, died Monday at the age of 84 after battling for decades to bring freedom to a nation that suffered under military rule
http://www.euronews.com/2014/04/21/myanmar-democracy-activist-win-tin-dies-at-85/
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/veteran-myanmar-pro-democracy-campaigner-win-tin-dies-0
14 APRIL 2014
An Open Letter to Aung San Suu Kyi
Daw Suu refused to address the plight of the oppressed Rohingya, who originally come from Bangladesh, when she met its prime minister
http://fpif.org/open-letter-aung-san-suu-kyi/
2 APRIL 2014
UN slams Rohingya census exclusion in Myanmar
The UN agency helping Myanmar carry out its first census in decades said it was “deeply concerned” members of the long-persecuted Rohingya Muslim population were not being counted, accusing the government of going back on its word
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/403122/un-slams-rohingya-census-exclusion
15 MARCH 2014
The French Connection
Relations between Myanmar and France date back to the early 18th century, but ties were largely on hold in recent decades due to Western sanctions on Myanmar’s former military regime. Since the current government introduced reforms after coming to power in 2011, however, the two countries have moved quickly to increase their engagement
http://www.irrawaddy.org/interview/magazine-in-person/french-connection.html
6 MARCH 2014
Transition In Myanmar: Regional Implications And Future Directions – Analysis
http://www.eurasiareview.com/06032014-transition-myanmar-regional-implications-future-directions-analysis/
2 MARCH 2014
Myanmar couple in ‘first gay wedding’
The marriage does not enjoy any legal status but followed the customs of other Myanmar weddings, with the two men arriving in solemn procession followed by six groomsmen in front of some two hundred guests.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/397965/myanmar-couple-in-first-gay-wedding
1 MARCH 2014
Foreign investment in Myanmar triples
Foreign investment in Myanmar is set to triple in the current fiscal year ending March 30, with 50% going into manufacturing, media reports said on Saturday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/397664/foreign-investment-in-myanmar-triples
28 FEBRUARY 2014
Myanmar to mull interfaith marriage law
Myanmar’s president has asked parliament to consider an intermarriage law, spearheaded by an extremist monk that is aimed at “protecting” Buddhists in the former junta-ruled nation
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/02/myanmar-mull-interfaith-marriage-law-2014228125531626809.html
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/myanmar-leader-proposes-interfaith-marriage-law
Burma: Médecins Sans Frontières ordered to leave Rakhine state
Burma’s government said it wants the international aid group Doctors Without Borders to leave a state torn by sectarian violence, in a move linked to the agency’s work with the long-persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority
http://www.france24.com/en/20140228-burma-doctors-without-borders-MSF-end-all-activities-health/
http://asiancorrespondent.com/120085/burma-medicins-sans-frontieres-ordered-to-leave-rakhine-state/
1 FEBRUARY 2014
Journalists Detained for Reporting Alleged Burmese Chemical Weapons Factory
Four journalists and the CEO of the Rangoon-based Unity journal have been detained by the Burma police force’s Special Branch after the newspaper reported the existence of an alleged chemical weapons factory in central Burma
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/journalists-detained-reporting-alleged-burmese-chemical-weapons-factory.html
26 JANUARY 2014
World Bank pledges $2bn development aid for Burma
The World Bank has pledged $2bn in development aid to Burma for projects including energy supply and healthcare. Bank president Jim Yong Kim announced the aid during his first visit there.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25903687
23 JANUARY 2014
Myanmar mobs kill 40 Muslims
Buddhist mobs killed at least 40 Muslims when they stormed a village in western Myanmar last week, hunting down residents with knives, a human rights group said, citing witness testimony and a wide network of local sources
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391154/myanmar-mobs-kill-40-muslims-says-rights-group
22 JANUARY 2012
Burmese Child Soldier Imprisoned for Leaving Military
A former child soldier who is under the coordinated protection of the International Labor Organization and Burmese authorities has been sentenced to one year in prison for deserting his unit, a local rights group says.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/burmese-child-soldier-imprisoned-leaving-military.html
18 JANUARY 2014
Myanmar frees scores of child soldiers
Myanmar’s army has freed 96 children and young people from its armed forces, the United Nations said Saturday, hailing a “historic step” towards ending the use of child soldiers in the formerly junta-run nation.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/390265/myanmar-frees-scores-of-child-soldiers
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/myanmar-releases-child-soldiers-from-service-2014118103450393981.html
17 JANUARY 2014
ASEAN Ministers Conclude First High-Level Meeting in Burma
ASEAN foreign ministers have concluded the first-ever high-level meeting hosted by Burma, also known as Myanmar, since the once-isolated country joined the grouping in 1997
http://www.voanews.com/content/asean-ministers-conclude-first-high-level-meeting-in-burma/1832420.html
15 JANUAY 2014
Burma military ‘using rape as weapon’
Burma’s military has continued to use rape as a weapon of war even after a nominally civilian government was elected in 2010, a women’s group says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25730758
9 JANUARY 2014
Keep an eye on the people with the guns in Myanmar’s transition
I fear that Myanmar’s transition to better governance could start to go off the rails in 2014. While a serious train wreck seems unlikely, the mood in the country could sour as problems pile up, which could make the national election expected at the end of 2015 a messy affair. As a result, the new government that will likely take office in early 2016 might be less effective than the current one.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/01/09/keep-an-eye-on-the-people-with-the-guns-in-myanmars-transition/
7 JANUARY 2014
Burmese Journalists Demand Release of Colleague
Journalists in Myanmar staged a protest Tuesday to denounce new threats to press freedom and demand the release of a fellow reporter — the first to be jailed since junta rule ended.
http://www.voanews.com/content/burmese-journalists-demand-release-of-colleague/1824984.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/388499/myanmar-reporters-protest-new-threats-to-press-freedom
2 JANUARY 2014
Burma’s President Supports Changing Army-Drafted Constitution
Burma’s president gave his backing on Thursday for amending a military drafted constitution and indicated support for changes that would make Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi eligible to lead the country.
http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-burma-president-supports-changing-army-drafted-constitution/1822140.html
01 JANUARY 2014
Myanmar takes first step to clear way for Suu Kyi
The ruling party has formally proposed a Constitutional amendment that currently bars Aung San Suu Kyi from being president of the country
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Myanmar-takes-first-step-to-clear-way-for-Suu-Kyi–55617.html
http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/usdp-announces-surprise-constitutional-amendment-proposal.html
29 OCTOBER 2013
Myanmar workers in Thailand earning under minimum wage
Many Myanmar migrants working in Thailand are earning less than the minimum wage of BHT 300 a day (US$ 10), according to the Education and Development Foundation.
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/national/3882-myanmar-workers-in-thailand-earning-under-minimum-wage
28 OCTOBER 2013
Pope urges dialogue in Myanmar at talks with Suu Kyi
Pope Francis called for inter-religious dialogue in Myanmar on Monday at an audience for Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in which the two also discussed her long campaign for democracy.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/pope-urges-dialogue-myanmar-talks-suu-kyi
26 OCTOBER 2013
Thein Sein’s decision not to run paves the way for a challenge between Aung San Suu Kyi and Shwe Mann in 2015
Myanmar President Thein Sein, who led the reform process in the past two years, will not run for a second mandate in 2015, this according to Shwe Mann, speaker of the lower house and head of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). His likely adversary will be Aung San Suu Kyi. Like her, Mann wants the constitution amended to allow the country’s main opposition leader to run.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Thein-Sein’s-decision-not-to-run-paves-the-way-for-a-challenge-between-Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-and-Shwe-Mann-in-2015-29383.html
25 OCTOBER 2013
UN envoy slams Myanmar’s anti-Muslim violence
“The situation in Rakhine State has fed a wider anti-Muslim narrative in Myanmar, which is posing one of the most serious threats to the reform process,” Tomas Ojea Quintana, UN special rapporteur on the situation in human rights in Myanmar, said on Thursday. “Rakhine State remains in a situation of profound crisis.”
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/10/un-envoy-slams-myanmar-anti-muslim-violence-201310250350636671.html
22 OCTOBER 2013
Suu Kyi finally gets EU Sakharov rights prize
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday finally received the EU’s Sakharov rights prize she won in 1990 at the height of a brutal military crackdown, but said her work was not yet done.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/375888/suu-kyi-finally-gets-eu-sakharov-rights-prize
21 OCTOBER 2013
Suu Kyi urges world to pressure Myanmar leaders on reform
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday urged European Union and world leaders to pile pressure on her country’s government to complete its reform process.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/suu-kyi-urges-world-to/856198.html
17 OCTOBER 2013
Myanmar journalist Sein Win dies
Sein Win, a renowned journalist in Myanmar who championed press freedom and endured three stints in prison as he chronicled several decades of his country’s turbulent history, died Thursday at age 91.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/375121/sein-win-force-for-press-freedom-in-myanmar-dies
http://asiancorrespondent.com/114545/sein-win-force-for-press-freedom-in-burma-dies/
10 OCTOBER 2013
Burma agrees preliminary deal with Kachin rebels
The Burmese authorities say they have signed a preliminary peace agreement with ethnic Kachin rebels in the north.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24480495
Myanmar takes Asean chair
Myanmar won a new diplomatic prize Thursday for its dramatic political reforms, taking the helm of Southeast Asia’s regional bloc despite warnings from some critics that the move was premature. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/374040/myanmar-takes-asean-chair http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/former-pariah-myanmar-takes-asean-chair
Myanmar opposition spokesman fined over election claim
Myanmar’s opposition spokesman said Thursday he had been fined for a statement he made claiming that ballot sheets were tampered with in landmark by-elections that saw Aung San Suu Kyi’s party enter parliament last year.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/374028/myanmar-opposition-spokesman-fined-over-election-claim
9 OCTOBER 2013
Sexual violence in Burma
Burma was not one of the 115 countries to sign up to the UN Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) launched by William Hague at the UN General Assembly on 24 September 2013. Despite Burma’s refusal to sign the initiative the British Government will still pay to train soldiers from the Burmese Army, which is accused of using rape as a weapon and child soldiers.
http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2013/10/09/sexual-violence-in-burma/
1st OCTOBER 2013
Fresh violence in Rakhine state as Burma leader visits
Hundreds of Buddhists have rioted in western Myanmar, killing a 94-year-old Muslim woman and setting more than 70 homes ablaze, police say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24354159
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/10/myanmar-rioters-attack-muslims-burn-homes-2013101105542511855.html
Only 30% of Myanmar has access to electricity, says minister
Myanmar currently provides electricity to 30 per cent of the population according to the Minister Electric Power, Khin Maung Soe.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Only-30-of-Myanmar-has-access-to-electricity-says–52304.html
30 SEPTEMBER 2013
Muslims in Hiding in Burma After Latest Bout of Sectarian Strife
Terrified Muslims hid in their homes in northwest Burma on Monday after armed police dispersed a Buddhist mob that torched houses and surrounded a mosque in the latest outbreak of sectarian violence. Clashes between Buddhists and Muslims have killed at least 237 people and left more than 150,000 homeless since June of last year
http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-muslims-in-hiding-in-burma-after-latest-bout-of-sectarian-strife/1759616.html
http://asiancorrespondent.com/113915/sectarian-tensions-flare-in-burma-town/
20 SEPTEMBER 2013
Dalai Lama to Burmese monks : Enough anti- Rohingya violence
The Tibetan spiritual leader recalls the teachings of the Buddha and appeals to the Burmese monks : no more attacks and violence against “your Muslim brothers and sisters .” Aung San Suu Kyi calls for amendments to the Constitution to solve the ethnic problem . In the sixth anniversary of the Saffron Revolution monks call on authorities to apologize .
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Dalai-Lama-to-Burmese-monks-:-Enough-anti–Rohingya-violence-29059.html
16 SEPTEMBER 2013
Aung San Suu Kyi meets Dalai Lama
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has risked prompting Chinese anger after it was confirmed she had a private meeting with the Dalai Lama on the sidelines of a Prague rights conference, its spokesman said Monday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/370012/suu-kyi-meets-dalai-lama-risking-china-ire
25 AUGUST 2013
Twelve arrested after fresh unrest in Myanmar
At least 12 people have been arrested after a renewed bout of religious violence in Myanmar’s northern Sagaing region in which dozens of homes were set ablaze.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/08/2013825133757670971.html
23 AUGUST 2013
China’s troubled Myanmar policy
A self-serving approach has clouded local perceptions of China’s presence, especially in troubled Kachin State.
http://thediplomat.com/2013/08/23/chinas-troubled-myanmar-policy/
Burma’s Parliament Approves $100 Million Loan From China
Burma’s Parliament has approved the government’s decision to borrow US$100 million from China, despite opposition from the National League for Democracy (NLD) and other parties.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/42738
21 AUGUST 2013
UN envoy says Myanmar failed to protect him in attack
The UN’s rights envoy on Myanmar Wednesday slammed the nation’s government for failing to protect him when his convoy came under attack in a town reeling from religious unrest.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/365744/un-envoy-says-myanmar-failed-to-protect-him-in-attack
http://www.voanews.com/content/un-envoy-accuses-burma-of-failing-to-protect-him/1734057.html
15 AUGUST 2013
Rohingya activist held after Facebook post
An activist has been arrested in Myanmar after posting photos on Facebook from violent clashes between displaced Muslims and security forces in country’s restive state of Rakhine, police and an activist have said.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/08/201381571457149651.html
13 AUGUT 2013
Burma must declare war against corruption
Corruption in Burma (Myanmar) is systemic and widespread, and will be the most significant threat to the country’s future economic growth and development.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/08/13/burma-must-declare-war-against-corruption/
8 AUGUST 2013
Burma marks 25 years since brutal junta crackdown
Politicians, Buddhist monks and thousands of Burmese citizens attended rallies in Yangon on Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of the brutal “8888” crackdown on student protests la http://www.france24.com/en/20130808-burma-marks-25-years-8888-junta-student-crackdownunched by the country’s former junta rulers on August 8, 1988.
http://www.france24.com/en/20130808-burma-marks-25-years-8888-junta-student-crackdown
http://asiancorrespondent.com/111694/burmas-president-urged-to-make-an-apology-for-1988-killings/
http://www.voanews.com/content/burma-marks-25-years-since-88-uprising/1725732.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23602365
7 AUGUST 2013
Burma Army Frees More Child Soldiers as Part of Pact to End Practice
The Burma Army discharged 68 children and young people on Wednesday, the United Nations said, exactly a month after it released 42 children and young adults who had been recruited for soldiering and other duties.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/41542
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/363519/myanmar-frees-kids-from-military
23 JULY 2013
Burma frees a further 73 political prisoners
The Burmese authorities say they are releasing another 73 political prisoners, after a promise by President Thein Sein to free all dissidents by the end of the year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23416223
19 JULY 2013
EU reopens preferential trade with Myanmar
Myanmar is set to profit from a preferential trade agreement with the European Union (EU) starting on July 19, according to an EU press release.
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/2808-eu-reopens-preferential-trade-with-myanmar
Myanmar’s president says doesn’t object to Suu Kyi running for president
Myanmar President Thein Sein is not preparing himself at the moment to contest the 2015 presidential election and has “no objections” to Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi running, he said in an interview aired on Friday.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130719-438670.html
Myanmar military to return 18,000 acres of confiscated land
The Myanmar military will return over 18,000 acres of confiscated farmlands to their original owners, according to the Minister of Defence.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Myanmar-military-to-return-18000-acres-of-confisca-49278.html
17 JULY 2013
Burmese president meets France’s Hollande
Burma’s President Thein Sein met French President François Hollande and Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Wednesday for talks on economic and diplomatic ties, in the second leg of his European tour. http://www.france24.com/en/20130717-burma-president-thein-sein-meet-france-francois-hollande
Paris-based Watchdog calls for crimes against the media in Burma
Reporters Without Borders has written an open letter dated 16 July 2013 to Burmese President Thein Sein, who begins a two-day visit to France started on Wednesday, calling for an investigation into the former military government’s crimes against the media since 1962.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/110770/paris-based-watchdog-call-for-crimes-against-the-media-in-burma/
13 JULY 2013
Burma signs treaty with Wa ethnic group
Burma’s government and rebels from the ethnic Wa guerrilla group have reached a peace deal, state media has reported.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23300441
11 JULY 2013
‘Buddhist bin Laden’ or man of peace? Monk leads anti-Muslim campaign in Myanmar
Wirathu is the leader of a Buddhist extremist movement known as 969. He was once jailed for anti-Muslim violence and believes it is vital that Buddhist people keep their business, relationships and land dealings away from followers of Islam.
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/11/19395152-buddhist-bin-laden-or-man-of-peace-monk-leads-anti-muslim-campaign-in-myanmar?lite
8 JULY 2013
Myanmar jails 2 Buddhists for riot murders
Myanmar has sentenced two Buddhist men to seven years in prison for murders during religious violence in March that left dozens of people dead, a local official said Monday. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130708-435602.html
http://www.euronews.com/2013/07/08/two-buddhists-jailed-for-murder-in-burmese-religious-riots/
Myanmar frees 42 children from military
Myanmar has discharged 42 children and young people from its armed forces, UN agencies said Monday, urging increased efforts to free child soldiers as the country emerges from military rule.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/358915/myanmar-frees-children-from-the-armed-forces-un
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/07/20137810464011516.html
5 JULY 2013
Burma Lower House endorses controversial media bill
The Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill submitted by the Ministry of Information with amendments was approved at Thursday’s Lower House of Parliament session, the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported today.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/110271/burma-lower-house-endorses-the-controversial-media-bill/
26 JUNE 2013
Myanmar’s “Look West” policy: Is China being sidelined ?
Under Thein Sein, the country is seeking to evolve from its reliance on China. http://thediplomat.com/2013/06/26/myanmars-look-west-policy-is-china-being-sidelined/
25 JUNE 2013
Myanmar bans Time’s ‘Buddhist Terror’
Myanmar late Tuesday banned a controversial Time magazine cover story on Buddhist-Muslim religious violence “to prevent further conflict”, according to a government spokesman, after days of angry reaction to the article.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/356907/myanmar-bans-time-buddhist-terror
24 JUNE 2013
Burmese leader defends ‘anti Muslim’ monk Ashin Wirathu
Burmese President Thein Sein has defended a Buddhist monk accused of fomenting a wave of anti-Muslim violence in the country. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23027492
21 JUNE 2013
Will Myanmar’s Soldiers Return to Barracks?
Civil-military relations and constitutional reform in a changing society http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5515&Itemid=168 http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/06/21/myanmar-civil-military-relations-and-constitutional-reform/
14 JUNE 2013
From Factories to Teashops, Child Labor a ‘Tradition’ in Burma
Child servers are a common sight at the average teashop or restaurant in Burma, where often the underage employees are working at the expense of schooling. http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/37540
6 JUNE 2013
Aung San Suu Kyi says she wants to run for president
Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia in the capital Naypyidaw, the Nobel Peace laureate appealed for the amendment of the military-drafted constitution which prevents her from leading the country. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/06/world/asia/myanmar-suu-kyi-presidential-aspiration/index.html?hpt=ias_c1 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/aung-san-suu-kyi-says-she-wants-to-run-f/699802.html
30 MAY 2013
Burma reaches ceasefire deal with ethnic Kachin rebels
The Burmese government and ethnic rebels from the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) have reached a seven-point ceasefire deal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22716088 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/20135301064426259.html
28 MAY 2013
Suu Kyi criticizes two-child limit on Muslims in western Myanmar
Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has joined human rights activists in criticizing a two-child limit imposed on Muslim families by authorities in areas of western Myanmar in an attempt to control their population. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/28/world/asia/myanmar-rohingya-child-limit/index.html?hpt=ias_c1 http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi:-Rohingya-Muslims-discriminated-against-in-two-child-law-28036.html
25 MAY 2013
Two child limit imposed on Myanmar’s Rohingya
Authorities in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state have imposed a two-child limit for Muslim Rohingya families, a policy that does not apply to Buddhists in the area, and comes amid accusations of ethnic cleansing in the aftermath of sectarian violence http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130526-425281.htmlhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/2013525133356670103.html
24 MAY 2013
As Burma Opens, Critical NGOs look in
Some international organizations urge foreign businesses to stay out until conditions improve http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5443&Itemid=217
21 MAY 2013
Myanmar jails Muslims over religious violence
A Myanmar court has sentenced seven Muslims to prison terms in connection with religious violence in March that left dozens of people dead, a justice official said. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/2013521154453691869.html
20 MAY 2013
Obama hosts Myanmar leader in historic visit
Myanmar President Thein Sein has become the first leader of his country to visit the White House in nearly half a century, as Washington offers a strong symbolic gesture to back his reforms. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/05/201352023713744342.html
17 MAY 2013
Myanmar frees group of dissidents
Myanmar has released more than 20 political prisoners, a government official has said, just hours before President Thein Sein leaves for a landmark state visit to the US. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/2013517104457315241.html
2 MAY 2013
China Provides Fighter Copters to Burma Armed Group
China has provided missile-equipped helicopters to Burma’s largest armed ethnic rebel group, a report said this week, in a move that one Burmese military analyst said could hurt bilateral ties. http://www.rfa.org/english/news/burma/wa-04302013201404.html
2 MAY 2013
Cambodia, Hong Kong Slip in Press Freedom Poll
Press freedom took a knock in Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Thailand while Burma chalked up the best gains for media reforms in Asia over the past year, says an annual global Survey http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/media-05012013234119.html
26 APRIL 2013
US to boost trade, military ties with Burma
Burma could get broad duty-free access to the U.S. market by year’s end as the United States tries to deepen trade and military ties with the former military dictatorship. http://asiancorrespondent.com/106540/us-to-boost-trade-military-ties-with-burma/
23 APRIL 2013
Myanmar frees dozens of prisoners
Myanmar on Tuesday pardoned dozens of political prisoners, activists said, a day after the European Union agreed to end almost all sanctions against the Southeast Asian state. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/myanmar-frees-dozens-of-prisoners/649342.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22265293
22 APRIL 2013
EU ends Myanmar sanctions; arms embargo remains
EU foreign ministers agreed Monday to lift the last of the bloc’s trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar, hailing “a new chapter” with the Southeast Asian country. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/eu-ends-myanmar-sanctions-arms-embargo-r/647660.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22254493
21 APRIL 2013
Myanmar’s economic prospects and its real potential
Myanmar’s economic potential has been vastly enhanced by the access to foreign resources — in the form of new trading opportunities, the inflow of foreign investment, elevated levels of bilateral and multilateral assistance — that President U Thein Sein’s commitment to political, social and economic reform has unleashed. http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/04/21/myanmars-economic-prospects-and-its-real-potential/
20 APRIL 2013
Diplomats: EU to drop sanctions against Burma
The European Union will drop most sanctions against Burma to reward the country’s progress toward democracy, two EU diplomats said Friday. http://asiancorrespondent.com/105934/diplomats-eu-to-drop-sanctions-against-burma/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/10006542/EU-to-lift-sanctions-against-Burma-permanently.html
18 APRIL 2013
Democracy veteran Win Tin warns of dark times ahead
As the Burmese new year begins, democracy veteran U Win Tin warns that its transition is being threatened by dark forces as Aung San Suu Kyi struggles to maintain her moral authority http://asiancorrespondent.com/105636/burma-democracy-veteran-win-tin-warns-of-dark-times-ahead/
6 APRIL 2013
13 Myanmar soldiers killed in border clash
Thirteen Myanmar soldiers were killed and two others went missing in a clash with unidentified armed forces at the border area of southern Ranong province, the same location where 92 Thais were arrested last year, a Thai military officer said yesterday. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/13-Myanmar-soldiers-killed-in-border-clash-30203515.html
1 APRIL 2013
Private newspapers return to Myanmar
Private dailies in the former British colony, also known as Burma, were forced to shut down following a military coup in 1964. http://www.euronews.com/2013/04/01/private-newspapers-return-to-myanmar/
22 MARCH 2013
Deadly riots continue in central Myanmar
Two days of rioting between Buddhists and Muslims in a central Myanmar town has killed at least 20 people, a legislator said. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/03/201332271825415121.html http://www.euronews.com/2013/03/22/deadly-ethnic-violence-erupts-in-myanmar/
21 MARCH 2013
At least 10 dead in Myanmar riots: MP
At least 10 people have been killed in riots in central Myanmar, an MP said Thursday, prompting international concern at the country’s worst communal unrest since a wave of Buddhist-Muslim clashes last year. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130321-410409.html
18 MARCH 2013
Australia and Burma open defence talks
Australia is to ease restrictions on military engagement with Burma following democratic reforms carried out since the country’s ruling generals relinquished their half-century grip on power in 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/18/australian-opens-defence-talks-burma
18 MARCH 2013
China counter-pivots on Myanmar
A quiet, modulated dance is being played out in Myanmar. It is not a waltz, with its rhythmical, proper movements, and only on the surface are events in Myanmar equally decorous. If China and the United States are the dancers, then Myanmar is the master of ceremonies. Underlying this proper facade rivalries are apparent. When and how the music will stop is unclear http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-180313.html
11 MARCH 2013
Report: Burma police used phosphorus at mine protest
An eagerly awaited official report has confirmed that police in Burma used smoke bombs that contain phosphorus during a crackdown on anti-mine protesters last year that left 108 people with burns, mostly Buddhist monks. The report also recommended the controversial Chinese-backed project continue. http://asiancorrespondent.com/101748/burma-myanmar-copper-mine-protest/ http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130312-408031.html
8 MARCH 2013
Burma’s opposition NLD holds first congress
Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) is holding its first ever congress, at which it will elect party leaders for the first time. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21710640 http://www.asianewsnet.net/New-Myanmar-a-test-for-Suu-Kyis-party-43685.html http://www.euronews.com/2013/03/08/myanmar-suu-kyi-s-party-holds-first-ever-congress/
6 MARCH 2013
The Challenges of Myanmar and the Rest
Myanmar has experienced a profound transformation over the past months, and President Thein Sein’s recent 10-day visit to Europe should be regarded as a historic challenge for Europe and the rest of the global community. http://www.eias.org/publication/eu-asia-glance/challenges-myanmar-and-rest?goback=%2Egde_4023266_member_219802893
4 MARCH 2013
President Suu Kyi?
It is worth asking the question: Can Aung San Suu Kyi make an effective transition from political symbol to political leader? http://www.fpif.org/articles/president_suu_kyi
24 FEBRUARY 2013
Burma debate keeps going on unitary state vs. federal union
The people of Burma have been longing for a peaceful and prosperous country since the 1948 independence victory. But regrettably, the nation’s independence hero General Aung San was assassinated a year ahead of liberation. As a result, civil wars throughout the nation came forward with the independence offered by British colonial rule. http://asiancorrespondent.com/99077/opinion-burma-debate-keeps-going-on-unitary-state-vs-federal-union/
17 FEBRUARY 2013
UN accuses Myanmar army of torture against rebels
Serious human rights abuses are still being committed in Myanmar despite democratic reforms and progress in resolving conflicts with ethnic groups, according to the United Nations. http://www.euronews.com/2013/02/17/un-accuses-myanmar-army-of-torture-against-rebels/
15 FEBRUARY 2013
Myanmar officials ‘involved in land grab’
A damning report on the violence at a copper mine in northern Myanmar last November accuses government officials of siding with Chinese and Myanmar military investors to force villagers to surrender their farmland to the mine. Police brutally broke up protests against the move but these have not died down. http://asianewsnet.net/Myanmar-officials-involved-in-land-grab–42777.html
13 FEBRUARY 2013
Suu Kyi offers to mediate Myanmar peace talks
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has offered to help negotiate an end to conflicts between the government and the country’s ethnic minority groups. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/02/2013212235432194734.html
7 FEBRUARY 2013
Group Formed to Free Dissidents in Myanmar
Burma announced Thursday that it would establish a presidential steering committee to “grant liberty” to those imprisoned for voicing political dissent, in the government’s first public acknowledgement that it is holding political prisoners in the country’s jails http://www.rfa.org/english/news/burma/prisoners-02072013180917.html
28 JANUARY 2013
Myanmar secures debt relief worth almost $6bn
Myanmar on Monday 28 hailed a deal with international lenders to cancel nearly $6 billion of its debt, another milestone in the rapid transformation of the former junta-ruled nation. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130128-398512.html http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/201312882635377625.html
26 JANUARY 2013
Myanmar captures key rebel-held outpost
Myanmar troops have captured a key strategic outpost from rebels in the northern Kachin state, according to rebels, as the government criticised the US over its concerns about the escalating violence. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/2013126142659670778.html
21 JANUARY 2013
Kachin rebels say Myanmar ignoring ceasefire
Myanmar troops have attacked rebel positions in northeast Kachin despite a ceasefire order from the president and an invitation to the rebels to take part in peace talks, a rebel spokesman and a local source have said. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/20131212566922246.html
19 JANUARY 2013
Burma ceasefire ‘holds’ in rebel-held Kachin areas
A ceasefire announced by the Burmese military fighting rebels in northern Kachin state appears to be holding., http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21096488
16 JANUARY 2013
Myanmar revokes anti-dissident law: state media
Myanmar has repealed a law that was used to jail critics of the former junta, state media said Wednesday, as the fast-changing nation works to overhaul a legal system once used to crush dissidents. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130116-396032.html http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-myanmar-repeals-dissidents-law-20130116,0,4788537.story?track=rss
3 JANUARY 2013
Burma military admits airstrikes against Kachin rebels
Burma’s military acknowledged launching airstrikes against ethnic Kachin rebels in the north and said it captured a hilltop post from where the insurgents had attacked government supply convoys. http://asiancorrespondent.com/94687/burma-military-admits-airstrikes-against-kachin/
28 DECEMBER 2012
Burma gives go-ahead for private newspapers in 2033 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20856701