UN envoy meets with Burma's Suu Kyi

Tomas Ojea Quintana, center, U.N. special envoy on human rights in Myanmar, leaves after meeting with Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi, right, at her home on Aug. 24, 2011, in Rangoon (AP/Khin Maung Win).

RANGOON, Burma (AP) — Burma's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi says she is encouraged after meeting with the U.N. human rights envoy to Burma (Myanmar).

She says Wednesday's 90-minute meeting in the former capital with Tomas Ojea Quintana and leaders of her disbanded National League for Democracy party focused on the country's more than 2,000 political prisoners and other human rights issues. She says Quintana has a "genuine will to help improve human rights conditions in Myanmar."

Quintana says he has had "fruitful meetings" with government ministers and representatives of political parties. He will brief the media Thursday. His five-day visit to Burma is his first since a nominally civilian [still militaristic authoritarian] government took power in March. He was refused a visa for over a year.

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Tour by Burma's Lady could cause riots

US Campaign for Burma

RANGOON, Burma (Reuters) A possible tour of Burmese by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi could cause riots, state media warned on Wednesday (June 28, 2011), implying she would be responsible for her own safety.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi is planning her first trip outside the former capital Rangoon/Yangon since she was freed from home detention last year just after elections to end army rule. [They capital was moved by the country's dictators to a private city built from scratch called Naypyidaw.]

The military still effectively controls the government.

Uppatasanti, a replacement Shwedagon Pagoda in Nyapyidaw

"Her followers and supporters are gushing that the icon must keep in touch with the public. They seem willing to exploit the public. They also propagate that the government is responsible for security of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her trip," a commentary in all three official newspapers said.

"We are deeply concerned that if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi makes trips to countryside regions, there may be chaos and riots, as evidenced by previous incidents," it added.

"Daw" is an honorific in Burma for women.

In 2003, in an episode now known as the Depayin Massacre, Suu Kyi's motorcade was attacked by pro-junta thugs and 70 of her supporters died in what was seen as an assassination attempt. More

The Lady, Burma's Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

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Burmese president meets Chinese military

Xinhua, English.news.cn
Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou (L) shakes hands with Burmese president U Thein Sein at the President's House in Burma's new capital Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, May 13, 2011 (Xinhua/Myanmar News Agency).

NAY PYI TAW, Burma - Myanmar president U Thein Sein met with visiting Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou in China Friday with the two sides exchanging views on issues of common concern.

U Thein Sein expressed delight to see major progress achieved in the two countries' cooperation in various sectors, including frequent reciprocal visits at high level.

The visit of Xu soon after Myanmar's formation of the new government has actively reflected the friendly relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, he said.



He added that strengthening of Myanmar-China unity and cooperation not only conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to the development and stability of the region.

On the occasion, Xu said 61 years after the two countries established diplomatic relation, bilateral ties have always maintained a healthy and stable development. More

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Police state bans plastic bags in Burma

The Orwellian junta, or group of generals enforcing military rule in Burma are going green...at least in the main city (no longer the capital) by banning plastic, according to state's media outlet.

RANGOON, Burma (AFP) — Authorities in Rangoon (now Yangon) have banned plastic bags, state media said Tuesday, in an attempt to stop non-degradable waste from polluting Burma's main city.

"Production of polythene bags and ropes, and storage and sale of those items at stores and groceries in the townships are not allowed starting from 22 April," the New Light of Myanmar [the state's propaganda] newspaper said.

Dictator Gen. Than Shwe, head of Burmese junta of military figures involved in coup

It said polythene bag factories that failed to close would lose their operating licenses and face legal action. The move comes two years after authorities in Burma's central city of Mandalay successfully prohibited polythene bags to protect the environment.

"It's a good idea. We use these bags everywhere too easily. Whenever I saw these unrecycled polythene bags in the garbage, I worry for our environment," said Mya Mya, a 60-year-old housewife in Rangoon. Some department stores in Rangoon sell recycled shopping bags, but most shoppers still use polythene bags.

UScampaignforBurma.org

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