August 2009 Burma Bulletin

BURMA BULLETIN ∞∞∞ A month-in-review of events in Burma∞∞∞ A

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Issue 32

• Following an 86-day sham trial, the SPDC sentences Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison with hard labor. • SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe immediately commutes Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence to 18 months house arrest, in an attempt to quell international pressure and gain kudos. • The international community broadly condemns the verdict and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU adds new sanctions on the trial judges and junta-controlled media. • SPDC releases John Yettaw during the visit of US Senator Jim Webb. Webb’s naïve comments, seen to be more anti-sanctions than pro-engagement, attracts widespread criticism from activists. • The SPDC Army begins war on separate fronts against the Kokang and the Shan in Eastern Burma, displacing about 47,000 civilians and ending a 20year ceasefire agreement. • China, forced to cope with the inflow of 37,000 refugees, rebukes the SPDC over the attacks and deploys troops along the Sino-Burma border. • During the SPDC’s military offensives in Eastern Burma, SPDC Army soldiers gang-rape and behead ethnic women. • Relations between the regime and several ethnic ceasefire groups continue to deteriorate as the junta pushes for their “integration” in the SPDC Army. • The SPDC increases its military presence in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States as tensions increase between the SPDC and the armed ethnic ceasefire groups.

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August 2009

IN THIS ISSUE KEY STORY 1 Guilty as planned 2 Baseless trial, scripted verdict 2 International reactions

INSIDE BURMA 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9

Onslaught in Shan State SPDC attacks spill into China SPDC targets women BGF inflames border areas Transitional package Pro-democracy campaigns Monks harassed SPDC dams future

HUMAN RIGHTS 9 Arrests and imprisonment 9 Prison transfers

DISPLACEMENT 10 More Karen refugees 10 Malaysia mistreats migrants 10 Rohingya die in Thai detention

INTERNATIONAL 10 China rebukes the SPDC

ECONOMY 11 Trade hits record high 11 Burma’s gas balloons 11 Korean deals 11 OTHER BURMA NEWS 12 REPORTS _____________________________________ Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly! email [email protected] Online copies are available for download at www.altsean.org

KEY STORY Guilty as planned On 11 August 2009, following an 86-day sham trial, the Rangoon Northern District court sentenced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison with hard labor for allegedly violating the conditions of her house arrest. Shortly after the court announced the sentence, SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe commuted the sentence to 18 months to be served under house arrest.1 1 NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma; NLM (12 Aug 09) Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council issues directive dated 10 August 2009 for Ministry of Home Affairs stating upon Court pronouncing sentence to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, sentence to be served by her under Criminal Procedure Code be amended to be remitted and suspended if she displays

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The court found Daw Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of violating Article 22 of the 1975 State Protection Law by allowing 53-year-old American John Yettaw to stay at her lakeside home.2 Yettaw had trespassed into Daw Suu’s compound on 3 May and spent two nights at her home before leaving by swimming late on 5 May.3 The court also sentenced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s two maids, Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma, to three years in prison with hard labor. Than Shwe also commuted their sentences to 18 months under house arrest to be served at Daw Suu’s compound.4 As for John Yettaw, the court sentenced him to seven years in prison, four of which with hard labor. The court found Yettaw guilty of trespassing, immigration law violations, and swimming in a restricted zone.5 However, on 16 August the SPDC released and deported Yettaw following US Senator Jim Webb’s visit to Burma on 14-16 August.6 Baseless trial, scripted verdict On 11 August, four UN Special Rapporteurs, including the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana, blasted the trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as “baseless,” “unlawful,” and not in line with international standards. The four said that the court was not independent, judicial guarantees were disregarded, and the charges under the State Protection Law were unsubstantiated. The trial was “riddled with irregularities from start to finish” and “should never have occurred in the first place,” the UN experts concluded.7 Despite the SPDC’s outrageous claim that Daw Suu’s trial “was strictly related to the rule of law,”8 the outcome of the trial showed that the SPDC had absolute control over the court and forced the judges to reach a guilty verdict. The extent to which the outcome of the trial was a foregone conclusion is manifested by the fact that SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe signed the order that commuted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison sentences on 10 August - the day before the court delivered the guilty verdict.9 By commuting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison sentence, Than Shwe desperately wanted to show the international community that he is a compassionate man and respects the daughter of Burma’s independence hero General Aung San.10 But in reality, the commutation of Daw Suu’s sentence was a card that Than Shwe was forced to play in an attempt to quell international pressure.11 International reactions ASEAN: Efforts to seek a pardon fall mute Following Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s conviction and sentence, ASEAN failed to agree on a common position other than a timid note of its ‘disappointment. As of the Bulletin publishing date, ASEAN was still attempting to adopt a call for amnesty for Daw Suu but the issue remained unresolved. good conduct and pardon be granted accordingly; AFP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi gets 18 months under house arrest; BBC (11 Aug 09) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi 'guilty'; Reuters (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi found guilty in security case 2 NYT (18 May 09) Pro-Democracy leader goes on trial in Myanmar; NLM (19 May 09) American citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win, Ma Win Ma Ma brought to trial 3 Bangkok Post (05 May 09) US man swims to Suu Kyi's home 4 NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma 5 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; NLM (12 Aug 09) Judgments pronounced for Criminal Regular Trials against US Citizen Mr John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Khin Khin Win and Ma Win Ma Ma 6 NYT (14 Aug 09) U.S. Senator in Myanmar to Meet Leader; AP (16 Aug 09) Yettaw Leaves Burma; CNN (15 Aug 09) Senator gains release of American jailed in Myanmar; AP (16 Aug 09) Yettaw Leaves Burma 7 OHCHR (11 Aug 09) UN human rights experts call for unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi after unfair trial; UN News Center (11 Aug 09) Deploring Myanmar verdict, Ban urges immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi 8 AP (28 May 09) Suu Kyi Trial Nears End; Bernama (28 May 09) Trial Against Aung San Suu Kyi Has No Political Impact 9 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; BBC (11 Aug 09) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi 'guilty'; WSJ (11 Aug 09) Suu Kyi Sentenced to 18 Months House Arrest; AFP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi gets 18 months under house arrest 10 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar's Suu Kyi returns to house arrest; NYT (11 Aug 09) Activist in Myanmar Is Convicted 11 Bernama (11 Aug 09) Myanmar Junta Fearful Of Suu Kyi's Influence

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On 12 August, ASEAN expressed its “disappointment” over the SPDC’s ruling on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. A statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry, representing the ASEAN Chair, reiterated the organization’s calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.12 On 14 August, Thai FM Kasit Piromya sought a consensus from the other nine ASEAN members to urge the SPDC to grant Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a pardon. Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia supported Thailand’s initiative, while Laos and Vietnam opposed the move.13 On 21 August, senior ASEAN officials meeting in Jakarta recommended that their respective Foreign Ministers issue a joint appeal to the SPDC for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.14 However, as of 31 August, ASEAN had not endorsed any letter to the SPDC. Malaysia: ASEAN meeting needed Malaysia said it was “very concerned” over the trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.15 Following the guilty verdict, Malaysia's FM Anifah Aman pressed for an “urgent meeting” among his ASEAN counterparts.16 In addition, Malaysia’s two main political parties, ruling party UMNO and opposition DAP called on ASEAN to suspend Burma’s membership until the SPDC released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.17 Philippines: Reconsider the verdict After the sentence, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged the SPDC to reconsider the verdict.18 Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said the Philippines found the verdict incomprehensible and deplorable.19 Singapore: Disappointed A Singapore Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “We are disappointed to learn that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was found guilty.”20 Singapore FM George Yeo said, “This [the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] is not only unfair - we felt that it would go against the spirit of free and fair elections and national reconciliation.'”21 Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam: Leave the SPDC alone Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, defended the SPDC’s treatment of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. • Vietnam called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's conviction an “internal affair” of Burma, while backing regional calls for national reconciliation.22 • Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the reduction of the sentence handed down to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as “a good signal” and said Burma was moving towards democracy.23 • Laos said it was opposed to interfering in Burma's internal affairs. “We believe the recent trial of Aung San Suu Kyi was conducted in accordance with the judicial process of Burma,” Lao Foreign Ministry spokesman Khenthong Nuanthasing said.24

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Nation (12 Aug 09) Asean calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi Kyodo News (16 Aug 09) Thai call for ASEAN appeal to Myanmar to pardon Suu Kyi gets backing; Mizzima News (15 Aug 09) Thailand urges Asean for a consensus on Burma 14 DPA (21 Aug 09) ASEAN officials agree on joint appeal for Suu Kyi's release 15 AFP (14 May 09) Clinton 'deeply troubled' by Aung San Suu Kyi charges 16 AFP (11 Aug 09) Malaysian pushes for ASEAN meeting on Suu Kyi 17 Star (12 Aug 09) Increasing calls for Asean to boot out Myanmar 18 Philippine Star (13 Aug 09) RP condemns Suu Kyi verdict; Sun Star Manila (13 Aug 09) Arroyo on Suu Kyi’s conviction 19 DPA (11 Aug 09) Philippine government deplores Suu Kyi's guilty verdict 20 DPA (11 Aug 09) Singapore government laments guilty verdict for Suu Kyi 21 Kyodo (16 Aug 09) Thai call for ASEAN appeal to Myanmar to pardon Suu Kyi gets backing 22 AFP (13 Aug 09) Vietnam: Suu Kyi verdict 'internal' matter for Myanmar 23 DPA (12 Aug 09) Cambodia's foreign ministry welcomes reduction in Suu Kyi sentence 24 Bangkok Post (15 Aug 09) Free Suu Kyi call vetoed 13

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China: Give the SPDC some respect On 12 August China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that the international community should fully respect Burma's “judicial sovereignty”.25 India: Economic interests mute response India’s economic and security interests in Burma served to mute its reaction to the recent conviction of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On 11 August, the Indian Foreign Ministry said: that India had emphasized to the SPDC the need to expedite their political reform and national reconciliation process. “[…] this process should be broad based, including the various ethnic groups. In this context, the issue of release of political prisoners will no doubt receive due attention."26 UN: All talk, no action UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon, the UN Special Rapporteur of human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, the UN Special Advisor on Burma Ibrahim Gambari, and the ILO, all called for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release. 27 On 11 August, the UN Security Council met to discuss the verdict. The meeting ended without result and was adjourned until 12 August. The US, UK, and France faced the reluctance of China, Vietnam, Russia, and Libya to condemn the sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to urge her release.28 On 13 August, the UN Security Council finally issued a timid press statement that expressed “serious concern” at the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Council also reiterated the importance of the release of all political prisoners and urged the SPDC “to create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties.”29 US: Webb’s visit spins confusion US policy towards the junta became somewhat muddled as a result of the 14-16 August visit to Burma by US Senator Jim Webb. The regime allowed Webb, to meet with SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe in Naypyidaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon because of the Senator’s anti-sanctions stance.30 SPDC-run media used his visit as a major public relations coup. The state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar called Webb’s visit a “success.”31 On 17 August, Webb stated that it was his “clear impression” that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not opposed to lifting “some sanctions.”32 On 17 August, US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley played down the significance of Webb’s visit. Crowley said, “We remain very concerned about the continued detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 prisoners that are in detention. We'll be looking for signs that Burma's fundamentally changing its approach and its policies.”33 Webb’s comments, which ignored the regime’s escalation of atrocities in Eastern Burma and were seen as more anti-sanctions than pro-engagement, attracted widespread criticism from activists.34

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AP (12 Aug 09) Suu Kyi Begins House Arrest amid Outrage Reuters (11 Aug 09) India says Myanmar must expedite political reform 27 AP (12 Aug 09) Suu Kyi Begins House Arrest amid Outrage; UN News Center (12 Aug 09)UN human rights chief joins call for release of Myanmar opposition figure: AFP (11 Aug 09) UN Head demands release of Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi; VOA (11 Aug 09) UN Envoy to Burma Calls for 'Immediate Release' of Aung San Suu Kyi 28 Bloomberg (11 Aug 09) U.S., U.K., France Press for UN Condemnation of Myanmar’s Junta; Reuters (11 Aug 09) U.N. council delays statement on Suu Kyi sentence 29 UN News Center (13 Aug 09) Security Council voices ‘serious concern’ at Aung San Suu Kyi verdict 30 Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) US Senator Meets Than Shwe, Suu Kyi 31 Irrawaddy (19 Aug 09) Garbled words; Naive Expectations 32 AFP (17 Aug 09) Suu Kyi not for sanctions: Webb 33 AP (17 Aug 09) Obama welcomes release of US citizen from Myanmar 34 Washington Post (15 Aug 09) Webb's Trip to Burma May Be Litmus Test 26

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EU: More targeted sanctions The EU continued to call for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release.35 After the SPDC announced Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence, the EU imposed new targeted financial sanctions on the four judges who presided at Daw Suu’s trial.36 New sanctions also subjected stateowned media associated with the junta to an asset freeze along with 58 other enterprises, 48 of which were already affected by an investment ban.37 In addition, UK PM Gordon Brown called for the UN Security Council to act and impose an international arms embargo on the junta.38 Australia: Supporting sanctions and arms embargo After Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s conviction, FM Stephen Smith said that Australia would review existing financial sanctions which target senior members of the regime, their associates and family members, and consider including senior members of the judiciary. Smith also said that Australia would support any action before the Security Council to place a global arms embargo on Burma.39 Australian PM Kevin Rudd announced that the Australian government would resume broadcasting Radio Australia into Burma.40 INSIDE BURMA During August, war broke out when the SPDC Army launched two separate military campaigns against the Kokang and the Shan in Eastern Burma, which displaced 47,000 civilians, the majority of whom fled to China. Relations with other ethnic groups continued to deteriorate as the SPDC pressed their demand for ethnic ceasefire groups to cede control over their armed factions. Military onslaught in Shan State Through early August the SPDC Army launched a military offensive against civilian populations in Shan State. The SPDC Army forced an estimated 10,000 people in Central Shan State out of their villages and burned more than 500 homes.41 It was the single largest forced displacement in Shan State since 1998, when the SPDC Army uprooted over 300,000 people.42 In Laikha Township alone, the SPDC Army displaced residents from over 40 villages.43 SPDC forces killed at least three villagers and tortured over 100. In addition to numerous reports of sexual violence against Shan women, SPDC soldiers beheaded a woman falsely accused of being a wife of an ethnic army soldier [See below SPDC targets women].44 SPDC aggression spills into China In late August, SPDC baiting and aggression led to the break down of a 20-year ceasefire agreement and the resumption of hostilities between the Kokang and the SPDC Army. 45 Hostilities between ethnic armed groups and SPDC troops pushed nearly 37,000 refugees into China, provoking the ire of Beijing [See below China rebukes SPDC over Kokang offensive].46

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EU (11 Aug 09) Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the verdict against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi EU (13 Aug 09) The Council adopts additional restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar 37 NYT (14 Aug 09) U.S. Senator in Myanmar to Meet Leader 38 Reuters (11 Aug 09) UK's Brown "saddened, angry" at Suu Kyi verdict 39 AAP (12 Aug 09) Australia supports global Burma arms ban 40 AAP (11 Aug 09) Kevin Rudd seeks to provoke Burmese junta 41 Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups; DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses burned in scorched earth campaign 42 DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses burned in scorched earth campaign 43 Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups; DVB (13 Aug 09) 500 Shan houses burned in scorched earth campaign 44 Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) 10,000 Villagers Forcibly Relocated in Shan State: Rights Groups 45 SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers 46 Xinhua (31 Aug 09) China resolves issue with Sino-Myanmar border inhabitants; AP (30 Aug 09) Myanmar says 26 forces, 8 rebels killed at border; VOA (29 Aug 09) Fresh Fighting Erupts in Burma; SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers 36

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• 8 August: Tensions erupted between the regime and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a Kokang ceasefire group, when SPDC Army soldiers and police attempted to raid the house of the group’s chairman Peng Jiasheng. Peng reportedly ordered 300 of his soldiers to block the route and encircle the raiding SPDC forces. The five hour stand-off ended only after the SPDC forces retreated.47 • 24 August: The SPDC Army captured Laogai, the capital of the Kokang region, after several Kokang leaders staged a mutiny against Peng and expressed their loyalty to the SPDC.48 • 25 August: The breakaway elements of the MNDAA formed a new Central Executive Committee, and announced that the Kokang Special Region would be under its administration.49 The majority of the Kokang region was under joint control of the SPDC Army and the new Kokang splinter group.50 • 27 August: Sporadic fighting broke out between MNDAA forces and the SPDC Army along the border with China and in Laogai.51 During the clashes, an errant SPDC shell fell in Chinese territory, reportedly killing a Chinese Army solider while wounding two others.52 Similarly, SPDC attacks near Wa territory prompted the United Wa State Army (UWSA) to join battle with its Kokang ally against the SPDC Army.53 • 28 August: UNHCR reported that nearly 30,000 refugees from Shan State entered China.54 Chinese sources said that the new arrivals were being housed in two temporary shelters near the border area.55 • 29 August: Fighting near the Sino-Burmese border came to an abrupt halt after about 700 MNDAA soldiers surrendered their weapons to Chinese officials.56 • 30 August: The SPDC released its first official statement on the hostilities, saying three days of fighting killed 26 SPDC personnel and at least eight MNDAA soldiers. The announcement concluded by saying that “the region has now regained peace.”57 SPDC targets women SPDC Army soldiers continued to terrorize ethnic women through violence and rape as part of their military campaign in Eastern Burma.58 • 2 August: SPDC Army forces gang-raped a woman in front of her husband in Laikha Township, Shan State.59 • 3 August: SPDC soldiers from LIB 514 attacked and beheaded a 29-year old woman in Mongkeung Township, Shan State.60 • 5 August: An SPDC Army Captain and other soldiers from IB 132 gang-raped a 15-year-old girl in Kehsi Township, Southern Shan State.61

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Irrawaddy (10 Aug 09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid; Mizzima News (10 Aug 09) Palpable tension between Burmese Army and Kokant rebels Kachin News Group (27 Aug 09) Burmese troops and Kokang soldiers clash 49 DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension 50 DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension 51 SHAN (27 Aug 09) Clashes push more refugees to neighboring area; AP (27 Aug 09) Ethnic group in Myanmar said to break cease-fire; DVB (27 Aug 09) Ceasefire group split sparks tension; Kachin News Group (27 Aug 09) Burmese troops and Kokang soldiers clash; Irrawaddy (27 Aug 09) Fighting Breaks Out in Kokang Area; DPA (27 Aug 09) Myanmar military moves to crush Kokang Chinese; Mizzima News (27 Aug 09) Kokangs victim of junta’s old tactics: observers 52 SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers 53 SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers 54 Mizzima News (29 Aug 09) Nearly 30,000 civilians flee conflicts in Northeastern Burma: UN; Independent (29 Aug 09) Refugees pour into China after Burma clashes; UN News Center (28 Aug 09) UN voices concern as fresh fighting in Myanmar uproots thousands. (NOTE: Chinese sources later reported the figure at nearly 37,000. See footnote 46) 55 Irrawaddy (28 Aug 09) 10,000 More Kokang Refugees Flee into China 56 AP (30 Aug 09) Clashes along China-Myanmar border subside; Irrawaddy (29 Aug 09) Fighting Stops as Kokang Surrender Arms to Chinese 57 AP (30 Aug 09) Myanmar says 26 forces, 8 rebels killed at border; Xinhua (30 Aug 09) Myanmar gov't says Kokang region situation returns to normalcy 58 SHAN (06 Aug 09) Burmese Army troops behead woman; Kaladan News (11 Aug 09) Refugee woman gang-raped by local youths; Kaladan News (10 Aug 09) Burmese woman gang raped by Bangladeshi youths; SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang raped by Burmese Army personnel; SHAN (07 Aug 09) Burmese Army personnel gang-rape Shan woman; Mizzima News (07 Aug 09) Women’s groups urge Security Council to act on Burma; Irrawaddy (07 Aug 09) Women’s Groups Want to See Than Shwe before the ICC 59 SHAN (07 Aug 09) Burmese Army personnel gang-rape Shan woman 60 SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang raped by Burmese Army personnel; SHAN (06 Aug 09) Burmese Army troops behead woman 61 SHAN (11 Aug 09) Teenage girl gang raped by Burmese Army personnel 48

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On 7 August, 65 international women’s organizations, including the Women’s League of Burma, urged the UN Security Council to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.62 On 19 August, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), AltseanBurma, and the Burma Lawyers Council (BLC) also called on the UN Security Council to set up a Commission on Inquiry on crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.63 BGF scheme inflames border regions In August, the continued SPDC push for the Border Guard Force (BGF) scheme inflamed tensions with several armed ethnic ceasefire groups. • Myanmar Peace and Democratic Front: The Kachin Independent Organization (KIO), the MNDAA, the UWSA, and the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State formed a new defense alliance to counter possible SPDC aggression.64 • Mon: On 4 August, the New Mon State Party reaffirmed its refusal to reform its armed wing, the Mon National Liberation Army, into a BGF or an SPDC aligned people’s militia.65 • Kachin: The KIO agreed in principle with the BGF proposal but suggested that steps should be taken only when the nation is at peace and after a popularly elected democratic government is in place. 66 On 22 August, the SPDC Army’s Northern Regional Command Commander Maj Gen Soe Win ignored the KIO position and warned them that the SPDC expects the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to convert into a BGF battalion by October 2009.67 • Kokang: Following the MNDAA’s rejection of the SPDC’s BGF scheme, the SPDC increased the pressure on the group’s leader through police raids and legal harassment.68 SPDC harassment led to the eventual escalation of conflict and the end of a 20-year ceasefire [See above SPDC aggression spills into China]. • Wa: On 26 August, an SPDC Army Operations Command Commander in Eastern Shan State demanded that the UWSA immediately withdraw from all their bases west of the Thai border road.69 As tensions increased between the SPDC and the armed ethnic ceasefire groups in August, the SPDC increased its military presence in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States.70 Transitional package On 13 August, the Burmese exiled pro-democracy coalition Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (MDREN)71 released their “Proposal for National Reconciliation” following a twoday meeting in Jakarta.72 Feeling threatened by the exiled groups’ initiative, the regime unsuccessfully pressured Indonesian authorities to stop the meeting.73

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Irrawaddy (07 Aug 09) Women’s Groups Want to See Than Shwe before the ICC; Mizzima News (07 Aug 09) Women’s groups urge Security Council to act on Burma Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Campaigners call for commission of inquiry into junta crimes 64 Mizzima News (13 Aug 09) Four ceasefire groups form military alliance; Kachin News Group (11 Aug 09) Four ethnic ceasefire groups to take on junta in event of war; SHAN (10 Aug 09) Junta and Kokang almost come to blows 65 IMNA (04 Aug 09) NMSP officially rejects future role in Burmese government ‘Border Guard Force’ 66 DVB (07 Aug 09) Border guard pressure could ‘threaten peace’ 67 Kachin News Group (25 Aug 09) Junta reiterates October deadline on KIA 68 Irrawaddy (10 Aug 09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid 69 SHAN (27 Aug 09) Rebels say junta shell kills Chinese soldiers 70 Kachin News Group (11 Aug 09) Four ethnic ceasefire groups to take on junta in event of war; Mizzima News (14 Aug 09) KIO trains administrative staff; Irrawaddy (25 Aug 09) Tension Mounts between Junta and Kokang Ceasefire Group; SHAN (24 Aug 09) Tension sparks people to flee into China; SHAN (14 Aug 09) Junta’s ploy is to push Kokang to shoot first; Irrawaddy (10 Aug 09) Kokang Thwart Burma Army Drug Raid; Irrawaddy (13 Aug 09) Tension Mounts at Three Pagodas Pas; Irrawaddy (31 Aug 09) Junta Sends Major Reinforcements to Shan State 71 MDREN comprises the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the National Council of the Union of Burma, the Ethnic Nationalities Council, the Women's League of Burma, the Forum for Democracy in Burma, the Students and Youth Congress of Burma, and the Nationalities Youth Forum. 72 VOA (13 Aug 09) Exiled Dissidents Propose Democratic Transition for Burma 73 UPI (14 Aug 09) Myanmar democracy meeting held in Jakarta; DVB (13 Aug 09) Indonesia meeting pressured by Burma junta; Mizzima News (13 Aug 09) Indonesia withdraws support to Burmese opposition meet 63

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The “Proposal for National Reconciliation” calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a declaration of a nationwide ceasefire, a review of the SPDC’s 2008 constitution, and a new or reformed electoral law ahead of the 2010 elections. 74 The “Proposal” acknowledges the right of the military to play a “significant role” during Burma’s transition to democracy and calls for measures to transform military administration into civilian rule. The document also outlines a plan for socio-economic reforms to be implemented during the democratic transition.75 Pro-democracy demonstrations and campaigns • 5 August: Activists in Pegu distributed leaflets that exhorted people not to forget the 8888 uprising.76 • 8 August: Riot police and pro-junta thugs patrolled Rangoon on the 21st anniversary of the 1988 uprising.77 Outside Burma, thousands of activists marked the day with events in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Canada, US, and France.78 • 15 August: The NLD launched a five-day “White Campaign” in 20 Townships in Pegu, Madalay, Magwe, and Rangoon Divisions to express solidarity with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The campaign organizers urged people to wear white, offer white flowers at pagodas, and paint houses and fences white.79 • 23 August: Activists in Taunggoat, Arakan State, distributed leaflets that called for the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.80 • 25 August: NLD members launched a month-long “Yellow campaign” in the cities of Rangoon, Mandalay, and Pegu as well as in Meikhtila and Yamethin, Mandalay Division, and in Yenanchaung, Magwe Division. The campaign organizers urged people to wear yellow during their Tuesday prayer vigil for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.81 Monks harassed As the second anniversary of the Saffron Revolution draws near amid rumors of another monk-leduprising, the regime stepped up harassment and surveillance of Buddhist monks across Burma.82 • The regime collected personal information and photographs of monks from monasteries nationwide.83 • Since the second week of August, police in Myitkyina, Kachin State, have escorted local monks during their morning alms procession.84 • The regime increased police presence around monasteries in Rangoon and Akyab, Arakan State.85 • SPDC authorities in Mon State arbitrary searched traveling monks.86 • SPDC authorities threatened to disrobe and imprison monks from Rangoon monasteries if they participated in anti-junta protests.87

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Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (13 Aug 09) Proposal for National Reconciliation. http://www.mdren.org/resources/Proposal_for_National_Reconciliation.pdf 75 Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (13 Aug 09) Proposal for National Reconciliation 76 Mizzima New (05 Aug 09) Leaflets recalling 8.8.88 distributed in Pegu 77 AP (08 Aug 09) Security Tight on Anniversary of 8888 Uprising; Straits Times (09 Aug 09) Yangon quiet 78 AFP (09 Aug 09) Burma marks 21st anniversary of student uprising; AP (08 Aug 09) Security Tight on Anniversary of 8888 Uprising; Straits Times (09 Aug 09) Yangon quiet; Burma Partnership (07 Aug 09) 21st Anniversary of 8888 - Global Solidarity Action and Statement 79 DVB (15 Aug 09) White Campaign launched for Suu Kyi 80 Narinjara News (24 Aug 09) Poster Campaign in Arakan for Daw Suu's Release 81 Mizzima News (27 Aug 09) Opposition activists launch yellow campaign 82 IMNA (18 Aug 09) Monks searched as they travel through Mon state; Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Junta alert about possible monk-led protests; Narinjara News (21 Aug 09) Sittwe Security Beefed up with Riot Police 83 Irrawaddy (05 Aug 09) Monks Question Gov’t Use of Personal Photographs; Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to Return to the Streets? 84 Kachin News Group (17 Aug 09) Police escorts for monks accepting offerings 85 Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to Return to the Streets?; Mizzima News (20 Aug 09) Junta alert about possible monk-led protests; Irrawaddy (25 Aug 09) Monk Leaders Call for Third Sangha Boycott; Narinjara News (21 Aug 09) Sittwe Security Beefed up with Riot Police 86 IMNA (18 Aug 09) Monks searched as they travel through Mon state; Kachin News Group (17 Aug 09) Police escorts for monks accepting offerings 87 Irrawaddy (15 Aug 09) Are Monks Preparing to Return to the Streets?

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• On 5 August, SPDC authorities in Yenanchaung, Magwe Division, barred monks at the Myat Saw Nyi Naung pagoda from reciting sutras during a full moon religious ceremony.88 • On 9 August, SPDC authorities in Akyab, Arakan State, prevented local monks from holding any public commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the death of the revered Rakhine monk U Ottama.89 • On 26 August, the website of the state-run Kyemon [Mirror] newspaper said the regime would take “severe action” against the exiled International Burmese Monks’ Organization and Sangha League (Myanmar) for their alleged involvement in the organization of a new wave of monk-led protests in Burma90 SPDC dams future The SPDC continued its push for hydroelectric energy, regardless of the human and environmental costs to Burma. • 4 August: The KNU appealed to the Thai government to halt its involvement in the construction of the Hatgyi Dam project in Karen State.91 The KNU said the project would displace thousands and endanger the local ecosystem and rare animal life.92 • 5 August: SPDC officials informed residents of their plans to relocate over 60 villages from the Myitsone hydropower dam project area in the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy River in Kachin State.93 SPDC authorities did not explain to the villagers where they would be relocated to, nor did they inform them of any planned compensation for their loss.94 HUMAN RIGHTS Arrests and imprisonment • 11 August: o SPDC security forces, riot police, and Swan Swan Arr Shin thugs stationed outside Insein prison briefly detained about 50 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi supporters after the court delivered its verdict.95 o SPDC authorities in Yenanchaung, Magwe Division, arrested five NLD members who were on their way to go to a local pagoda to pray for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 96 o SPDC authorities in Pegu Division arrested five NLD members while praying for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a local pagoda.97 o Police in Akyab, Arakan State, arrested Tun Shwe for unauthorized travel to Bangladesh. Tun Shwe is a member of the Saidra Tee Wai, a 300-strong group of traditional drummers led by former political prisoner Kyaw Zan Maung.98 • 14 August: A court in Taunggoat Township, Arakan State, sentenced former tuition teacher Chit Htwe to seven days in jail for protesting the imprisonment of 87-year-old elected MP Kyaw Khaing.99 [See July 2009 Burma Bulletin] Prison transfers • 6 August: SPDC authorities in Kale prison, Sagaing Division, transferred labor rights activist and NLD member Su Su Nway to Khamti prison, Sagaing Division.100

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Irrawaddy (06 Aug 09) Burmese Authorities Ban Chanting of Metta Sutta Narinjara News (11 Aug 09) Month long programme to honour U Ottama 90 Irrawaddy (26 Aug 09) Junta Warns Buddhist Monks Online 91 Irrawaddy (04 Aug 09) KNU Asks Thai Government to Pull out of Salween Dam Project 92 Mizzima News (05 Aug 09) Dam construction endangers lives of locals: report 93 DVB (26 Aug 09) Dam forces relocation of 60 villages 94 Kachin News Group (24 Aug 09) Irrawaddy hydropower project to displace many Kachin villagers 95 Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial 96 Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial 97 Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial 98 Narinjara News (18 Aug 09) Traditional Musician Missing After Arrest 99 Narinjara News (18 Aug 09) Nonagenarian protester sentenced to week in prison 100 Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial 89

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• 9 August: SPDC authorities in Sandoway prison, Arakan State, transferred 87-year-old elected MP Kyaw Khaing, to Thayet prison, Magwe Division.101 DISPLACEMENT More Karen refugees In August, over 200 Karen fled from Eastern Karen State seeking shelter in camps across Thailand’s Tak Province.102 Recent arrivals escaped forced recruitment, extortion, forced labor and other abuses by the DKBA.103 On 14-17 August, the DKBA and Thai authorities discussed new avenues of cooperation in order to send recent Karen arrivals back to Burma.104 Negotiating with the DKBA was an odd decision by Thai authorities, as many recent Karen refugees reported DKBA abuses in Karen State as their main reason for fleeing in the first place.105 Malaysia mistreats migrants On 18 August, Malaysian authorities released 80 Burmese migrants from an immigration detention center near Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the help of the UNHCR.106 However, many more Burmese migrants remained in overcrowded detention centers in Malaysia.107 During the first seven months of 2009, the number of detained Burmese in Malaysian camps more then doubled, increasing from 1,200 to 2,800.108 Unlike detainees from other countries who are typically deported within a week, the Burmese embassy often takes several months to register its citizens for deportation and charges them US$180 for the “service.”109 Rohingya die in Thai detention On 17 August, Thai officials confirmed that two Rohingya teenagers died in a detention facility in Ranong while the health of 13 others was also at risk.110 Following the most recent death, Thai immigration authorities moved the remaining Rohingya detainees from the Ranong detention centre to a detention facility in Bangkok.111 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS China rebukes the SPDC over Kokang offensive The massive inflow of refugees from Northern Shan State as a result of the regime’s offensive against the Kokang [See above SPDC aggression spills into China], prompted China to interfere into Burma’s internal affairs. • 10 August Chinese officials from Yunnan Province warned SPDC Northeastern Military Command Commander Maj Gen Aung Than Htut not to fuel instability on the Sino-Burma border.112 The Chinese Army moved over 700 troops to the Sino-Burma border.113

101 Mizzima News (11 Aug 09) Prison transfer for detained opposition member; Irrawaddy (11 Aug 09) 50 Briefly Detained during Suu Kyi Trial 102 Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand 103 Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand 104 KIC (18 Aug 09) DKBA-Thai authorities work on return of IDPs 105 Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) 30 More Karens Flee Hlinebwe; DVB (06 Aug 09) More Karen refugees flee to Thailand 106 Irrawaddy (21 Aug 09) Burmese Released from Malaysian Detention Center 107 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps 108 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps 109 AP (11 Aug 09) Myanmar migrants stuck in Malaysia detention camps 110 Nation (18 Aug 09) Two migrants dead, 13 more "failing" 111 Bangkok Post (20 Aug 09) Rohingya deaths spark anger 112 Irrawaddy (14 Aug 09) China Warns Commander to Avoid Instability in Shan State 113 SHAN (25 Aug 09) PLA moves to the Kokang border

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• 28 August: China issued a rare warning to the SPDC to “maintain stability” along the Sino-Burma border. The Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement that called on the SPDC to “properly handle domestic problems and maintain stability in the China-Burma border region.” The statement also urged the SPDC “to protect the security and legal rights of Chinese citizens in Burma.”114 ECONOMY Thai trade supports SPDC Thailand topped Burma’s foreign trade partner line-up, followed by Singapore, China, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. According to the latest SPDC figures Thailand’s bilateral trade reached US$3.05 billion in the fiscal year 2008-09. Burma’s exports to Thailand amounted to US$2.65 billion, while imports stood at US$398.28 million, giving the SPDC a trade surplus of US$2.25 billion.115 Burma’s gas balloons Rising gas prices and increasing demand caused the value of Burma's gas exports to soar.116 According to SPDC statistics in the fiscal year 2008-09, Burma produced 6.89 million barrels of crude oil and 11.381 billion cubic-meters of gas. Given Burma’s regional standing as a major supplier of natural gas in the Asia-Pacific, the SPDC’s foreign exchange reserves are likely to top US$5 billion by the end of the year.117 Korean deals On 25 August, an international gas consortium led by South Korea's Daewoo International announced plans to invest US$5.6 billion in a 30-year natural gas supply deal with China's top state oil and gas firm, China National Petroleum. The consortium will provide natural gas from the Shwe fields in Burma’s offshore A-1 and A-3 blocks starting from 2013.118 According to recent statistics, Burma and South Korea enhanced bilateral cooperation in a number of key sectors during 2008-9.119 Burma-South Korea bilateral trade more then doubled in the fiscal year of 2008-09 compared with the previous year, totaling US$252 million. 120 OTHER BURMA NEWS IN AUGUST 1 1 2

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SPDC Army recruits six Rakhine youth from the Indo-Burma border area in Chin State. SPDC police arrest two men on motorcycles on the road from Mae Sai, Thailand, to Tachilek, Shan State, and seize 200,000 amphetamine tablets. Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says that Australia shares the international community's concerns over the SPDC's nuclear aspirations amid claims that North Korea is helping the junta with an atomic weapons program. Karen environmental activist Ka Hsaw Wa is awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award. US State Department expresses concern over news reports that North Korea may be helping the SPDC to achieve its nuclear ambitions. An 18-year-old Rakhine woman in Paletwa Township, Chin State commits suicide after becoming pregnant and abandoned by an SPDC Army Sgt. SPDC FM Maj Gen Nyan Win and Sri Lankan FM Rohitha Bogollagama agree to increase cooperation on counter terrorism and to boost bilateral investment and trade. SPDC officials in Myitkyina, Kachin State, notify representatives of over 60 villages that they must relocate in order to make way for a new dam project.

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FT (30 Aug 09) China rebukes Burma after border fighting Xinhua (04 Aug 09) Myanmar-Thailand bilateral trade hits over 3 bln USD in 2008-09 116 WSJ (06 Aug 09) Burma Isn't Broke 117 Xinhua (18 Aug 09) Myanmar to Export Offshore Nat. Gas to Thailand in 2013; WSJ (06 Aug 09) Burma Isn't Broke 118 Reuters (25 Aug 09) Daewoo in $5.6 bln Myanmar gas export deal to China 119 Xinhua (23 Aug 09) Myanmar, S Korea strive for enhancing bilateral co-op in multi-sectors 120 Xinhua (23 Aug 09) Myanmar, S Korea strive for enhancing bilateral co-op in multi-sectors 115

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon chairs a closed-door meeting of the Group of Friends on Burma. Police chief Brig Gen Khin Yi says the regime arrested 15 people for allegedly planning to set off explosions during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial and UN Sec Gen Ban Ki-moon’s July visit to Burma. ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan says that Burma may be forced to abandon its ASEAN membership if it is found to have a nuclear reactor in the country. Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry releases a statement that calls on the SPDC to improve Burma’s internal situation in order to stop the influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh. A 25-year-old woman dies while giving birth to triplets in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State. Bangladeshi FM Dipu Moni says hundreds of thousands of persecuted Rohingya who have illegally crossed the border from Burma are a major cause of social, economic, and environmental damage. A 26-year-old Na Sa Ka private in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, commits suicide. Local youths rape a refugee woman from the Nayapara Burmese refugee camp in Teknaf, Bangladesh. Washington-based Freedom Now files a petition on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s arbitrary detention with the UN OHCHR in Geneva. NLD rejects the verdict on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and calls for her release. CNF releases a statement condemning the sentencing of opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to 18 months in detention. Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva says that Thailand has no problem with other countries beefing up arms sanctions against Burma but banning gems would have an adverse affect on Thailand. DKBA troops kill a deserter wanted for the murder of two SPDC Army soldiers from Military Operation Command 12. WFP helicopter service stops after the SPDC fails to extend required clearances. NLD Central Executive Committee member Win Tin undergoes heart surgery in Rangoon. US President Barack Obama says while he appreciates the decision of the SPDC to release John Yettaw, the release will have no impact on the US’ review of its Burma policy. Unidentified gunmen kill a Burmese migrant worker and wound three other women in Pattani Province,Thailand. Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights condemns the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and demands that the government sever diplomatic ties with the SPDC. A commentary in three state-run newspapers urges Western countries to lift economic sanctions. SPDC Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation and USDA Sec-Gen Maj Gen Htay Oo, begins an official visit to Japan. SPDC Censorship Board bans the Rangoon-based weekly journal Phoenix citing violation of censorship regulations. Indonesia says it will support the SPDC’s nuclear energy program if it is for civilian use. Hundreds of people demonstrate in Tokyo to demand the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, India hands over 175 boat people rescued near the Andaman Islands in January, to the Bangladesh Red Crescent. The group includes at least 15 Burmese Rohingya. Police seize 721 kilos of heroin, 2,926,000 amphetamine tablets and 10 kilos of crystal methamphetamine in two separate raids near the Thai-Burma border town of Tachilek, Shan State. The 29th case of swine flu confirmed in Burma. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with her lawyers to finalize the appeal against her sentence. SPDC establishes diplomatic ties with Zimbabwe at the ambassadorial level. NLD members meet with staff members of the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee in Rangoon. Na Sa Ka from Area 8 in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, arrest two local Rohingya for repairing a mosque. UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon says that elections in Burma must be free and fair.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN AUGUST “Roots and Resilience”, Shan Sapawa Environmental Organization http://salweenwatch.org/images/stories/downloads/campaigns/rootsandresilienceenglish.pdf “Myanmar: Towards the Elections”, International Crisis Group (ICG) http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/getfile.cfm?id=4083&tid=6280&type=pdf&l=1 “Proposal for National Reconciliation”, Movement for Democracy and Rights for Ethnic Nationalities (MDREN) http://www.mdren.org/resources/Proposal_for_National_Reconciliation.pdf

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“Burma/Myanmar - International crimes committed in Burma: the urgent need for a Commission of Inquiry”, International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), Altsean-Burma, Burma Lawyers’ Council (BLC) http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/bu08.pdf “Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2009”, Asian Development Bank (ADB) http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Key_Indicators/2009/ “Nowhere Else to Go”, Woman and Child Rights Project (WCRP) http://rehmonnya.org/data/nowhereelsetogo.pdf “Critical Times: Migrants and the Economy in Chiang Mai and Mae Sot”, MAP Foundation http://www.mapfoundationcm.org/eng/PDF/eng/Critical%20Times_Final.pdf

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