PDC Monthly News Commentary - December 2011 (Eng)

8/3/2019 PDC Monthly News Commentary - December 2011 (Eng)

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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that she had belief in President U Thein Seins will to reform but only

after a few months at Bali, Indonesia on November 19, President held a press conference and said in

different tune so that the skepticism on him and his government by people is growing at home and

abroad and then these people also concerned over the NLDs decision for re-registration and

contesting in upcoming by-election.

USDP governments Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) speaker U Khin Aung Myint

said at media interview with Yangon Times news journal on October 31 that he recognized 1990general election result and it could not be deleted (from history). And then President U Thein Sein

signed and promulgated Amendment Law for Political Parties Registration Law on November 4

which paves way for NLDs re-registration with Election Commission.

NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo said on November 7 that NLD won more peoples support for its

decision not to reregister and contesting in general election held in 2010 but the new government was

more constructive and flexible by making some accommodations in comparison with previous

government. On the same day, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended new governments policy forum

called Workshop on Financial Development held in Naypyitaw. At the press conference held on

November 14, which marks the anniversary day of her release from house arrest, Daw Aung San SuuKyi said that there were some changes in political process as the result of her meetings with President

U Thein Sein and Labour Minister U Aung Kyi.

On November 18, NLD held its central committee meeting and decided to reregister and stand for

election. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said at this meeting that NLD would focus on amending provisions

in 2008 constitution which were not beneficial to the country. On the same day, President U Thein

Sein promised to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda who was attending 19thsummit held in

Bali, Indonesia, that his government would cooperate with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But after this

ASEAN summit confirmed the alternate chairmanship of Myanmar in 2014, President U Thein Sein

told reporters regarding the political prisoners at press conference held in Bali on November 19, that

Its difficult to say about conscience. We dont accept this word conscience. We took action on these

people for violating existing laws. There are many more prisoners in prison for violating the existing

laws. His saying reflected the true nature and colour of the USDP government. And he also said at

this press conference that their democratic reforms currently being conducted would not be identical

with the democratic system of the western countries.

Two days after this press conference, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said at the first anniversary celebration

of Education Network, held at Judson memorial hall in Rangoon on November 21, that NLD took

political risk in deciding to contest in election so that they need peoples support.Despite of efforts made by USDP leaders to show that they had friendly relationship with NLD, it is

found that USDP party and Burma Army is closely watching the activities of NLD. USDP CEC

PDC News Commentary ~ December 2011 Page 1 of12

PDC NEWS COMMENTARYDecember 2011

Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC)National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)


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member Aung Thein Lin said on November 30 that they might have fierce competition with NLD as

they would also contest in all vacant seats in this upcoming by-election.

Four USDP members hit NLD Twante Township youth members Ko Aung Kyaw Zaw and Ko Kyaw

Moe Htet with iron rods on November 3 while these youths were giving invitation letters for NLD

plenary meeting to be held in their township. Human Right Defenders and Promoters network

member Ko Kyaw Lwin was similarly attacked and hit by Swanahshin (government-backed thugs)while he was on his way back home from labour union meeting held at monastery in Taloke Htaw

village, Hinthada Township on November 8 by giving excuse of not taking off his footwear in

monastery compound.

It is learned that Chief of Staff (Army) office instructed all military units under its command to watch

and monitor closely on activities of NLD after being re-registered. It is assumed that disregard of like

or dislike all democratic forces at home and abroad should rally around NLD for making them strong

as they took this decision by majority vote at central committee meeting democratically to reregister

and contest in election. We ponder that only if the entire people stand firmly and in unity behind

NLD, we can reach our goal and objective quickly.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE USDPGOVERNMENT

Burmese military launches massive attack against Kachin Independence Organzation (KIO) while

USDP government is talking with ceasefire groups such as KIO, SSA/SSPP, SSA/RCSS, KNPP,

KNU, DKBA, NMSP, CNF etc separately for peace talk. This massive general offensive launched by

the government tests and tries the unity and solidarity of United Nationalities Federal Council

(UNFC), the new political and military alliance of these armed groups.

The group led by USDP governments representative and Railway Minister U Aung Min met KIO

delegation Dr. Laja, central committee member Col. Laphai La, Col. La Awng in Mae Sai, Thailand

on November 19-20. And another USDP government special delegation consists of U Aung Thaung,

U Thein Zaw, U Aung Min and Kachin State constituency MP Khet Htein Nan met KIA high-level

delegation led by Chairman Zaung Hara on November 29 in Ruili, China for two hours.

While there are meetings and talking, at the same time, on the other side, USDP government

reinforced its troops in Man Wein, Namkhan Townships in Bhamo district on Shan-Kachin States

border with troops from LID 99, LID 77 and No. 1 Military Operations Command. And then they

launched offensive along with local military units elsewhere in Kachin State including upper

Waingmaw Township and Gayan area starting from November 6. The series of bomb blasts, guerrilla

wars and engagements were found in entire Kachin State and Muse district in northern Shan State.

Series of bomb blasts and ambushes took place along supply lines of government troops, Mandalay-

Bhamo highway, Mandalay-Myitkyina railroad and along Irrawaddy River. Similarly series of deadly

bomb blasts killed people from Kyukok (Panseng), Namkham, Kutkai and Myitkyina. The bomb

blast at a house dwelt by orphans in Thida Ward, Myitkyina on November 13 killed 10 persons

including children and seriously injured 27.

The news appeared as saying chemical weapons used by government troops made scattered brownish

yellow rain in Maijayan in Kachin State. The government troops of LID 88 overran a KIA outpost inMomauk Township, Bhamo district on November 17. And also government troops overran KIA 27th



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Battalion HQ under command of KIA 3rd Brigade in Manwein Township, Bhamo district on

November 28.

When Shan State Progressive Party/ Shan State Army-North (SSPP, SSA-N) met government

delegation at Naypyitaw preliminary meeting, the former demanded the latter to withdraw all its

troops stationed around their Wanhai HQ, to observe nationwide ceasefire, and to make political

engagement with UNFC. Unprecedented meeting between RCSS/SSA-South delegation and USDP

government delegation led by Railway Minister U Aung Min took place in Mae Sai, Thailand on

November 19 and they reportedly reached preliminary agreement to continue this peace talk with

Shan State government on detail terms for ceasefire agreement.

One of the first Burmese President Sao Shwe Thikes sons and In-charge of Euro-Burma Office

(EBO) Harn Yawnghwe facilitated the realization of this meeting and USDP government delegation

led by U Aung Min was accompanied by Dr. Nay Win Maung and Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing from

Rangoon based EGRESS and U Tin Maung Than from Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF), it is

learnt.

USDP government delegation led by U Aung Min met KNU delegation consisted of C-in-C General

Mutu Say Pho, Pado Saw David Taw and Pado Ah Toe, met KNPP delegation led by C-in-C Maj.

Gen. Bi Htoo, CNF delegation led by chairman Pu Zin Cung, Joint general secretary (1) and Foreign

Relations In-charge in Mae Sai, Thailand on November 19-20 separately.

At these meetings, U Aung Min said to ethnic armed groups that he came and met them on behalf of

the President to invite to further peace talks which would be held separately and he focused on these

meetings to set date, time and venue for these meetings. The President reportedly offered them talk

on ceasefire at the first phase, development projects in the ethnic areas concerned in the second

phase, and to hold nationwide convention like Panglong Conference in the third phase. He also

presented 4-point proposal for ceasefire agreement with these ethnic armed groups. They are to hold

state-level meetings, opening liaison offices, further negotiations with central government, signing

ceasefire agreement and after that giving free passage without bearing arms.

KNU and KNPP replied to the government delegations that they would send their reply only after

discussing these deliberations with their central committees concerned but CNF and SSA/RCSS

reportedly agreed to continue state-level talks. Despite of these talks, the fighting between KNU and

government troops are continuing continuously throughout November. KNU issued press release

dated November 24 denying news of having ceasefire agreement with government soon.

USDP government delegation led by U Thein Zaw met DKBA breakaway group delegation led by

Vice Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Mo Shay in Pa-an on November 3 again and signed the final ceasefire

agreement on November 5. This breakaway group is led by Maj. Gen. Saw Labwe and they fought

back SPDC government in November last year.

Mon State USDP government Chief Minister U Ohn Myint sent his 5-member peace facilitating

group to NMSP HQ on November 12 and offered their 4-point ceasefire agreement. NMSP chairman

Nai Htaw Mon replied on November 18 that they would discuss this matter at their central committee

meeting to be held in December but they prefer government to talk with their alliance group UNFConly.



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It is assumed that the activities of USDP government suggest their systematic strategy of driving

wedge among the UNFC member organizations. Singling out KIA from other ethnic armed groups

and launching massive offensive on them, and at the same time, they are holding peace talks with

these armed groups separately, not offering similar peace proposal to affiliated member organizations

of this alliance group UNFC namely Kachin Nationalities Organization (KNO), Lahu Democratic

Oraganization (LDU), National United Party of Arakan (NUPA), Palaung State Liberation Front

(PSLF), Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) and Wa National Organization(WNO).Revolutionary alliances are found practically weak in unity and solidarity. Some UNFC members

namely KIO, KNPP, KNU and NMSP are still demanding and standing as the unified UNFC in

negotiations with government but SSP/SSA and CNF are found preparing to continue talk with

government separately and to agree on ceasefire. Similarly NMSP resigned from National

Democratic Front (NDF) on November 16.

The differences in attitude on NLDs decision of reregistering and standing for election among ethnic

groups and alliance groups are found too. Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) issued its statement

on November 15 to review comprehensively on NLDs decision for reregistering party with election

commission but Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC) Vice-Chairman Dr. Salai Lian Hmung said onNovember 20 that they welcomed NLDs decision. KIO said that they would wait and see NLDs

decision to reregistering party and contesting in election but NMSP chairman Nai Htaw Mon said on

November 20 that they welcomed NLDs decision.

THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AN D DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

It is found that there were differences among NLD members on party re-registration and contesting in

election. Two MPs-elect from 1990 general election and 32 NLD members including Daw Naw Ohn

Hla issued their position paper under the title Our Position on survival of NLD, opposing partys

stand of re-registration and sent it to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and party CEC members. NLD CEC

member U Win Tin expressed his stand by saying that re-registering of party was not controversial

but contesting in election must be considered cautiously.

CRPP meeting held on November 7 urged NLD to consider seriously the pros and cons of taking

decision to contest in election. At the party CEC meeting held at Daw Aung San Suu Kyis residence

on November 8, party decided to call central committee to decide on party registration and standing

for election. Though the party had not yet taken its decision on this issue officially, party spokesman

U Nyan Win hinted BBC on November 11 that party is likely to reregister and Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi is likely to stand for election too.

Similarly NLD Youth Task Force issued their position paper on November 16 just before CC meeting

as saying since the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Thein Sein, Union

Minister U Aung Kyi produced common agenda for rule of law in Burma, getting rid of differences

and dissensions among the people, issues beneficial for the people, party should be reregistered and

should contest in upcoming by-election.

At the NLD central committee meeting held on November 18, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that 1990

general election result had been officially recognized in government gazette so that no one can

destroy or cover-up this result but call for convening parliament is no longer practical. NLD party

CEC member U Ohn Kyaing said that 106 CC members who attended this meeting from states andregions unanimously endorsed the decision to reregister and contest in upcoming elections. Daw



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Aung San Suu Kyi said that her party would focus on amending provisions in the 2008 constitution

which are not beneficial to the nation and the people.

NLD party CEC meeting held on November 22 discussed on matters for reregistering party with

election commission and then CEC members including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met party leaders

coming from States and Regions units and then they roughly discussed for election strategy for

upcoming by-elections after being allowed by election commission for reregistering. They alsodecided to field Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as candidate and not to use partys former election symbol,

bamboo hat, any more.

NLD party would not be registered as an old party but as a new party with election commission. The

party assigned 21-member group (11 female, 10 male) consisted of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin

Oo, U Win Tin, ethnic and youths sent by 14 regions and states, as the party founders for registering

with election commission as per the political parties registration law. In reorganization of the party,

the party would organize up to 1 million party members, one of these founder group members, Daw

May Win Myint, expressed. The party registration application was submitted at Naypyitaw on

November 25 and the election commission accepted their application. Party CEC member U NyanWin explained on submission of application for party registration at the meeting held on November

28 and formed the election victory committee was also formed with 11-member group led by Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi on the same day.

It is found that many differences and different opinions appeared among alliance political parties,

revolutionary organizations and Burmese nationals at home and abroad, on NLDs decision to

reregister and contest in upcoming elections.

SNLD party spokesman Sai Leik said that they would not reregister and contest in upcoming by-

elections and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would lose trust of ethnic nationalities if she decided toreregister her party and contest in election while many ethnic leaders, student leaders, monk leaders

totaling hundreds of such political prisoners are still behind bars and serving their prison sentences.

Because of NLDs reregistering/contesting decision, the future and existence of Committee

Representing Peoples Parliament (CRPP) which was formed on 1990 general election result became

uncertain, ethnic leaders from this alliance group said. Similarly Arakan League for Democracy

(ALD) party leader U Aye Thar Aung said on November 21 that ethnic political parties would not

consider re-registration of their parties as long as the political prisoners are still behind bars.

Secretary U Thein Oo of Members of Parliament Union (MPU) consisted of MPs-elect from 1990

general election in exile said on November 21 that they welcomed the NLDs decision. PrimeMinister Dr. Sein Win of National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB) said on

November 20 that they dont need to stand as exile government in the name of NCGUB any more if

NLD contests in elections. Its Information Minister Dr. Tint Swe also said on November 25 that

reorganization and realignment of exile opposition political organizations such as NLD-LA, NCGUB,

MPU and NCUB were needed.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that she could not accept the sayings of standing for election will

undermine her position and dignity at the meeting with party Youth Affairs in-charge and Youths

Assistance Providing groups, held at party head office on November 19. She also said at RFA

programme of Questions to Aung San Suu Kyi by listeners, broadcast on November 25 that

cooperation with new government dominated by retired senior army officers was not a bet and game.



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2010 general election contesting political parties welcomed and supported the NLDs decision.

National Unity Party (NUP) said on November 7 that their party would welcome if NLD registered

and contested in election. National Democratic Force (NDF) which is breakaway faction of NLD and

contested in 2010 general election also welcomed NLDs decision and its policy affair committee

leaders U Khin Maung Swe and U Sein Hla Oo expressed that they would join with NLD if NLD

accepted. 10-party group of Friends of Democracy welcomed NLDs decision of registering/

contesting on November 21. Shan Nationalities Development Party (SNDP) treasurer U Saw MyintThan said that they were ready to discuss and negotiate with NLD for seat sharing arrangement in

upcoming by-elections. Mon National Democracy Party Vice-Chairman (2) Nai Tin Aung said that

they saw NLDs decision to reregister their party as constructive sign but they would need to wait and

see on their attitude on ethnic affairs.

Ko Tun Myint Aung from 88-generation student group said on November 20 that they did not believe

in current parliament but they would rally around Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who chose this

parliamentary politics path. But All Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) issued its statement which says

NLDs decision is contrary to its own Shwegondaing Declaration and USDP governments 2008

constitution could not resolve the political issues in Burma. Some democratic organizations based onborder and in exile issued their statements which warned NLD that they could not implement their

objectives in USDP dominated parliament.

As the NLD partys activities, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met former Malaysian PM Mahathir

Mohammed at Traders Hotel in Rangoon on November 3, she and her party senior leaders met US

Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Michael Posner and special envoy on Burma Mr. Derek Mitchell on

November 4. On November 4, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended Conference on Environment, Green

Economy and Development which was held in Burma for the first time. On November 9, she also

attended along with her party senior leaders, 21st death anniversary memorial alms offering

ceremony of party leader U Maung Ko.

At the ceremony held on the first anniversary of her release from her house arrest on November 14,

the party released the list of 591 political prisoners compiled by NLD, and she said that she would

continue her effort for the release of all of these political prisoners. She visited Ah Mei Ein free

school being run in Hlaingtharyar, Rangoon on November 17 along with visiting British International

Development Minister Mr. Andrew Mitchell. She also said on that day that she was pragmatically

discussing and consulting with donors and aid organizations for the elimination of poverty of the

people and for uplifting their livelihoods.

She attended 90th anniversary Union Day which falls on November 20 and urged the people to work

for emergence of the secured education system. She received visiting French Human Rights Minister

Francois Din Murray and France Ambassador to Burma and his entourage at her home on November

22. She also received business tycoon Tay Za who is believed to be having close connection with

former military dictator Senior General Than Shwe and his family, at her residence on November 30,

DVB reported.

As another activity of NLD party, they opened a branch school of Bayda Institute in Taunggyi, Shan

State on November 10. The NLD party youths led series of blood donations for three days starting

from November 12 at Thingangyun model hospital, Ahlone Central Womens Hospital and ChildrensHospital. NLD Youth network visited 12 cities in Sagaing Region and Kachin State to listen to the



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grassroots opinions on partys decision of reregistering/contesting. The party held bravery award gold

medal giving ceremony given to U Win Tin and re-ordination religious ceremony for 12 monks who

were recently released from prisons, at Magwe Priyatti learning monastery in Dagon satellite town on

November 12.

About 150 political activists gathered at Rangoon Botataung pagoda on November 20 and held the

prayer service for release of political prisoners and ceasing civil war. On November 25, similarmovement for releasing political prisoners and anti-civil war poster campaign was launched at bus

stop, markets, schools and places close to military units in 3 States and Regions including Kachin

State.

A monk movement led by former political prisoners imprisoned after taking part in 2007 saffron

revolution namely U Thawbaga, U Marga, U Seindama, U Beindala, U Zawtipala took place on

November 14 at about 5 oclock in the morning. They staged peaceful demonstration at Maha

Buddhawun museum in Mandalay Mahamyatmuni Buddha image. They started their demonstration

on November 14, 5 a.m. and demanded internal peace and releasing all political prisoners. Many

student monks and people gathered there and cheered them and the monks preached sermon to them.Upon the request made by Masoyane monastery abbot and Mandalay Region Sangha organization

presidium member monks, they shifted their demonstration to old Masoyane monastery and

continued their demonstration until November 16 in the afternoon. All Burma Monks Alliance and

exile democratic forces supported this monk movement. Chin State legislators from Chin National

Party (CNP) party signed their petition and sent it to President on November 9 in protest of

destroying and setting on fire the holy crosses in Chin State and Sagaing Region.

As for the farmers movement, 10-member Friends of Democracy group met on November 6 and

discussed on various issues of land to the tillers, forced seizure of farmlands, pulses and beans

farmers are making losses etc. Moreover they sent their petition to the officials concerned demandingto stay on the passing of Farmland Bill introduced to parliament by USDP party as it will make

grievances to the farmers. Ma Suu Suu Nwe met over 100 farmers from Magwe Region in Pyi city on

November 9 and discussed on farmer issues.

About 200 farmers from Kyaukme Town, Shan State visited District Administrative Office on

November 7 and demanded to resolve their issues of over 1,000 acres farmlands seized by Military

Operations Command No. 1 in 1997. 115 villagers from Shwe Tamar village, Minbya Township,

Rakhine State sent their petition to Rakhine State government chief minister demanding to return

their 22 acres of farmlands seized by Township Administration Office. Rangoon Region, Botataung

Township court dismissed bail plea submitted by 7 farmers and their lawyer U Pho Phyu onNovember 11. These farmers and their lawyer were arrested for staging demonstration without

permission granted by the authorities concerned. The local authorities searched the residence of U

Myint Naing who helped farmers on November 14 at midnight 1 a.m. and then he was arrested and

prosecuted with Video Law.

Myanmar Industrial Zone Trade Union was formed with 15 executive members in Rangoon on

November 27 for providing aid in demanding labour rights, benefits and entitlements. Textile and

Leather industry trade union was also formed with 9 committee members in Bago on November 24

and applied for registration at Labour Ministry. Lawyers, medical doctors and students submitted

their appeals to President and Myanmar Human Right Commission to restore their professional

licenses, which were revoked by authorities concerned for their involvement in politics and to



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readmit the students at their schools. And then they held a press conference next day. The workers

from Hlaingtharyar garment industry visited NLD head office on November 23 and presented their

case of being fired from their works without paying any compensation.

The officials from Myanmar Motion Picture Association and the movie industry community met on

November 16 at their office in Wingabar Street, Bahan Township and discussed on movie censor

board issues such as whether it should be existed or not, protesting against drafting law without theopinion of film industry etc. Over 200 domestic reporters held a press conference and expressed their

protest against upper house MP and business tycoon U Khin Shwe for what he said in disparaging the

media and media persons. They signed their petition on this case and sent it to Pyudaungsu Hluttaw

(joint sitting of both houses) speaker on November 24.

THE USDP GOVERNMENT AND DOMESTIC S ITUATION

THE S ITUATION OF THE USDP GOVERNMENT

The USDP government is trying to restore normal relation with western countries by riding the Arab

Spring waves and at the same time they cautiously maintain the relationship with neighbouringcountries and regional countries including China.

Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Min Aung Hlaing received visiting US special envoy for

Burma Mr. Derek Mitchell on November 3 at Naypyitaw. C-in-C was accompanied by Lt. Gen.

Thaung Aye and Lt. Gen Sein Win from Chief of Staff (Army) office, Middle East Regional

Command Commander Brig. Gen. Mya Tun Oo, Central Region Command Commander Brig. Gen.

Ye Aung and military officers from C-in-C office in his official visit to Vietnam on November 14. He

met Vietnamese leaders led by PM Nguyen Tan Dung and discussed and exchange views on regional

security, defence strategy, exchange of intelligence information, exchange of military officers, aid in

military medical care and other bilateral issues. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing signed Memorandum ofUnderstanding on defence cooperation with Vietnamese Gen. Phung Quang Thanh, it is learnt.

Similarly 14-member military delegation led by Vice C-in-C of Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Soe Win paid

official visit to Bangladesh on November 22. This visit is the return visit after Bangladesh Chief of

Staff Mohammed Abdul Mubeen visited Burma from May 23-27, 2011. The purpose of this visit is

strengthening friendship and military cooperation between two armies. After Bangladesh decided to

build advanced air base in Cox Bazar which is on Bangladesh-Burma border, Burmese military

delegation led by Chief of Staff (Air Force) Lt. Gen. Myat Hein paid visit to Bangladesh in April this

year.

Two weeks after his return from Vietnam and just 3 days before the visit of US Secretary of State,

Gen. Min Aung Hlaing made surprised visit to China again and signed the mutual military

cooperation treaty on November 27. In this visit, he was accompanied by Lt. Gen.Hla Htay Win, Lt.

Gen. Kyaw Swe, Lt. Gen. Yar Pye and Northeast regional command commander Maj. Gen. Aung

Kyaw Zaw. The mutual military cooperation treaty was signed by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and People

Liberation Army General Staff Gen. Chan Bingde on November 29. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing could

meet and discuss Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping and expressed that Sino-Burma relation would

remain unchanged disregard of changing world political situation in any direction.

The news of probable visit by new C-in-C to China has been circulated since May this year but he

could made his first visit only in November this year. We assume that the purpose of his visit is to



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ease the concern over growing military relations by Burma with US and Vietnam which have tense

relation with China.

US Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton was not received and greeted by her counterpart U Wunna

Maung Lwin at the Naypyitaw airport on November 30 in the evening and he sent Deputy Minister of

Foreign Affairs U Myo Myint instead. Moreover the flyers along the road to Naypyitaw from airport

was for welcoming Belarus PM not for US Secretary of State.

The senior officials of USDP government were found meeting and receiving special adviser of UN

Secretary General Mr. Nambia who was on 5-day official visit to Burma and Malaysia former PM

Mahathir Mohammed and British International Development Minister Mr. Andrew Mitchell. Burmese

government delegation led by President U Thein Sein met Japanese PM, foreign dignitaries including

UN Secretary General separately and invited UNSG Mr. Ban Ki-moon to visit Burma while they

were attending ASEAN summit meeting.

Signs of instability and uncertainty are seen in this 8-month old new government. Former Lt. Gen.

and Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister U Khin Zaw was forced to retire on November 23 for hisalleged role in corruption and misuse of power. And also cabinet reshuffle was made for the second

time in this month. President U Thein Sein presented his cabinet reshuffle to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in

November as saying two ministries were reorganized, two union Ministers, former Lt. Gen. U Ohn

Myint, Ministry of Cooperatives, former Brig. Gen. and Minister of National Planning and Economic

Development and Ministry of Livestock and Fishery U Tin Naing Thein were assigned with new

portfolios.

Information Minister U Khaw Hsan denied the news of having hardliners in the government to Wall

Street Journal on November 15 and he also said that current reforms and changes are irreversible.

Senior Gen. Than Shwe lived peacefully at his home by reading books, he added. On November 24,state-run papers reported that Senior Gen. (retired) U Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing

donated USD 1,300, 10 polished and cut rubies, one Myeik pearl and golden ring with market price

of 488,000 kyat to tooth relic of Lord Buddha which was brought from China.

Despite of U Khaw Hsans denial, House of People (lower house) speaker Thura Shwe Mahn

admitted at the press conference held on December 1 that some of them were unhappy with the

current reforms being conducted and checks and balances in three pillars of democracy. Similarly

presidential political advisers U Ko Ko Hlaing and Dr. Nay Zin Latt cautiously admitted that there

could be different opinions in the government under the democratic system.

Regarding the retirement of Senior Gen. Than Shwe, lower house speaker Thura Shwe Mahn

reiterated that Senior Gen. Than Shwe actually retired from his posts and he absolutely no longer

belong to USDP, government and judicial institutions in replying to question raised by U Myat

Khaing (editor-in-chief of Snap Shot journal) at the press conference held on November 25 but he

didnt say anything on whether control of armed forces by him from behind the scene or not and no

such questions were raised at this press conference.

It is found that there are some problems in coordination between lower house and upper house and

also among the three pillars of democracy; legislative, judiciary and executive. House of Nationalities

(upper house) speaker U Aung Khin Myint decided on October 28 that if there was doubt and

controversial in bills passed by lower house, these bills must be sent to constitutional court as judicial



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review for judging whether these bills were constitutional or unconstitutional. And then the dispute

erupted between two houses. Any bills passed by lower housed but not yet passed by upper house are

incomplete or halfway laws. According to the resolution passed by U Khin Aung Myint in upper

house, criticisms and attacks made on speaker of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses)

will be liable to punishment. If these halfway laws are sent to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, it means

obstruction and disturbing to the right decision taken by speaker of Pyidaungsuu Hluttaw, so that it

cannot be allowed, U Khin Aung Myint reportedly threatened the lawmakers.

Lower House moved motion on November 1 to nullify the resolution made by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw

speaker U Khin Aung Myint as it was unconstitutional as per the provisions in the 2008 constitution

and then it was unanimously passed by the house. Lower House speaker Thura Shwe Mahn

reportedly said that resolution passed by U Khin Aung Myint could undermine the dignity of the

parliament. At the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw session conducted on November 18, speaker U Khin Aung

Myint withdrew his controversial resolution by saying that he withdrew his resolution to leave fine

tradition in this house and to pay respect to the lower house, the state-run papers reported next day.

Regarding the issue of releasing political prisoners, we found that the differences among the membersof National Defence and Security Council which is consisted of 6 senior most military officers,

retired senior military officers and one civilian USDP member. Burmese people, international

community, both houses of parliament and Myanmar Human Rights Commission sent their request to

President to release all of these political prisoners but the President was bitterly opposed by this

powerful Defence/Security Council and the final decision on releasing these prisoners had to be

changed at the last minute, according to the reliable inner circle sources. Then they shifted some

popular figure political prisoners such as Miin Ko Naing, Ma Nilar Thein, Ashin Gambira, U Khun

Tun Oo etc to prisons nearer to their families. We assumed that this is to divert attention of Burmese

people and international community.

The bill for selecting Ward/Village tract level administrators which was stalled in legislature

proceedings at the first Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, second regular session in October in the backdrop of

bitter opposition in the house was introduced in the house again with some modifications and then

passed along with some other bills such as Peaceful demonstration and marching in procession law,

Private Schools Law and then the speaker made an announcement on November 25 that the houses

would be adjourned for about one and half month.

We analyse that there are power struggles and factionalism in the ruling USDP camp by judging on

what U Shwe Mahn and U Khin Aung Myint did and said in the parliament. It has not yet reached

full-blown stage as they have the common concern over their common interests. As per the provisionsin 2008 constitution, only military clique led by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing can make the final say so that

we assume United States of America should approach them and persuade them to stand behind the

people.

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE

The socio-economic situation of the people is found still deteriorating and lowering and organized

crimes like massive corruption and violence by the sword wielding mob in daylight in downtown area

are seen in this period.

Like the action movie, a sword wielding gang killed Ko Kyaw Min at Nwetharki Street in North

PDC News Commentary ~ December 2011 Page 10 o f12


11/12

Okkalapa, Rangoon in the third week of November. It is learned that anarchic violent crimes are

being committed elsewhere in the country and they are threatening the rule of law and challenging the

law and order situation. Despite of the propaganda made by government as working for clean

government, more bribery and corruption cases are found in all government apparatus. It is learned

that three employees from state owned New Light of Myanmar were arrested and prosecuted for

misappropriation of the government fund to the tune of 800 million kyat and up to 67 customs

officials were found getting involved in the illegally importing of 33 vehicles in containers fromRangoon port without paying customs duties.

Despite of taking power by new government, human rights violations and religious persecutions are

still occurring. Benedict Roger from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) testified in US Congress

Foreign Relations Committee hearing held on November 17 that rampant religious persecutions put

Burma in the list of CPC (Country of Persecution Concern?). Resolution on Burma Human Right

violation initiated by 48 countries was passed by 66thUN General Assembly with 98 votes in favour

on November 21.

David Brickey Bloomer from Save the Children Burma office said on November 9 that more

women from Burma were sold to Chinese as bride by the human traffickers because of their poverty

and compelling situation of becoming preys of these traffickers in seeking greener pasture by

working in foreign countries.

The Report issued by International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in 2011 says that Burma is

still in the list of worst countries of using landmines along with Libya and Israel and these landmines

killed 274 people in Burma in last year alone.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

US Assistant Secretary of Democracy, Human Right and Labour Michael Posner who was on 4-day

visit to Burma and US government special envoy for Burma Derek Mitchell said to political parties at

the meeting with them on November 1 that relaxing on economic sanctions imposed by US on Burma

depended on release of political prisoners, freedom of political parties in Burma and peace building.

The US State Department spokesman Ms. Victoria Nuland said on November 7 at the press

conference that US would respond to every step of reforms Burmese government took.

Similarly US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton said on November 10 that if Burmese

government made more reform movements, US government would be ready to be friend with Burma.US President Barrack Obama also said on November 18 on his visit to Australia that US must say

clearly to Burma on future agendas including human rights violations to be tackled and taken by

Burmese government for the better relationship with US.

Leading Senator in Foreign Relations Committee Richarg Luger urged Ms. Hillary Clinton to discuss

seriously with Burmese government on acquiring nuclear technology from North Korea for nuclear

weapons production, US based 12 human rights organizations also urge her to make demand to

President U Thein Sein to stop crimes against humanity being committed by Burmese army, and US

based United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIR) urged Ms. Clinton to

put religious freedom agenda in her discussions and talks with Burmese government.



12/12

US Senate East Asia and Pacific Affairs Sub-committee Chairman Senator Jim Webb issued

statement on November 18 welcoming US Secretary of States visit to Burma but US Congress

Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Heana Ros Lehtinen expressed his concern on November 29

over giving wrong message to Burmese government, supporting their sham and superficial reforms.

After his visit to Burma, British International Development Minister Mr. Andrew Mitchell said that

though some progresses had been seen in Burma, Burma needed to immediately release all politicalprisoners to show as the signs of real progress. Australian PM Ms. Julia Gillard warned Burmese

government on November 19 that only if Burmese government kept its promises for fully

implementing democracy and human rights reforms, Australia would attend ASEAN summit to be

held in Burma in 2014. Current ASEAN Chairman Indonesia FM Marty Natalegawa said on

November 15 at the press conference that ASEAN foreign ministers hoped Burmese government

would show them irreversible democratic reforms if they took ASEAN chairmanship in 2014.

South Africa International Relations and Cooperation Minister Kenneth Mubu issued a statement on

November 6 demanding to withdraw the acceptance of credentials of Burmese ambassador to South

Africa retired Brig. Gen. Myint Naung for his role in war crimes and crimes against humanity.UN special rapporteur for human rights in Burma Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana demanded Burmese

government to let ICRC visit prisons across the Burma to check the accurate list of political

prisoners, to release immediately all of these political prisoners, and to stop all offensives being

launched in ethnic inhabited areas. UN special envoy for Burma Mr. Vijay Nambia said at the press

conference held at Rangoon airport on November 4 that UN placed high hope on Burma for its

reforms and he submitted his report on progress in Burma to UN Security Council closed door

meeting.

In the article appeared in a state-owned paper, China warned that China welcomed the efforts made

by Burmese government for better and friendly relations with western countries but they would nottolerate any activity undermining the Chinese interests. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner

said on November 30 that Ms. Hillary Clintons visit to Burma did not concern with China.

// End of Report // Sunday, December 11, 2011// End of Translation // Sunday, December 25, 2011


Documents

PDC Monthly News Commentary - December 2011 (Eng)