Burma's News World's News

Mother-in-law of Aung San Suu Kyi dies Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–The mother-in-law of imprisoned opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi died at her house in London earlier this week from natural causes, according to a family member. - more

Singapore protestors give Thein Sein a message for Daw Suu Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–Three protestors who tried to hand flowers to the Burmese Prime Minister for imprisoned opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a ceremony to honour his visit to Singapore have labeled the ceremony an “insult”. - more

Campaigner urges Japan to cease support for Burmese regime Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–The director of the US Campaign for Burma met with Japanese MPs in Tokyo this week to raise concerns about Japan's perceived support for the Burmese regime in the lead-up to the 2010 elections. - more

Food shortages force Chin locals to sell opium Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–Chin state locals who suffered food shortages last year due to mass flowering of bamboo have been forced to grow and sell opium to generate income, said a researcher who visited the region recently. - more

Market vendors in Bago assaulted and sued by butchers Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–Two female stall holders at a market in Bago were assaulted by local butchers earlier this month, and one then sued by police for insulting and obstructing officials on duty, said a stall holder. - more

Beware the Ides of March: Burma's culture of violence Pascal Khoo-Thwe Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–Historically, March is the month of violence in Burma. Over the course of almost half a century, March has repeatedly stood out as a bloody mark on the political calendar. - more

Chinese Ex-Spy Speaks Out

2009-03-19

A former member of China's highly secretive intelligence community calls on other countries to take Beijing to task for its abysmal human rights record.

U.S. Could Shoot Down Missile

2009-03-19

Top brass in the U.S. military say they can probably shoot down any North Korean missile. But will they?

China Stops Blogger From Leaving

2009-03-19

Authorities again stop online writer Zan Aizong from flying to Hong Kong.

Cyclone victims protest over unfair reconstruction At least 20 victims of Cyclone Nargis in Twante Township in Rangoon on Friday staged a protest march demanding reconstruction of their homes ravaged by the devastating cyclone in May...

Reward to informants may increase corruption Activists feel that the Thai official’s announcement to reward informants leading to the arrest of illegal migrant workers will not solve the problem of illegal migration to the country.

Thai PM Faces No-confidence Debate

By AMBIKA AHUJA

Thailand's main opposition party opened a no-confidence debate Thursday against the prime minister and five key Cabinet ministers.

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Drinking Water Crisis in Delta

By AUNG THET WINE

Villagers in the Irrawaddy delta struggle to find safe drinking water, as aid groups struggle to meet the area’s needs.

Junta Allows UN to Continue Aid to Rohingya

By MARWAAN MACAN-MARKAR

For now, the United Nations’ refugee agency has been given breathing room to operate in a western corner of military-ruled Burma, where humanitarian programs offer some comfort to the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.

Weekly Business Roundup (March 20, 2009)

By WILLIAM BOOT

Amid reports swirling that Burma’s precious stones industry is contracting sharply because of US economic sanctions, China has pumped US $850 million into Burmese mining operations in 2008.

US-China Policy Group Calls for Mutual Respect

By BARRY SCHWEID

To relieve tensions, ease up on mistrust and develop more respect. That's a leading policy think tank's prescription for the leaders of the United States and China.

NEWS ANALYSIS Burma Steps Up Bangladesh Border Tension, but Why?

By WAI MOE

Burmese military preparedness along the country’s land and sea borders with Bangladesh has been stepped up, although the reason for the latest increase in tension is not clear.

Burma Steps Up Bangladesh Border Tension, but Why? The Irrawaddy News Magazine - Chiang Mai,Thailand By WAI MOE Burmese military preparedness along the country’s land and sea borders with Bangladesh was stepped up this week, although the reason for the ... See all stories on this topic

Burma Road repairs underway; on-site work to begin shortly AntiguaSun - St' John's,Antigua and Barbuda by Brian Ho Work has begun to reopen the Burma Road, which was made impassable in the rainy days following Hurricane Omar, according to the Public Works ... See all stories on this topic

Free Burma’s Political Prisoners’ Now! Campaign Reporters without borders (press release) - France The Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP) and Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) have launched the Free Burma’s Political Prisoners Now! ... See all stories on this topic

Burma Monks’ Leader Urges Resistance 自由亞洲電臺 - Washington DC,USA A leader of the 2007 Saffron Revolution is still fighting back from a remote prison in northern Burma. U Gambira's family, including (L to R) his elder ... See all stories on this topic