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myanmartimes myanmar times Myanmar’s Myanmar’s first international international weekly

March 5 - 11, 2012

Reps call on govt to uphold checks and balances

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi waves to supporters during a by-election rally in Yangon Region’s Thongwa township on February 26. Pic: AFP 

NLD to build trust between army and people By Win Ko Ko Latt in Shan State

DAW Aung San Suu Kyi has called on the military to support the country’s fledgling democratic system. The National League for Democracy chair said during a one-day visit to southern Shan State on March 1 that she wanted to see better relations between the people and the Tatmadaw. “I will say what the people dare not say, which is that we want our Tatmadaw to stand for democracy,” she told supporters in Heho township on March 1.

Volume 31, No. 617 1200 Kyats

She also urged members of the Tatmadaw to vote for her party in the April 1 by-elections. “I am the daughter of Bogyoke  Aung San, father of independence. independence. I was born into a Tatmadaw family. I want to see a warmer relationship between the people and Tatmadaw based on trust.” She also urged people to vote based on the policy and tradition of a political party rather than personality. “I request people openly to vote for my party. My party is also getting ready to obey the people’s wish,” she said in Kalaw township. She said people need to have unity

but not necessarily need to agree on everything. Respect and recognition of other cultures, traditions and languages was also important for national development. “The basic requirement for national development is unity. We cannot establish a prosperous country without it. Our party also recognises the equal rights of ethnic people. We want to see our country as a genuine democratic union,” she said. “Rule of law is as important as internal peace. Our country cannot go as it did in the past. We need political, economical and social reform.”

HLUTTAW representatives have weighed in on the debate over the s tatus of  parliamentary committees, warning the government not to override the checks and balances enshrined in the 2008 constitution. The debate has apparently been s parked by growing disagreement between the government and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw over budget and national planning bills. Last month, Union AttorneyGeneral Dr Tun Shin informed the hluttaw that the Constitutional Tribunal was investigating whether the constitution defines committees, commissions and teams established by the Pyithu,  Am yo th a an d Py id au ng su hluttaws as Union-level bodies. If it decides they are not, these bodies could potentially lose the right to scrutinise Union-level bills such as the budget. The decision to seek the tribunal’s adjudication has raised concerns that the government is attempting to stifle criticism of  important pieces of legislation, representative told The  Myanmar Times last week. “Parliamentary committees have to serve their duties, whether they are called union level or not. In completing these duties, the Union Government should cooperate with our committees. If not the legislative check and balance system will be lost,” Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said at a press conference on February 20. He said that the hluttaws were operating within the laws. “If [the government] does not agree with us, it will mean the democracy that we are trying to establish will not be alive. But we hope that from these events we will gain experience and eventually reach our goal.” Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives were similarly critical of what they perceived to be an attempt to reduce oversight of the government’s activities.

“I don’t want to comment directly on the matter that the Constitutional Tribunal is handling. But [the status of  parliamentary committees is] already contained in the 2008 constitution,” said U Thein Nyunt, the Pyithu Hluttaw member for Thingangyun. He pointed to section 11(a), which states that the “three branches of sovereign power namely, legislative power, executive power and judicial power are separated, to the extent possible, and exert reciprocal control, check and balance among themselves”. He said that it was not the right time to be arguing “when there are a lot of reform tasks to be done”. “As Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said, reform tasks will have to be carried out in collaboration. If  we follow the democratic way, we should accept criticism and advice, we should be patient. “But we have to check whether criticism is reasonable. If reasonable, accept it. If not, don’t accept it.” The union-level status of  committees is also confirmed in the hluttaw laws and bylaws, another representative said. Daw Nan Wa Nu, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative from Kunhein, said the move to seek a Constitutional Tribunal ruling on the status of parliamentary committees had “confused” the budget approval process. “Irrespective of the status of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives, it is enshrined in law that we have the right to assess national plans, budgets and contract entered into with foreign countries,” said the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party member. More page 4

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 Vie  Vietn tnam am:: Two deca decade dess of deve develo lopm pmen entt less lesson onss By Adam McCarty

THERE are striking parallels betw between een the economy of Vietnam in the 1990s and that of Myanmar today. Of course there are also many differences, but the similarities suggest that there are lessons for Myanmar as it opens its economy to the world, particularly given that  Vietnam h as averaged 7-8 percent annual GDP growth for the past two decades.  A key questi on is what economic reforms should Myanmar focus on in 2012 and during the immediate post-sanctions post-sanctions period? There are similarities in the “starting point” of both countries. In 1992, Vietnam implemented its first systematic measurement of  living standards and reported a poverty rate of nearly one-in-two Vietnamese. A  similar survey in Myanmar in 2005 reported one-inthree in poverty. Vietnam 20 years ago was less developed and poorer than Myanmar today, yet both “start” as poor countries with great potential – notably a young, large and literate population – with that potential not being fully realised for both external (sanctions) and internal reasons (protectionist policies, a weak legal system and property rights, and so on). Even policy changes show similarities. In 1989  Vietnam unified its official and black market exchange rates, just as Myanmar is in the process of doing. The  Am eri can -l ed tr ad e an d investment embargo against  Vietnam dragged on until 1993 (one year after a new constitution in Vietnam), but hopefully, given the present pace of positive changes, we might see the embargo against Myanmar lifted this year. In Vietnam, a series of  important policy reforms were taken well before the embargo was lifted. These included the return of land to individual farm households on permanent use-right basis (1988); stabilisation of  the macro-economy, notably

inflation (1989); removing barriers that s topped households from conducting businesses (1990 Law on Private Enterprises); and trade and foreign investment liberalisation (the 1987 Law on FDI had no real impact until the exchange rate unification). The above four reform areas are, I argue, the foundation for success in the post-embargo period in Vietnam. All were built upon in later years, such as the 1993 amended Land Law that made agricultural land-use rights transferable and useable as collateral, and the 2000 Enterprise Law. I choose the above four reforms because opening up to world trade and investment (and official development assistance, or ODA) is the only path for a country to get rich. Macroeconomic stability is a prerequisite for following A bank employee counts that path: instability and Vietnamese dong notes high inflation, for example, at a branch in Hanoi in lead to low foreign direct November 2009. Pic: AFP  investment (FDI). Yet if you want equitable development – where more than an elite benefit – that rapid not just a matter of issuing – but during the 1990s it bank, so great confusion growth must be built on (and removing) laws and was clearly a bottleneck persists about appropriate supporting households. Most regulations but also of  to progress. Since then, a policy instruments and importantly, that means building the institutions process of decentralistion targets. Further, Vietnam ake e s uch paper and administrative reform has been slow to liberalise giving households private that m ak ownership of their assets, meaningful: a Central has tried to keep pace with and make competitive its a legal framework that Bank; Auditor General; the demands of a modern financial sector. Yet these protects that ownership, and Government Inspectorate; and competitive market negatives are outweighed by a minimum of regulations commercial and arbitration economy. The government the positives that enabled middleand taxes on their ability to courts; judiciary; professional of Myanmar will face the  Vietnam to achieve middledo business. In other words, as s oci ociations ati ons ; res earch same challenge; the faster income country status in encourage households to institutes and universities; it can decentralise authority 2011 with a reported poverty across the board, the faster it rate of 12pc in 2009. invest, make profits and and many more. In subsequent articles keep them.  Ano th er “le sso n” fr om can benefit its own people.  V i e t n a m h a s m a d e in this series I will choose Myanmar has much work  Vietn am is that “ref orm” to match the policy reforms is a continuous process mistakes as well and there p a r t i c u l a r a s p e c t s o f   of Vietnam over the past of is s uing, revi rev iewing, ew ing, are negative lessons to the Vietnamese reform two decades. Vietnam did amending and removing learn. Establishing state- experience, explain them, and not wait for the embargo policies – and one that owned product-specific relate them to contemporary to be lifted before making requires much effort and monopoly corporations was Myanmar. I have chosen bold policy reforms and government capacity. In a very different approach t o p i c s o f i m p o r t a n c e , neither should Myanmar. the 1980s, the Vietnamese to Japan and South Korea, but also of relevance to This raises questions about government structure was where private corporations donor organisations, who the appropriate sequencing top-heavy and cumbersome. were encouraged to compete will be planning many “interv entions ” – of reforms: it is easy to Many small matters could against each other for export new “interventions make lists of all the changes only be decided at the highest markets. Vietnam has also read projects – with the needed, but in what order levels. That was fine when not handed over macro- government this year. These microfinance, should they – and can they not much was changing – economic policy management topics include microfinance, for example, when there to technical experts, such as i n t e g r a t e d r u r a l – be tackled? “Reform”, moreover, is were few foreign investors a truly independent central development, promoting

private sector development, and trade liberalisation. Myanmar has a broad and comprehensive policy reform agenda ahead of it, yet it is neither alone nor unique. The experience of other countries, like Vietnam, can give guidance – both good and bad. ( Dr Ad am Mc Ca rt y is an Australian economist who has been living and working in Vietnam since 1991 as a university lecturer and consultant, conducting policy research and project evaluations for donor agencies. In 2001, he established Mekong  Economics Ltd, where where he is chief economist, and his work a across the Mekong region has covered microfinance,  st at e en te rp ri se re fo rm , rural development impact  evalu ations , trade policy , aid effectiveness, and the  education sector.)

The Mail Box Dear Editor, It was encouraging and informative to read the article by Myat Khaing in the latest edition of  Monitor News Journal where the once strictly taboo subject of who was responsible for the mining, demolition and destruction of the historic Rangoon University Students Union building on July 8, 1962 was discussed. This same article also referred to extracts in the  Northern Star Journal by veteran politician Thakin Tin Mya on happenings and experiences during the Burma Socialist Programme Party period when the then-Chief of Staff General Ne Win invited him and three others to his  Ady Road residence residence on March March 10, 1963 1963 to discuss the political situation and explain

why he parted ways with Brigadier Aung Gyi, the then-Vice Chief of Staff (Army). There was also a separate but relevant statement by Aung Gyi on his 93 rd birthday where, among other things, it was revealed – perhaps for the first time – that of the legendary Thirty Comrades Bo Setkya, Bo Letya and Bo Zeya were higher-ranking than Bo Ne Win in both military rank and the political structure.  As we move to a more more democratic democratic system with many changes from the past five decades it is imperative that all inside and outside the country become more aware of what really happened in Burma, particularly from 1962 to 1988. BBS U Win Tin Kamaryut

Dear Editor, On February 20 at the Pyithu Hluttaw session, the representative for Thingangyun submitted a proposal to establish a Union Commission on Counter Corruption to pave the way for clean government and good governance. Having viewed this on MRTV and read it in  Myanm a Ahlin (New Light of Myanmar) the next day I felt it was a bold step to fill a crucial gap in developing democracy within a disciplined society. If the Union Commission on Counter Corruption is formed I hope not only the citizens of Myanmar but also the international society will welcome it and have more confidence in the government,

hluttaws and Myanmar democracy in general. In this respect I recall a research paper – Corruption: Causes, Consequences and Cures – by U Myint, the chief economic adviser to President U Thein Sein, published in the Vol 7, No 2 edition of  the Asia-Pacific Development Journal in December 2000. This paper is a valuable and technically complete work in regards to fighting corruption. It is easy to talk about tackling the corruption problem but harder to implement an anti-corruption agenda. I look forward to seeing more focus in the media as well as the broader society on this topic. Perry Han Shin

Got something to say? We want to hear rom you. Address all correspondence to the Editor, The Myanmar Times (English). We endeavour to respond to all correspondencei n a timely manner. Address: 379-383, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon. Yangon.  Telephone: (+951) (+951) 392-928, 253-642, Fax: Fax: (+951) 392-706 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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NLD files legal suit against rival in Meiktila By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Tin Hlaing

THE National League for Democracy has initiated legal proceedings against a former member who is running against the party in Meiktila township. NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win told Th e  M y a n m a r T i m e s o n February 29 that the party’s Meiktila township chairman had filed the suit against Daw Myint Myint  Aye, alleging that she used the party’s name while campaigning to mislead voters. Daw Myint Myint Aye, 54, joined the NLD in 1989 but quit the party after it selected a candidate from  Yangon , U Win Htein, to contest the Pyithu Hluttaw seat of Meiktila. In his submission to the township court on February 22, NLD chairman for Meiktila Dr Thein Lwin alleged that Daw Myint Myint Aye’s campaign manager, U Thein Aung, told residents she was still a member of the NLD during a campaign trip. It was not immediately clear which regulation Daw Myint Myint Aye had allegedly violated. “The case has reached the township court. Dr Thein Lwin and U Win Htein are solving it now,” U Nyan Win said. In a recent interview Daw Myint Myint Aye said she would make clear to voters that she was no longer associated with the NLD during her campaign trips. Speaking to The  Myanmar Times last week, she said her campaign manager had accidentally used an NLD letterhead when writing to a resident in Meiktila. Most of her close supporters are former NLD members. “I didn’t have any intention to do it; my manager accidentally used the cover letter of the NLD while writing a letter to a resident. My manager, U Thein Aung, is a former NLD member and I believe he didn’t mean to do it,” she said. Daw Myint Myint Aye said the police were still making enquiries and were yet to lay any charges. “I started my campaign 12 days ago and I’ve been to more than 20 villages. Each time I told them I am not a member of the NLD and I explained how I was committed to helping them in the future,” she said. Daw Myint Myint Aye s ai aid d she s he did not know which law or regulation had allegedly been broken. “I will face this problem. I have a strong belief that this was not intentional.”

Domestic airfares to rise from March 8 By Zaw Win Than and Thomas Kean

TRAVELLING in Myanmar is about to get more expensive, with domestic airlines to introduce a fuel surcharge this week that will see most ticket prices rise about 20 percent. The rise comes after the MinistryofEnergyannounced on February 28 that it would sell aviation fuel at the market rate from March 1. It was not immediately clear what effect this would have on the overall fuel price.  Ai rl in es im me di at el y announced fares would rise from March 1 as a result but pushed back the increase one week following a backlash from agents and customers. The airlines said the surcharge would depend on the destination, with increases ranging from K7000 to K18,000 for Myanmar travellers and US$10 to $25 for foreign visitors, with the largest increase on routes from Yangon to Myitkyina, Putao, Bhamo, Lashio, Kalay and Kawthoung.  Agents  Agents expressed expressed concern concern last week that the sudden

change could harm the image of the country’s tourism industry, as they would have to renegotiate prices with customers and external agents. “Nowadays many tourists are visiting Myanmar and I am worried [the increase] will negatively impact on tourist arrivals,” said a representative from a  Yangon-b  Yangon-based ased tour company company.. “We don’t know why the ministry changed this policy. They should inform the airlines a bit earlier. Now many passengers are really not happy to pay the extra cost.” Ma Eainsie Phyu from New Age Travellers said the imposition of the surcharge was premature and would cause “a lot of inconveniences” for agents and their clients. “The fuel price will not be fixed anymore but no changes have been made yet. But the airlines just took the opportunity [to raise prices]. We can understand if the fuel price changes we have to pay accordingly but the fuel price has not yet officially changed,” she said. “We’ll unfortunately have to request our clients to

pay the surcharge directly to the airline when they check-in, although it will be problematic for both our company and our clients.” She said Myanmar was an increasingly expensive travel destination, particularly relative to its neighbours, with some hotels in Yangon recently raising room rates by as much as 40 percent. “Myanmar tourism won’t thrive in this region if these kinds of things happen regularly. We should remember that we are not alone. Travellers have tonnes of destinations to choose from.” Customers who have already issued tickets for travel from March 8 will be required to pay the surcharge when checking in. But U Myat Thu, an assistant general manager from Air KBZ, said his company would not levy the surcharge on tickets for travel before March 15 that were purchased before March 2. “Those who buy a ticket with us from March 3 [for travel from March 8] will have to pay for the increased fuel surcharge,” he said.

Fuel surcharge rise How much extra will it cost you?

Myitkyina

Lashio Mandalay

Sittwe

Nyaung U

Heho

Tachileik

Nay Pyi Taw

Thandwe

$25 / K18,000

Yangon

$15 / K12,000 $10 / K7000

Fuel surcharge increase to come into efect on all private domestic airlines rom March 8 ollowing surprise Ministry o Energy decision to sell jet uel at market prices rom March 1

Dawei

Kawthoung

Source: Air Bagan

New Yangon party Govt readies for measles campaign opens headquarters By Shwe Yinn Mar Oo

NEWLY established Myanmar National Congress will field three candidates in the April 1 by-elections, its chairman said last week. U Kaung Myint Htut, who ran as an independent candidate in November 2010, losing to former Yangon mayor U Aung Thein Linn in South Okkalapa, will contest the Pyithu Hluttaw seat of Mingalar Taung Nyunt against candidates from the National League for Democracy, Democratic

Party (Myanmar), Union Solidarity and Development Party and National Unity Party. The party is also fielding candidates in Mayangone and Dagon Seikkan, U Kaung Myint Htut said at a ceremony to open the party’s head office, in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, on February 26. “The candidates have already started campaigning but we want to make public meeting. This is not only for attracting votes, but also to raise the people’s awareness about politics,” he said.

Tender Invitation For Vehicle Rental Merlin Myanmar INGO would like to invite closed tender bids as per below the requirements, terms and conditions: 1) Two saloon cars for usage in Yangon with occasional travel to Nay Pyi Taw and Pathein areas. 2) Two Four Wheel Drives (4WD) for usage in Yangon with occasional travel to Laputta and Nay Pyi Taw areas.  All major maintenances maintenances and repair costs will be the owners' responsibility. ity. This rental contract will only be for vehicles; drivers will be hired by Merlin. Vehicle insurance will be covered by Merlin. Contracts will be of six month's duration Rental payment will be paid on a monthly basis.  Any interested interested parties/owners/agent/servi parties/owners/agent/service ce companies companies are are invited invited to submit closed tenders to the contact address below within one month after publication of this notice. Bids in sealed envelopes, titled “Closed Tender Bid for Vehicles”, should be delivered to Merlin No.224(A), 4th Floor, Salomon Building, U Wisaya Rd, Bahan T/S.

THE Ministry of Health is aiming to inoculate about 6.4 million children aged nine months to five years as part of a mass measles immunisation campaign, an official said last week. Dr Aye Ko, health director of the Department of Health for Yangon Region, said at a measles campaign advisory meeting on February 28 that the national campaign would target all children, regardless of their vaccination history. The campaign will take place from March 22 to 31 and is the first since 2007. It will

be conducted by the Ministry of Health with funding from the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation and assistance from American Red Cross and the UN Foundation. Dr Aye Ko said the national campaign was important for those who might normally miss out on vaccination, such as children in remote areas. “The vaccination campaign is conducted because the measles cases were detected again in Myanmar during 2011,” he said, adding that there were 1774 confirmed cases of  measles last year.  – Yamon Yamon Phu Thit Thit

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Four political objectives MYANMAR CONSOLIDATED MEDIA Ltd. Chief Executive Officer & Editor-in-Chief (MTM) Dr. Tin Tun Oo [email protected] [email protected] Editor-in-Chief (MTE) Ross Dunkley [email protected]

«Stability of the State, community peace and

tranquillity, prevalence of law and order  «Strengthening of national solidarity «Building

and strengthening of disciplineourishing democracy system «Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the Constitution

Four economic objectives «Building of modern industrialized nation through the

agricultural development, and all-round development of other sectors of the economy «Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system «Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investment from sources inside the country and abroad «The initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national peoples

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Four social objectives Uplift «

of the morale and morality of the entire nation Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation « and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character  Flourishing of Union Spirit, the true patriotism « Uplift of health, tness and education standards of  « the entire nation

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Min Ko Naing (centre) and other 88 Generation student leaders arrive at Mandalay Airport on February 25. Pic: Si Thu Lwin

88 Gen leader pledges ‘discipline’ By Yadana Htun and Si Thu Lwin

THE 88 Generation wants to further its cooperation with the government and will conduct its activities with “discipline” in order to build trust, leader Min Ko Naing told residents in Mandalay last week.  A b o u t 3 0 m e m b e r s o f  the activist group visited Mandalay from February 25 to 29 following an event in Myitkyina. Following a meeting with comedians , cartoonists and artists on February 27, Min Ko Naing urged the public to s how restraint and work within the legal political framework. “At the moment, we have got permission to make campaigns and speeches to some extent.

That’s why we also have to be careful and show discipline. For example, we shouldn’t block the street with our activities,” said the prominent activist, who was released from Thayet Prison in Magwe Region in January. “We want to cooperate. If we are threatened, people won’t accept it and will show their courage. That’s why we welcome an authority or a ruling system that we can cooperate with,” he said. While the group was denied permission to enter and pay res pects at the marty r’s cemetery in Mandalay, Min Ko Naing acknowledged the assistance the 88 Generation received from local authorities throughout their trip. “When we got to Mandalay, the authorities welcomed us and

treated us nicely. We appreciate their open-mindedness. If this continues we can achieve democracy,” he said. He also thanked residents who came and greeted the group in spite of the hot weather. “If we add the time we all spent together in the prison, each of us had to stay about 20 years on average. But the tiredness and the hard times we had during those years have disappeared and our sacrifice is worthwhile when we see your encouragement encouragement and support for our group.” During the trip, the group also participated in social activities with a local organisation. “When we got to Mandalay, Asia Light Foundation from [Pyin Oo Lwin] was doing environmental activities at Mandalay Hill collecting discarded plastic

level body or not, representatives’ representatives’ duties to legislate and act as a check and balance will not change significantly.”  Another representative representative said the oversight and advisory role of the committees was more

important than their status. “All we do is prevent the government from [incorrectly] using its power and make sure the government’s activities follow the law and are in the public interest. Our activities

bags. Thirteen members from our group joined them and helped,” said Ko Antbwe Kyaw, who was also recently released from prison. Mandalay comedian U Htin Paw told The Myanmar Times that many Mandalay residents were optimistic about the future because of the 88 Generation’s role in the political process. “I came here to welcome our leaders. I expect that we will get the kind of democracy we want with their efforts. I also see a great deal of potential for our country. It seems that the authorities are flexible at the moment and we can expect a better future. [The 88 generation student leaders] have done good things and I believe that they will keep doing these in the future,” U Htin Paw said.

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Reps warn govt “The words ‘Pyidaungsu Hluttaw’ automatically imply that all of its representatives are members of  a union-level body. But whether they are the members of a union-

should not be blocked or banned. Similarly, the government should help the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw achieve its tasks and show mutual respect. They need to be united,” he said. – Translated by Thit Lwin

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NLD supporters wait for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the Manaw ground in Myitkyina township on February 24. Pic: Shwe Yinn Mar Oo

88 Generation calls for peace conference this from happening. It reflects not only the attitude of the 88 Generation but THE 88 Generation has also the desires of all the call called ed for a Pang Panglonglong - Kachin people we met,” said style peace conference to Ko Mya Aye. In the statement, titled permanently end political c o n f l i c t b e t w e e n t h e “Echo of Myitkyina for government and armed Kachin Peace”, the group called for sufficient supplies ethnic groups. T h e g r o u p r e l e a s e d to be distributed to refugee a four-point statement camps in Kachin State and following its February 23 for the government to act to 25 trip to Kachin State, immediately to bring peace during which it met people to the region. “We deeply deepl y wis h for displaced by fighting in the regi on as well as peace discussions to be political, religious, social held as soon as possible with the aim of getting real and business leaders. Speaking to reporters peace among all nationals, o n F e b r u a r y 2 8 a f t e r to stop civil war and to arriving back in Yangon, s hape a united nation 88 Generation member Ko with freedom, fairness and Mya Aye said a national equality,” the statement p e a c e c o n f e r e n c e w a s said. Ko Pyone Cho, another needed to guarantee equal rights for all ethnic 88 Generation member, said the group had listened groups. “Our ethnic brothers to the “wishes and voices” don’t think there have been of a wide cross-section of  any changes in Myanmar Kachin society. “After adding all of these because there is war all the we time. They think that they wis hes and voices , we do not enjoy any rights,” have reached a common ag agreement reement bas ed on a he said. “We have hav e heard the desire for peace,” he said. The 88 Generation government has said it will hold a conference travelled to Kachin State soon in Nay Pyi Taw like as part of its efforts to Panglong. If we want to end civil war, as well as to end these problems [with make a donation to refugee refugees], we need to solve camps in the state capital. the political conflicts. If we The group said as many want to solve these political as 70,000 displaced people c o n f l i c t s , w e n e e d t o were thought to be living urgently hold a conference in relief camps across the with the participation of  state, and many were not receiving enough food. all parties.” Ko Mya Aye said He s aid the conflict i n K a c h i n S t a t e h a d provision of relief supplies s ignificantly damaged to dis placed people in national unity and needed camps had been uneven and to be halted as soon as unpredictable, with some missing out altogether on possible. “I became very worried assistance. “Most of them lack for our country when I saw refugees. It is important to sufficient food and they are get peace in this region. The in a worrying situation. We [Kachin people] were full would like to request both of negative feelings. It can sides [the government and explode at any time so we other assistance groups] to are releasing this statement ensure all receive sufficient with the aim of preventing food,” he said. By Ei Ei Toe Lwin

Kachin conflict dominates NLD leader’ leader ’s northern visit is important is to get a from Myitkyina, Mohnyin, political agreement – only Mogaung, Hpakant and after that will we be in Lonekhin for dinner, said peace. We can’t fight for U Than Swe, one of the peace, we have to negotiate. organisers of the event.  Another of the the organise organisers, rs, It’s not easy,” she said. “We are trying to build Dr Khet Aung, said he “I DIDN’T come here because I support the NLD,” said Ko a system in which we are believed the meeting would  Ye Thiha, his f ace covered all safe and independent,” contribute to national unity. in sweat and enthusiasm, she added. “To build peace “It’s very pleasing that such as he stood at the front among ethnic groups, we a public leader visits our of a several thousand- should show how broad- town,” said Dr Khet Aung.  Also present at the dinner dinner strong crowd gathered m i n d e d w e a r e , h o w at the Manaw ground in honest we are and how we was U Dain Rad Ah Phone, nurture union spirit among the son of U Dain Rad Tha, Myitkyina. a signatory to the Panglong “I have come to meet ourselves.” Daw Aung San Suu Kyi  Agre emen t. “I want ed to a Nobel peace laureate. I have come to find out arrived in Myitkyina on meet Daw Aung San Suu what her opinion is about February 23 to campaign Kyi on personal terms. Her the place where a war is ahead of the April 1 by- father and mine met for being waged,” the young elections. She first proceeded Myanmar’s independence activist from Myitkyina to Mogaung township and and now their children have said, holding a vinyl poster made speeches at Namtee met.”  After speaking for more with the words: “Please help football ground and Oh us! To bring peace to our Tann ward, located in the than an hour at the Manaw ground on February 24, heart of the town. Kachin land!!!” Mogaung is one of three Daw Aung San Suu Kyi flew The large crowd had been waiting at the Sitapu constituencies the NLD will to Bhamo and returned to Ward Manaw ground since contest in Kachin State,  Yangon in the evening via early morning to listen along with Hpakant and Myitkyina. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s to National League for Bhamo. In Mogaung, the party’s visit created “transparency” Democracy chair Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s address. As candidate, Daw Khin Kyi, a m o n g d i f f e r e n t has been the case at earlier will run against independent stakeholders in the region, party rallies in Tanintharyi, c a n d i d a t e D r M a n a m said U Rud Zaw Khaung,  Yang on and Ayeya rwady Tu Jar, a former Kachin who has taken part in recent regions, the red colour of  Independence Organisation peace talks between the government and KIO. the NLD flag dominated leader. “She can do a lot of things The visit was Daw Aung the scene. “We aren’t s ure how San Suu Kyi’s third to the for the development of the much she can do. From her state, after 1989 and 2003, country in collaboration with visit, hopefully we can get and came as the government the government, public and a better understanding of  and KIO were engaging in international community,” what effect she can have on tentative peace talks. The he said. “Aunty Suu often talks the people of Kachin State NLD has made domestic and the fighting,” Ko Ye peace one of its three by- about tripartite discussions election campaign priorities [between the government, Thiha said.  As exp ect ed , th e NL D and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s armed groups and Daw leader spoke extensively visit generated significant  A u n g S a n S u u K y i ] about conflict with ethnic interest among Kachin … If confidence is built groups, telling the crowd residents, particularly in throughout the union, [peace] is not impossible.” that national development Myitkyina. But Ko Ye Thiha said  Af te r re tu rn in g fr om was impossible without Mogaung on the evening peace could not be forced on domestic peace. “I know that attempts of February 23, Daw Aung Kachin State by “outsiders” to reach a ceasefire are San Suu Kyi joined Kachin and the desire to end the underway. That is the first religious and social leaders conflict had to come from step to genuine peace. What as well as NLD members within.

“We can’t rely on her for peace. Peace cannot be achieved by a single person alone. We should rely on ourselves; we have to do it by ourselves. It’s the matter that mainly concerns the people of Kachin State. We should do it because we want peace,” said Ko Ye Thiha. “But if Kachin State is not peaceful, then the whole country is not peaceful. We won’t rely on her but collaboration is necessary. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should do her bit as much as she can. At the same time, those who are making peace, who are praying and who are helping displaced people should do their bit. If so, a positive result will come out in the end.” – Translated by Thit Lwin

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The complexities of a w By Andrew RC Marshall

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ar Pu Village, Shan State – In Myanmar’s new war on drugs, meet the weapon of mass destruction: the weed-whacker. Its two-stroke engine spins a metal blade, which is more commonly deployed to tame the suburban gardens of wealthy Westerners. But today, in a remote valley in impoverished Shan State, Myanmar police armed with weed-whackers are advancing through fields of  thigh-high poppies, leaving a carpet of stems in their wake. When the poli police ce are finished, their uniforms are flecked with a sticky brown sap harvested from these flowers for centuries: opium. Myanmar produced an estimated 610 tonnes in 2011, making it the world’s second-biggest opium supplier after Afghanistan, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The area under poppy cultivation has doubled in the past five years. Now, emerging from half a century of military dictatorship, Myanmar says it wants to buck that trend. Since taking power a year ago, the civilian government of President U Thein Sein has launched a series of  political and economic reforms. It has also dramatically accelerated a campaign to eradicate opium poppies and shed Myanmar’s pariah status as one of the world’s top drug producers. Myanmar officials allowed a  Re ut er s reporter and photographer to visit former conflict areas in remote Shan State to examine the campaign, marking the first time in decades that Western journalists were able to report freely in the region. The five-day journey with the UNODC and local police came as Myanmar appeals to foreign donors for US$500 million to finance a program it says will wean 256,000 households off  poppy-growing over the next three years. Wiped out by 2014?

“Every year the international community spends millions of  dollars [on anti-narcotics initiatives] in countries like  Afghanistan and Colombia, and the outcome is not satisfactory,” U Sit Aye, senior legal adviser to President U Thein Sein, said in an interview. “Here, with international assistance, we guarantee to wipe out the opium problem by 2014.” It is an ambitious goal. Police, soldiers and villagers armed with sticks and weed-whackers have destroyed 21,256 hectares (52,525 acres) of poppy fields since September,

more than triple the area the government and ethnic eradicated during the rebel groups – including two previous growing season, factions of the Shan State allowed poppy according to Myanmar’s  Army – have allowed Central Committee for eradication in what were D r u g A b u s e C o n t r o l once no-go areas for the ( C C D A C ) . T h i s h a s Myanmar authorities. But p o t e n t i a l l y p r e v e n t e d the ceasefires were fragile, almost 30 tonnes of heroin, and a poorly managed opium’s most notorious eradication campaign could derivative, from hitting the cause them to unravel. world market, according to calculations based on  Alternative crops Chopping down opium UNODC statistics. But opium had been poppies is the easy part. h a r v e s t e d f r o m s o m e Helping former poppypoppies before they were growing families develop alternativ e crops and destroyed,  Reuter s found. alternative  And while more popp y is livelihoods is complicated being destroyed, more is also and costly. In Afghanistan, on the being grown: the total area Himalayas, under cultivation will likely other side of the Himalayas, rise by about 10 percent opium production is so vast between 2011 and 2012, and sophisticated that it the UNODC estimated. resembles a legitimate agribusiness in some areas. But in Myanmar, poppies are produced mainly by Here, with subsistence farmers who depend upon the cas h international opium generates to buy assistance we food.  About 256,000 256,000 households households guarantee to wipe are involved in opium poppy cultivation, the UNODC out the opium estimates. The opium yield an acre (a third of a problem by 2014. from hectare) of Myanmar poppy is worth about $1000. That’s This suggests that, with or a life-saving sum of money without foreign assistance, in Myanmar, where a third Myanmar’s three-year of its 60 million people live on a dollar a day. target is unrealistic. “The rapid elimination Most opium produced in Myanmar comes from Shan of opium poppy creates State, which is part of the serious problems for these Golden Triangle, an area households,” Eligh said. hav e people who that was probably named “You have couldn’t dn’t harves t their thei r after the gold once used to coul buy opium. Here, and in poppies, who don’t have any neighbouring Kachin State, money, having to survive for poppies thrive not just on the next five or six months cooler weather and higher with almost nothing.”  Alternative crops can’t be altitudes, but on poverty planted until the rains come and conflict. F o r h a l f a c e n t u r y , in June or July. “We’ve got Myanmar has been torn a very narrow window,” apart by fighting between Eligh continued. “If they government forces and don’t get help during that various ethnic rebel groups period, then there is a very ranged along its borders, real chance that they’ll go where people have endured back to poppy.” The UNODC argues the worst human rights that the ceasefires create abuses. The United States recently a rare opportunity for the upgraded diplomatic ties international community with Myanmar after Hillary to help Myanmar tackle Clinton’s historic visit in its opium problem – and, November, the first by an by extension, its civil war.  American secretary of of state The CCDAC is asking the since 1955. But the US and international community milli illion on to European countries regard for $524.48 m peace with Myanmar’s long- d e v e l o p a l t e r n a t i v e liveli hoods for poppysuffering ethnic minorities livelihoods as a key condition for growing households. Getting it will be an uphill lifting crippling economic task. Thanks to sanctions, sanctions. Forging a lasting peace Myanmar receives less is arguably U Thein Sein’s humanitarian aid per capita toughest challenge, and it than almost any other poor is complicated by opium. country. “After 1988 we were  As in Af gh an is ta n an d Colombia, the drug trade sanctioned and banned has long fuelled conflict by Western countries,” in Myanmar, providing said Police Colonel Tin cash to buy weapons and Maung Maung, the most a lucrative product to fight senior operational officer over. Opium and conflict in the CCDAC. “We got were so intertwined that no assistance from them.” one problem could not be Without outside help, he solved without the other, said, “We cannot do it. said Jason Eligh, UNODC We need international c o u n t r y m a n a g e r f o r support.” Myanmar. “The path to peace is Blessing and curse Myanmar’s s trategi trategicc lined with poppies,” he said. location is a blessing and “We must address that.” Recent peace talks between a curse. As it emerges

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Top: Illicit drugs valued at more than K93 billion are burned at a ‘destruction ceremony’ in t on December 8, 2009. Above left: A patient hu ddles in a blanket at a government-run drug Above right: Used syringes at a government-run drug rehabilitation centre in Lashio. Pics: W 

of Taunggyi, is a ribbon of  roam this restive region. blacktop unfurling through UNODC regional chief Gary rice fields and bustling Lewis described Shan State market towns . At A t the as “a swirling and often roadside, Buddhist novice toxic mix of money, guns monks in maroon robes and drugs”. held out bowls to solicit donations. This reporter Cheroots, temples and garlic travelled in UN vehicles The Pa-O are devout sandwiched between trucks Buddhis ts , know known n for carrying armed police. g r o w i n g p o p p i e s a n d Their presence was not building beautiful temples. You don’t even ceremonial.  At the village of Kyauk Ka Last July, outside the Char, the first stop in the have to take the nearby town of Loilem, five-day tour of the state, opium to market. a rebel group called the the temple was the grandest Shan State Army-South structure in a community of  The market ambus hed a Myanmar simple wooden houses with police convoy, killing six rusting tin roofs. comes to you. Inside, three giant Buddha people, reported the Shan  Herald Agency for News , a statues smiled down upon a It shares a porous 2100- news service run by Shan group of villagers waiting kilometre frontier with exiles in Thailand. Shan to greet their rare visitors: Eligh ligh from China, where 2.2 million rebels and a government Lewis and E users consumed 45 tonnes militia belonging to the the UNODC, and Police of mostly Myanmar heroin Pa-O, the state’s second- Colonel Myint Aung of the in 2008, said the UNODC. l a r g e s t e t h n i c g r o u p , CCDAC. The villagers wore turbans, in the Pa-O style, Shan State is named after clashed regularly. Hostilities subsided in and smoked cheroots and Myanmar’s largest ethnic minority. The road east December after the SSA- chewed betel nut. Lewis delivered a stark from its capital, the former South signed a ceasefire, British colonial hill-station but men with guns still message. “The days of poppy from nearly 50 years of  isolation and misrule, the country’s long borders with China, India and Thailand grant access to Asia’s most dynamic economies. They also make it a regional hub for manufacturing and distributing narcotics.

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ar on opium price that s ome Pa-O villages left it to rot in the fields. Transporting these crops to market was also a problem. Poppy-growing villages such as Kyauk Ka Char are remote, with unpaved roads only passable in the dry season. By contrast, the market for opium was guaranteed and transport wasn’t an issue. Most farmers grew two crops. The first, which accounted for three quarters of the annual opium yield, was planted in September or October, and harvested about three months later; then a second crop was planted. Areas with good irrigation could even plant a third. During harvest season Chinese-speaking traders on motorbikes toured the villages and paid cash for opium. “You don’t even have to take the crop to market,” said Eligh. “The market comes to you.” Poppy debts

e Shan State town of Kengtung ehabilitation centre in Lashio. n Nyunt Lwin, Christopher Davy 

are finished,” he told the villagers, before asking what help they needed to grow only legal crops. Nobody said a word until a local schoolteacher, who was translating between Pa-O and English, urged people to talk freely without fear of  arrest. The authorities had destroyed their poppies once before, in 2005, and given them no compensation or assistance. Growing alternative crops wasn’t easy, said U Aung Tun, 40, a father of four. Many people grew cordia trees, whose leaves were used to make traditional Myanmar cheroots. But the recent influx of cheap Chinese cigarettes meant that fewer people smoked cheroots, making the leaves increasingly unprofitable. “We tried growing garlic and sugar cane but there was no market for it,” U  Aung Tun said . “We lost everything we invested.” Garlic fetched such a low

households involved in opium poppy production, Eligh said. When the poppy fields of War Taw, a village in Loilen tow ns hi p, w ere destroyed, the UNODC gave people tools, seeds and agricultural training. But this help was not enough to stop War Taw’s young men and women from leaving for Thailand, where an es timated two million Myanmar people now work, most of them illegally. With the poppies gone, that exodus could accelerate. Daw Nang Khae, a 49-yearold poppy-grower, reckoned about 60 villagers – a tenth of War Taw’s population – worked in Thailand. Her 29-year-old daughter left for Bangkok five years ago to work as a maid and never returned. Three months ago, her teenage son left too. “It breaks our heart to watch them go,” said Daw Nang Khae. “But we had to borrow money to buy food and can’t pay it back. That’s why we send our children away.”

Daw Moe Mohm, 48, a single mother of six daughters, had borrowed Traditional medicine Poppy eradication K300,000 from a Taunggyi moneylender to buy fertiliser removes not just a cash crop for her poppies, which were but, for many hill-tribes, recently destroyed. “I just a medicine. The villagers of Kaw Mong Pyin, an wanted to cry,” she said. With her cash crop gone, isolated village in eastern Daw Moe Mohm couldn’t Shan State populated by repay the loan or even the ethnic Akha, regard opium interest on it – a crushing as a life-saving traditional 8pc a month. She had no remedy. “We’ve used it since way to grow rice until the our ancestors’ time,” said U rains came, and no cash to  Asan, 43, a poppy- grower buy it. “We know your need who was raising 10 children is great and more help is and 20 oxen. U Asan’s village felt required,” Lewis told her. untouched by modernity. “We will act on it.” On the way back to The women wore elaborate Taunggyi, Eligh called a headdresses hung with colleague at the World Food coloured beads and silver Program and an emergency c o i n s d a t i n g b a c k t o supply of rice arrived in British colonial times. Pigs Kyauk Ka Char less than slumbered beneath wooden w ith thatched three weeks later. More rice hous es with was bound for other villages roofs. When his cattle got sick, nearby. The UNODC has three said U Asan, he fed them projects aimed at current a mixture of ginger, garlic, and former poppy-growers salt and opium. The villagers in Myanmar. Located in the also baked opium with garlic Shan townships of Hopong to treat their own diarrhoea, and Loilen, the projects a life-threatening illness offered a range of assistance: in remote areas. Without developing alternative crops, opium, he said, the villagers improving the land with would need basic medical irrigation and fertilisers, help for their families – the nearest hospital was a five-hour walk away. “We only use a little,” said U Every time I  Asa n. “To o muc h mak es you dizzy.” go home I start But another pressing is i s s ue is opium smoking again. No health addiction, which is rife poppies are grown among hill-tribes such as the Akha. “Every time I go in my village home I start smoking again,” U Abo, 49, a long-time but opium is very said opium smoker being treated at a government clinic in easy to buy. the Shan State town of  Kengtung. “No poppies are providing microfinance to grown in my village, but landless households, setting opium is very easy to buy.” up cash-for-work programs, vaccinating livestock, and Poppy proliferation The weed-whackers building roads and clinics. This is funded with $7 destroy not just fully grown million from the European poppy plants, but also a Union, Germany and Japan. hard-to-spot second stage It was “barely enough” to of seedlings which some help 10,000 of the 256,000 farmers plant between

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them. “This year’s opium crop will be greatly reduced because of these tools,” said Police Colonel Win Naing, Shan State’s chief of police. UNODC officials agreed, but cautioned that eradication wasn’t the only factor influencing the season’s total production. One was bad weather. In many parts of Shan State, heav heavy y rain had washed away poppy seeds or damaged young plants. This alone might have halved the yield before eradication began.  Anoth er fact or was the total area under cultivation, which had risen by at least 10pc between 2011 and 2012, estimated the UNODC. In other words, although more poppies had been destroyed, more had also been planted.  A th ird fa ct or bec ame apparent outside Kyauk Ka Char, where a poppy field the size of a soccer pitch lay s trewn trew n with w ith stems. These were felled in a recent operation but, as tell-tale marks on their bulbs revealed, not before some of the opium was harvested. This s ugges ted that the ongoing eradication campaign might not reduce the total yield by as much as the Myanmar authorities had hoped. The poppy-farmers of  Kyauk Ka Char might have received a tip-off. More likely, the police had simply

arrived too late. Since 2006, China’s National Narcotics Control Commission has given Myanmar satellite maps to help locate and destroy poppy fields. But Shan State police said they have gotten no other international assistance, and were hampered by lack of pers onnel and equipment. Many fields were s o remote and well-hidden that not even satellite maps were much help. “Sometimes, we have a map but still can’t find

‘Sometimes we

have a map but still can’t nd the [opium] eld. We just walk around in circles.

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the field,” said Sai Aung Kyaw Win, 39, a veteran UNODC s urveyor who spends months trekking through poppy-growing areas. “We just walk around in circles.” International acceptance

Neighbouring Thailand was proof that alternative development worked, the UN’s Eligh said, although it took more than 30 years and $1 billion to halt large-scale poppy-

growing there. Thailand s til tilll produces about 5 tonnes of opium every year, despite dispatching troops on regular poppyeradication missions. This fact alone suggests that Myanmar’s bid to eradicate opium in just three years is fanciful. But the target of 2014 was chosen for a reason: that year, for the first time, Myanmar will mark its growing acceptance by the international community by chairing ASEAN, a position it was denied six years ago amid Western uproar over its human rights record. One potentially embarras s i ng U NODC survey map showed dense poppy cultivation only a few hours’ drive from Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw, where ASEAN and world leaders will gather in 2014.  AS EA N ha s de cl ar ed that its 10 member states will be “drug free” by 2015, an equally fanciful target cons idering the region’s soaring use of  methamphetamine. Better known in its pill form as  ya ba , it is also manufactured in huge quantities in Shan State. When asked whether poppies or pills were the bigger law-enforcement challenge, Pol Col Tin Maung Maung of the CCDAC replied, “Both are a great problem for us.”  – Reuters

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 A long journey journey for for medical medical industry industry By Yamon Phu Thit

“I WANT to be a doctor when I grow up.” Twenty years ago, this was the answer you would receive from most children when you asked about their dream career. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the respect and status doctors command, many parents also encouraged their children to study medicine. However, the relationship between doctors and patients has changed dramatically since the shift to a “marketoriented economy”, which has brought “cost-sharing” at government clinics and a plethora of private facilities. This contrasts with the socialist era, which ended in 1988, when people had to mostly rely on state-run hospitals and medical costs were much lower, said Dr Htwe, chief editor of the  journal  journal Health  Health Diges Digestt. “The government gave permission for private hospitals to open later on. Private hospitals naturally charge money and healthcare has become a commodity. This has changed the relationship between patients and doctors,” he said. Doctors concede that disputes and conflicts with

patients are on the rise, a them with warmth and fact they mostly attribute friendliness. Some doctors to a lack of time during are only looking for money, consultations. In the past, though,” said Ko Hlwan they say, there was a degree Khaing Shinn, who works of balance between the overall for an energy company in  Yangon. population and the number  Yangon. While in many countries of doctors. In recent years, however, medical schools doctors will be tied to a have failed to train enough specific clinic, in Myanmar they frequently work partdoctors to meet demand. “A doctor should spend time at more than one, which about 15 to 20 minutes with a makes being punctual a patient to do an examination challenge. “I once had to wait for and diagnosis. But now, most doctors spend something like a doctor until midnight. I three to five minutes on each was very upset that they patient,” Dr Htwe said. wasted my time,” said Dr Zaw Than, chief editor Ma Mie Mie, who owns a of  Healthcar  Healthcaree Journal, said construction materials shop the issue was being widely in Bayintnaung. discussed in the medical  A n o t h e r recent fraternity. development is medical “Patients want to explain negligence lawsuits, and their what they are feeling [to the coverage in the media. On doctor] and want a proper November 14 , a woman filed consultation. But the doctors a suit against an obstetrician gynaecologi s t for do not have enough time. The and gynaecologis rapport between them will be allegedly miscalculating her better if patients are given delivery date, resulting in the premature birth of her baby, more time to talk,” he said. The rise in medical costs has which subsequently died. The complainant held a also increased expectations in terms of quality of service press conference to discuss the case, ensuring news of  and treatment. “I recently met a doctor the incident spread quickly. whose demeanour I would Similarly, in late 2009 media describe as robotic. There reports brought to light the wasn’t any warmth in him, case of a 15-year-old girl as far as I could see. I think who died at a well-known patients recover faster from private hospital in Bahan, pain if their doctor treats after the doctor misdiagnosed

dengue haemorrhagic fever as appendicitis. The outrage the media coverage generated forced the Myanmar Medical Council to ban the doctor and the hospital to pay a s ignificant amount of  compensation to the girl’s family. This has led some in the medical fraternity to argue that negative media coverage of doctors is harming their relations with patients. “It is the responsibility of  media to point out something new or that needs to be changed. The media is not working for negative reasons. I don’t think you can blame this situation only on the media,” Dr Zaw Than said. “Some cases cause misunderstandings between patients and doctors and both sides use the media as a tool to spread the information publicly. So the media need to do in-depth analysis before reporting on these cases to ensure they don’t accidentally hurt either the patient or the doctor,” he said. Dr Htwe said medical negligence had always been an issue but the difference is that private sector media are now able to report on the cases. “[These cases] were just never really known publicly before,” he said.

“Traditionally the custom was for people to comfort themselves by thinking that whatever happens is fate, and not someone’s fault. But today these customs are changing and the influence of  the media is powerful so we are seeing more and more of  these cases.” Speaking at a recent medical conference, Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham said it was important to stand by and protect doctors facing spurious lawsuits and requests for compensation. However, he said those who breach professional guidelines also needed to be dealt with properly. The Myanmar Medical  Associat ion is working to form a body to protect doctors from unfounded allegations of  negligence and impropriety, either in the media or the courts, Dr Htwe said. “To avoid making incorrect accusations, journalists need to make sure they are reporting cases fairly and accurately. Nobody wants to see the media used as a tool to hurt somebody.” Publications need to take responsibility for the accuracy of their content, said Dr May Zaw, who writes under the penname Dr May. “The media are important for health because they help

people gain health knowledge. But it’s also important that you’re sharing the right information,” she said. It is unclear how all of  these issues will be resolved, but most agree that there is a need to rebuild trust in the country’s medical fraternity. “The qualifications of  Myanmar doctors are good. Patients need to have trust and it is important to build warm and smooth relations between patients and doctors,” Dr Zaw Than said. For Dr Htwe, the answer is simple: train more doctors. “Both patients and doctors need to understand each other,” he said. “We shouldn’t only look at things from one side. Our country does not have an adequate number of  doctors so they have to work at many different clinics and hospitals and don’t spend as much time on patients as they want to.” If the situation does not improve, the public, rather than the doctors, will likely lose out. “The doctors will try to take the safe option and have patients undergo complete medicalexaminationsthatare probably not necessary. They will convince the patients to do this to cover themselves but the result will be higher medical expenses.”

Govt salary proposal sparks commodity price rise debate need to take disciplinary action against corruption while raising salaries at the same time,” he said. THE Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Maung Swe of  speaker’s proposal to raise the National Democratic salaries might have been Force said the disagreement popular but it has also raised between the hluttaws and concerns about the effect on government was an example inflation and commodity of “democracy in practice”. prices. “The salaries should be Myanmar is in the midst raised to prevent corruption, of a rare period of price but the key message is, how stability, with inflation at do we control the inflation,” historically low levels: The he said. “I think as a cure most recent figures from for inflation the government the government’s Central needs to create more job Statistical Organisation Organisation opportunities and collect show the consumer price taxes.” index rose only 0.2 percent Ko San Lin in the first 10  Aun g, a 42-y ear months of 2011. old resident While Thura Production costs do not go of Kamaryut U Shwe Mann’s said the proposal to raise up when government salaries township, business sector salaries to 1959-60 needed to change levels was rejected increase ... as ar as I can tell, its “mindset” and by Minister for F i n a n c e a n d prices go up because businesses not automatically raise prices Revenue U because of salary Hla Tun on the think they can get away with it. increases. grounds it would “Production cause the budget deficit to balloon, he also that wages needed to rise to costs do not go up when cited the impact on inflation fight corruption, saying that g o v e r n m e n t s a l a r i e s on its own higher salaries increase … as far as I as a concern. can tell, prices just go up U Aung Myo Myint, a 35- would not work. “In practice it is likely to because businesses think year-old engineer said that while government salaries be wrong. Even if salaries they can get away with should rise, the increase could cover for their living raising them,” he said. He said the government should be mostly geared costs, some will still [be towards those earning the corrupt]. They started should also take steps to lowest incomes. [engaging in corruption] to control price manipulation, “We need to consider survive on their low income including traders who how to control the price but later they just want to purchase commodities and store them until prices of everyday commodities, be rich,” he said. which usually rises when This has created a culture rise. “They want to play the salaries go up. [Inflation] of economic opportunism will have an impact on that is likely to continue market but the government should look at how it can low-paid employees in the regardless of pay rises. “[The government] will rein them in.” private sector as well and we need to consider that,” he said. While price controls might appear the simplest option, Dr Nay Zin Latt, a presidential adviser for economic affairs, said a more sustainable and longterm goal was to reduce “trans action cos ts ” in in commodity production. “The government has to reduce unneces s ary transaction costs: production costs, transportation costs, inventory costs, storage costs and so on,” he said. He also contested Thura U Shwe Mann’s assertion

By Kyaw Hsu Mon

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Payout likely after Thandwe crash By Zaw Win Than

STATE-RUN Myanma Insurance is planning to pay compensation to Air KBZ for damage to an aircraft that skidded off  the runway at Thandwe  Airport recent ly, a senior official said last week. Dr Mg Maung Thein, general manager of  Myanma Insurance, said the compensation payout to Air KBZ was subject to approval by the underwriter, an unidentified foreign insurance company. The plane was carrying 51 passengers when it cras hed on landing at Thandwe on February 17 at 10:30am. Nobody was injured in the incident, but photos of the accident provided to The Myanmar Times showed damage to the undercarriage of the aircraft and a propeller. “We are pl planning anning to pay compensation for the accident because the aircraft carried AirClaims Insurance with Myanma Insurance and was backed by a foreign insurance company. The compensation payout for the aircraft accident is still being preceded,” he said last week. He said an expert from Singapore was conducting a survey of the incident and would submit a report for the compensation payout. “According to the survey, the aircraft can be repaired and after reviewing the final report, we will be working for the compensation payout based on the repair cost.”  A spok espe rson for Air KBZ confirmed nobody was injured in the incident,

MyanMar tiMes

Entries open for photo contest

THE Ngwe Saung arm of  the Myanmar Hoteliers  As so ci at io n is in vi ti ng entries for its annual photo contest, which is being held for the fourth time. U Aung Htay Lin, vice president of the Ngwe Saung Zone, said that the theme of the contest was “Tourist attractions of Ngwe Saung Zone” and organisers wanted to see photos not only of the beach but also nearby sites of interest. “We have organised three photo contests since 2009 and in previous years most photos were just of  the beach. There are also other places in the area where visitors can enjoy themselves, such as Bird Island, Thazin village, Zee Maw village and Sin Ma village, and the elephant camp. We want to discover those areas,” he said. He said entries can be submitted to the Myanmar Photographic Society’s office The damaged nose of the Air KBZ aicraft that crashed at Thandwe Airport on February 17. Pic: Supplied  in Yangon’s Kyauktada One industry insider help from the airline in township by April 30. which saw the aircraft come about a payout. to a stop on a pile of gravel The spokesperson said familiar with the incident booking tickets with other U Aung Htay Lin said the accident was caused by said that after the accident, airlines. beside the runway. that the winner will receive “One passenger wanted K500,000, while the first “Among the 51 passengers, a hydraulic system failure the pilots and crew members 32 were foreigners and that prevented the front were spirited away to “the to get back to Yangon only and s econd runner-up the other 19 were local landing gear from deploying best four-star beach resort by car,” he said. will receive K300,000 and to enjoy the rest of the day”  Air KBZ, which is owned K200,000 respectively. pas s engers . The front before landing. O n e o f t h e f o r e i g n while the passengers were by Kanbawza Bank, was He said 10 photographs wheel of the aircraft was broken due to the accident passengers who was on the “left alone” to make it to launched on April 2, 2011 would be given honourable but luckily none of the flight said that “no care at their hotels with no more and operates s chedule mention prizes valued at passengers or Air KBZ all” was provided by Air contact or service from the flights from Yangon to K50,000 each. Nyaung Oo, Mandalay, staff were injured,” said KBZ after the accident. airline. P r i z e - w i n n i n g the spokesperson. “Now we know what He said some passengers Heho, Tachileik, Dawei, photographs will be used in H e c o n f i r m e d t h e they mean by their slogan, did not want to make the Myeik, Myitkyina, Kalay, travel promotion activities company was in discussions ‘Air KBZ – Flying Beyond return trip to Yangon with Kawthoung, Thandwe and and a calendar. with Myanma Insurance Expectation’,” he said.  Air KBZ, but receive d no Sittwe.  – Aye Sapay Phyu

Job fair to be held this month By Sandar Lwin

MORE than 50 companies are expected to participate in a Yangon job fair later this month, according to organisers. The Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association (MYEA) said last week the Myanmar Job Fair 2012 would seek to link up employers with job seekers and is thought to be the first of  its kind held in Myanmar. The fair will be at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of  Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) headquarters on Min Ye Kyaw Swar Road in Lanmadaw township from March 17 to 18, MYEA  general secretary U Aye Win

said at a press conference software development,” said MYEA associate secretary last week. “The fair wi willll cov er Daw Thin Thin Set. She said anecdotal various kinds of jobs. The companies already signed up reports and a small survey to participate in the fair as of  conducted by the MYEA  February 24 include many in January suggested that well-established companies, many employers were such as the producer of Yum having trouble finding the  Yum instant instant noodles noodles (Yathar (Yathar right employees for their Cho) and market information business. service [company] e-trade “We have a labour force Myanmar,” he said. that is seeking jobs so we The fair will include think it is the right time to facilities to enable prospective hold a job fair. This ffair air will be employees to file applications a bridge between employers on the spot, as well as private and the labour force so that rooms for employers to one finds the right employee and the other finds the right conduct interviews.  job,” she said. said. “ T h e r e w i l l a l s o b e  job,” Organisers said that they talks from experts in the afternoon and more than would consider holding 50 lucky draws for various regular job fairs in the future training programs, including if the Myanmar Job Fair language, accounting and 2012 proved successful.

Ethnic news journal to launch in March  A JOURNAL focusing on news from the country’s ethnic-dominated regions is set to launch in March, several months later than originally planned, its editor in chief  said last week. Ko Pyo Wai Lin said The Unity was initially expected to hit newsstands in November because it took eight months for the group’s publishing licence to be approved. He said that the name of the new publication also had to be changed from The Union, which was already registered by the Union Democratic Party.

“We only changed the name. We will report politics and other ethnic news as we originally planned,” Ko Pyo Wai Lin said. The 36-page journal will be published each Friday and is owned by three ethnic nationals, including U Sai Hla Kyaw, the general secretary of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party and Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Langkho in southern Shan State. He said that most journals were focused on events in Bamar-dominated areas and gave less space to ethnic news. – Yadana Htun

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Gold price likely to increase, say traders By Aye Thidar Kyaw

GOLD prices are on their way up and are tipped to continue rising, gold traders and jewellery shop owners said last week. On February 29, a tical (0.576 ounces) of gold was selling for about K760,000, a K2000 rise from a week earlier but a nearly 5 percent increase on the late January price of K725,000. Traders said the rise was being spurred by strong demand for Myanmar gold from across the border, even though it’s illegal to export gold. “Even if the world gold price is stable and the dollar’s value doesn’t change much in Myanmar I think gold prices here will increase further,” said U Win Nge from Aung Thamadi gold shop in Lanmadaw township,” he said on February 27, when the price was K756,600 a tical. Several industry insiders said that if a gap opened between Myanmar’s gold price and the international market rate – which is also increasing – people would take the opportunity to smuggle gold abroad, mostly to China via the border trading zone at Muse in Shan State. On February 29 the international price was US$1785 an ounce  AFP news agency reported. Using an exchange rate of K810 to the dollar that equals a price of 

MyanMar tiMes

General Electric to sell goods in Myanmar

 YAN GON – The med ical equi pmen t division of General Electric Co has reached a deal with a local partner to sell its products in Myanmar and said it could expand further as the country continues to open up to the outside world. GE Healthcare appointed Sea Lion Co Ltd on February 25 as the national dealer for its products in Myanmar.  Although the US government still has sanctions on investment in the country, foreign businesses are starting to test the waters because of political and economic reforms under a new civilian government in office since last March. Foreign governments have said they would monitor elections on April 1 and if they are deemed free and fair, some could start to lift or soften sanctions.  Asked about GE Health care’s plans, regional spokesman Khor Jiak Woen said by email: “We have decided to permit the sale of GE Healthcare equipment and services into Myanmar. We will continue to carefully monitor developments in Myanmar and will decide when to permit the sale of other GE products and services as conditions evolve.” A man works to rene gold at a workshop in Mandalay in January 2011. Pic: Kaung Htet  In a statement to mark the venture about K833,000 a tical or just price fell too far below the market works,” he said, adding with Sea Lion, David Utama, the chief  slightly less than 10pc above international rate smuggling that he doubted prices would executive officer of GE Healthcare  ASEAN , stres sed the compan y could the domestic price. would increase. decline in the short term.  A Myanmar Gold “That’s what happens when He added that the high help modernise Myanmar’s healthcare Entrepreneurs Association the gap is too large and we can’t prices were also scaring off  system with its medical imaging products and information technology. –  Reuters official said if the domestic stop it because that’s how the customers.

Economists urge close look at budget it did contain measures designed to boost spending in infrastructure, human ECONOMISTS were last resources and defence. week hopeful that this Unlike in previous year’s national budget, financial years, the budget which is being debated in uses an exchange rate of  the parliament, would lay K800 to the dollar, compared the foundation for inclusive with K6 in previous years. growth. Several sources said that U Than Lwin, a former using the K800 figure would deputy governor of the likely lead to a budget Central Bank of Myanmar, deficit. Minister for Finance and said that before 1963 the government released all ReceU Hla Tun said the official economic data but budget deficit for 2012-13 since then such information would subsequently expand had disappeared from public to K6.613 trillion – a deficitto-GDP ratio of 12.87pc. view. He said a doubling of wages However, the constitution states that future budgets would see the minimum must be made public. and maximum salaries rise However, the draft does to K70,000 and K420,000 not include a pay rise for respectively and expand the government staff, an issue deficit by K911 billion. that caught the attention of  “If wages increased 50pc Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U … the deficit will be K3.152 Thura Shwe Mann, although trillion, with a deficit-to-GDP By Aye Thidar Kyaw

ratio of 6.14pc.” Expenditure on health amounted to 3pc of the budget, while education received 5pc, both of which fell far below public expectations, said U Maw Than, an economist and former rector of the Yangon Institute of Economics. Economics.  An ot he r ec on om is t, U Khine Tun, said during a budget analysis workshop held at non-government organisation ActionAid’s office on February 28 that while looking at the budget, the government also needed to keep a watch on taxation rates, noting that taxes on key export items such as fisheries products and beans and pulses had been reduced to 2pc from 10pc in the past year. “In previous financial y years ears the governm government ent prioritised GDP growth in budget plans and just

set a number that they wanted. Then they would try to achieve that GDP figure but we’ve learned that growth alone cannot develop our society,” he said. Meanwhile, Pyithu Hlattaw speaker Thura U Shwe Man urged parliamentarians on February 17 to raise the salaries of government staff  in the next financial year, adding that funds for this move could be found by axing unnecessary projects. Mr Shafique Rahman, a senior policy advisor at the United Nations Development

Program and a speaker at the workshop, said if the government raised staff  salaries it would be forced to find other ways to meet the budget deficit. He said one option would be to print money, which would increase inflation and hurt ordinary citizens. Another option would be to sell government bonds or borrow money from international finance institutions but he said that would saddle the government with more debt that it would need to pay off  in future. However, a Ministry of 

Commerce official said that low government salaries could encourage corruption if  government staff earned too little to make ends meet. He added that higher salaries would help to mitigate that risk. “We need to fix a minimum salary at this time in preparation for the ASEAN Free Trade  Are a whe n hug e for eig n investment is expected to arrive. We need to check what government staff in neighbouring countries are earning at that time,” he said.

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March 5 - 11, 2012

MyanMar tiMes

New retail outlet coming on March 16 By Htar Htar Khin

 YANGON will will add another another huge retail outlet to its expanding collection of shopping centres on March 16 when Junction Square opens, a company spokesperson said last week. The four-storey centre, which is between Pyay and Kyuntaw roads in Kamaryut township, occupies a 9-acre plot and includes more than 300,000 square feet of retail space, the spokesperson said. Junction Square will be the fifth Junction-branded retail centre, he added. “We have to open shopping centres at a quality level that satisfies all potential clients. We aim for this development to meet international standards and reflect the changing face of Yangon,” said Ko Ye Naing, marketing manager of Shwe

Taung Development’s Junction Centre division. The centre was planned and designed in cooperation with Thai and domestic architecture firms, he said. Junction Square will house more than 300 shop houses on the ground floor, while the remaining levels will cater to shops selling clothing, cosmetic, jewellery, fabric, IT products, furniture, housewares, electronics, toys and more. It will also include an edutainment centre and a health and wellness centre on the third floor, he added. The development will also house international education facilities, computer centres, bank branches and three mini theatres, one of which will show 3D movies. The compound includes parking for at least 200 vehicles.

Workers clean a fountain at the front of Junction Square in Kamaryut township last week. Pic: Boothee

US growth easing after strong Q4: Fed which dropped sharply last summer, has since rebounded but remains WASHINGTON – Federal relatively low.” The picture appeared at Reserve chief Ben Bernanke said on February odds with the Commerce 29 that stagnant wages Department’s revision of  and unemployment were its growth estimate for the h o l d i n g b a c k t h e U S last three months of 2011 to economy, chilling a surge a peppy 3 percent from an in optimism that came after initial estimate of 2.8pc. the government raised its But that came after a estimate for fourth quarter dismal third quarter, and growth. Bernanke said the economy The Fed chief warned of  this year was likely to sluggish growth in 2012 expand “at a pace close to as fretful consumers keep or somewhat above” the their wallets zipped, though more tepid average of 2.25pc he admitted a disconnect for the full second half of  between the data showing 2011. He also played down strengthening in the manufacturing sector and, expectations of a continued at the same time, still-weak sharp rebound in jobs, saying the Fed expected consumer sentiment. “The fundamentals that u n e m p l o y m e n t w o u l d support spending continue decline only slowly from to be weak,” Bernanke said the current official rate of  in semi-annual testimony to 8.3pc. The new data and Congress. “Real household income Bernanke’s testimony gave and wealth were flat in meat to both President 2011, and access to credit Barack Obama’s Democrats remained restricted for and rival Republicans as many potential borrowers. the White House race picks C o n s u m e r s e n t i m e n t , up pace with a focus on By Veronica Smith

Meanwhile Bernanke “Others are reluctant to for households than the Fed Obama’s economic record played down the mos t since the disastrous 2008-09 buy a house now because of  chief painted. “The upside surprise recent worry of rising oil concerns about their income, recession. S e n i o r R e p u b l i c a n employment prospects, and came in higher estimates prices, which has become congressman Jeb Hensarling the future path of home for consumer spending on a political issue as the services,” said Nigel Gault, campaign for the November blasted Bernanke for his prices.” characterisation of the  Aft er the sha rp fal l in chief US economist at IHS presidential election picks up. recovery under Obama as the jobless rate in the Global Insight. “Household incomes have The rise of gasoline prices “modest”. last six months, to 8.3pc “The true unemployment in January from 9.1pc in been doing better than we is “likely to push up inflation rate is 15.4pc,” he said.  August, Bernanke said the thought, giving consumers a temporarily”, he said. But, in the longer term. “Half of all Americans are Fed expects unemployment bigger cushion to cope with now classified by the Census “to continue to edge down the headwind from rising inflation is expected to gasoline prices,” he said. “remain subdued”. –  AFP Bureau as either low income only slowly” this year. “Long-term unemployment or in poverty, and one in seven now have to rely on is still near record levels, and the number of persons food stamps.” United Nations Nations Unies Bernanke pointed to an working part time for BUREAU DE LA COORDINATION OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION DES AFFAIRES HUMANITAIRES OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRES apparent contradiction in economic reasons is very economic data – on one high,” he said. UNOCHA MYANMAR Economists said Bernanke hand showing a promising VACANCYANNOUNCEMENT rise in production and some was not ready to embrace (UNOCHA/YGN/2012/002) the trickle of more positive areas of consumption, and on the other, still-depressed data on the economy in The United Nations Ofce for the Coordination of Humanitarian consumer activity and still- recent weeks.  Affairs (UNOCHA) in Myanmar is seeking the applications “Today’s testimony shows slow job creation. from dynamic and highly motivated Myanmar nationals for the He said the key issues were [the Fed] is unconvinced following vacancies. Detailed terms of reference/ requiremen requirements ts for  still high unemployment, o f t h e r e c o v e r y ’ s vacancies can be requested at the UNOCHA Ofce. The positions stagnant wages and the sustainability,” sustainability,” said BBVA  mentioned below are Fixed Term Appointments (FTA) for 1 year  depressed housing market. Research in an analysis. with possibility of extension, for multiple duty stations. “Unfortunately, many But some said that he was a. FieldCoordinationOfcer(NOA,2position FieldCoordinationOfcer(NOA,2positions) s) potential [home] buyers lack being typically cautious, the down payment and credit and that the new fourthRequ Requir irem emen ents ts history required to qualify for quarter growth estimate • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, suggested a rosier picture loans,” the Fed chief said. International Relations, Political Sciences or related eld. • Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the eld of humanitarian/ recovery affairs, knowledge on global policies and guidelines related to humanitarian/recovery affairs and humanitarian reform.

• Ability to write clearly and concisely in English and local language(s). Strong computer skills. Proven high-level representation skills, such as speaking at meetings and providing situational analysis. Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams.

• Experience working in implementation and delivery of  humanitarian/recovery projects at the eld level is a must. • Experience working in a complex settings that requires sound  judgment, and operational exibility. • Previous experience in a similar capacity with humanitarian agencies, in particular the UN, preferred.

• Fluency in English and Myanmar language. Knowledge in any other local languages will be an asset. Candidates should clearly indicate the Vacancy Number and Post Title in their applications, and should submit them together 

with complete duly lled UN-P11 form, bio-data stating personal details, academic qualication and work experience, copies of  master degree certicate and scores transcript, and a recent passport sized photograph. Applications should be addressed to:

 Admin and HR Unit, UNOCHA Myanmar  Myanmar  Inya Lake Hotel, 1st Floor, Room 113, 37, Ka Bar Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Tsp. Closing Date: 19 March 2012 (COB)

Only short-listed candidates will be notied. Interviews will be competency based.

Business

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March 5 - 11, 2012

Job

the

watch

Sales&MarketingExecutive  A leading foreign automotive distribution company is looking for dynamic, service-oriented and self-driven individual, who has strong desire to excel. Responsibilities:

• Achieve sales target given • Communicate and implement all marketing initiatives

• Handle all in-coming enquiries • Handle general operations & administrative matters

• Other duties as assigned by the management. Requirements:

• Degree holder  • Effectively b ilingual (bot h written and conversational English) • At least 2 years of working experience (preferably in sales & marketing) • Work experience in foreign foreign company would be desirable

• Ability to

travel would

be an

added

advantage. Inte Intere rest sted ed appl applica icant nts, s, plea please se send send our our resu resume me ith ith a rece recent nt phot photo, o, expe expect cted ed salarandavailabilitto salarandavailabilitto [email protected] b 10th March 2012.

VACAENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese governmental organization responsible

for implementing Ofcial Development Assistance (ODA), Myanmar Ofce is seeking a Receptionist for its expanded works in the Union of Myanmar. Keresponsibilities:

- Welcoming and receiving incoming international and local visitors and telephone calls - Managing incoming and outgoing letters and documents, making copy, and other duties as appropriate

- Establishing and ensuring effective working relationship with visitors

- Establishing effective communication and working relationship with counterpart organizations

government

- Keeping records of incoming and outgoing mails - Carrying out any other duties that may arise from time to time  All staff members have to maintain professional professional security, accuracy and integrity. Failure to do this may result termination of employment employment contract. Job description may be revised as necessary. Duration Duration of Assignment Assignment:: Initially up to 31

March 2013, with possibility of yearly renewal upon satisfactory performance. performance.

Eligible candidate should possess following qualications; - universit y degree

- uent in English (reading, writing, speaking) - age less than 30 years - ability to work in a team and maintain harmonious relationship with other staff and other organizations and - good computer skill and knowledge of Word,

Excel & Power Point, e-mail and internet Hotoappl: Qualied and interested persons

are requested to send the applications with updated C.V, educational credentials and

references to JCIA Myanmar Ofce, Room 701, 7th Floor Sakura Tower, No.339, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon not later than 16 March 2012. From the rst week of April 2012 (negotiable), yearly renewal upon satisfactory performance. performance. Note: Only short listed candidates will be contacted for subsequent interviews.

MyanMar tiMes

China must reform economy: WB By Allison Jackson

BEIJING – China could face an economic crisis in the next 20 years if Beijing does not quickly overhaul its development model, World Bank and Chinese government researchers warned on February 27. The world’s second-largest economy was at a “turning point” and the need for deep reform s w as urgent, the analysts said in a report forecasting China’s economic growth would nearly halve in the next two decades. China must make a number of changes, such as scaling back its vast and powerful stateowned enterprises, breaking up monopolies in strategic sectors and making it easier for small companies to access financing, they said. “China could postpone reforms and risk the possibility of an economic crisis in the future or it could implement reforms proactively,” according to the “China 2030” report prepared by the World Bank and the Development Research Centre under the State Council, China’s cabinet. “Proactive policy change has been key to China’s economic success and the calls for reforms within the country have never been louder.”  After averaging 10 percent annual growth for the past 30 years, China’s export and investment-driven economic model was no longer sustainable, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said at the launch of  the study. “The cas e for reform is compelling because China has now reached a turning point in its development path,” Zoellick told a conference in Beijing. “The country’s current growth model is unsustainable. This is not the time just for muddling through – it’s time to get ahead of events and to adapt to major changes in the world and national economies.” The report was backed by  Vi ce Pr es id en t Xi Ji np in g and Vice Premier Li Keqiang, who are expected to succeed

World Bank president Robert Zoellick answers a question fr om the media during a press conference at the World Bank’s Beijing ofce on February 28. Pic: AFP 

Pres ident Hu Jintao and econom ic g row th s een as Premier Wen Jiabao during a essential to create enough major transition of power that  jo bs fo r th e co un tr y’ s 1. 3 billion people and keep a lid begins at the end of this year. Des pite this high-level on unrest. Beijing prohibits or restricts support, the report is likely to face resistance from people f o r e i g n i n v e s t m e n t i n with “vested interests” in the certain sectors such as auto, current model, Zoellick said. energy, finance, banking and “Reforms are not easy – they telecommunications, drawing often generate pushback,” he c r i t i c i s m f r o m o v e r s e a s said. competitors over the lack of  Liu Shijin, vice minister of the market access and unfair Development Research Centre, treatment. said the reforms were necessary Domes tically, privately as the Asian powerhouse slows owned firms often complain to 5-6pc annual growth in the about the lack of competition next 20 years from the current and the fact they cannot access financing from commercial 9pc. Chinese leaders frequently banks, which prefer to lend talk about the need to reform money to major state-owned t h e c o u n t r y ’ s e c o n o m i c enterprises. The report also urges Beijing model, partly by reducing its heavy reliance on exports to commercialise the banking a n d i n c r e a s i n g d o m e s t i c system and gradually remove interest rate controls as it seeks consumption. But significant reforms have to “complete its transition to a been slow as stability-obsessed market economy”. leaders try to maintain rapid Other recommendations

called for greater innovation, further social welfare reforms, better protection for farmers’ land rights and market incentives to encourage companies and households to adopt green technology. Such “concrete measures” were necessary as China seeks economic growth “based on stability”, said Li Wei, Minister of the Development Research Centre. Despite the ongoing eurozone crisis and weakness in the United States, Zoellick played down fears of an economic disaster in China in the near term. There are “stress points that will expand over time rather than [turn into] a crisis”, Zoellick said, forecasting a soft landing for the Asian powerhouse. But he acknowledged that the “devil will be in the implementation” of the reforms. – AFP

Potential and problems ahead for Myanmar: Rogers By Mark Tay and Anuradha Kanwar

SINGAPORE – Myanmar resembles China before Beijing launched economic reforms three decades ago but poses enormous risks for investors, including opaque laws and a troubled currency, high-profile commodities investor Jim Rogers said last week. “They don’t even have a real currency at the moment,” Rogers, a known commodities bull who co-founded the Quantum Fund with George Soros in the 1970s, t old Reuters  Reuters in an interview on February 22. “It is not very easy to invest in unless you go there to make direct investments.” Rogers was referring to Myanmar’s kyat, which fluctuates considerably against the dollar and trades at multiple blackmarket rates, some as much as 130 percent higher than the official rate that is barely used. Myanmar has introduced democratic reforms with astonishing speed since a civilian government took office last March after five decades of army rule, releasing more than 600 political prisoners, easing media censorship and seeking ceasefires with ethnic rebel armies. It has sought help from the International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank in tackling its economic problems, particularly the kyat issue, but they say

they cannot be solved easily. The prospect of the end of Western sanctions imposed for human rights abuses has prompted a surge of interest from investors who view Myanmar, with its vast natural resources, tourism potential and urgent infrastructure needs, as one of Asia’s last frontier markets  As big as France and Britain combined, Myanmar sits strategically between India, China and Southeast Asia with ports on th e Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea, all of which have made it a coveted energy-security asset for Beijing’s western provinces. “Myanmar has massive natural resources, agriculture, minerals and energy. They’ve got it all. Fifty years ago, Myanmar was the richest country in Asia,” Rogers said. It looks increasingly likely the embargoes will start to be lifted in the next 12-15 months as Myanmar’s government pulls out all the stops to convince the international community it has changed, and needs trade and investment bans to be lifted in order to overhaul its long-stagnant economy. However, lifting the embargoes will not be simple. Though certain political measures can be eased, like travel bans on top officials, both the EU and United States require proper reviews and congressional or parliamentary approval in order for trade and economic

restrictions to be removed. Rogers had a message for Asian investors not hamstrung by those sanctions. “Get in there quick before the Americans come, because right now you don’t have to compete with America. It is great because the Americans are shooting themselves in the foot again,” he said. Beyond the sanctions, the barriers to progress in Myanmar are formidable: an incoherent exchange rate regime, woeful infrastructure, weak investment laws, a crippled banking system, decades of  mismanagement and a shortage of skilled labour. Rogers also warned about entering into partnerships with the wrong people. Business deals between foreign investors and Myanmar partners have often involved cronies of the former junta, either as partners or middlemen, and many are on US and EU blacklists. Those tycoons were among the main beneficiaries of a largely opaque privatisation boom that preceded a 2010 election, during which prime state assets, such as shipping companies, gas stations and real estate, were sold off. “Myanmar is a great opportunity,” Rogers said. “But if you get involved with dumb people, you’re going to lose money.” – Reuters

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ECB throws open liquidity floodgates again By Simon Morgan

FRANKFURT – The European Central Bank threw open its liquidity floodgates again on February 29, pumping up the banks with nearly 530 billion euros (US$712 billion) in cheap loans to avert a dangerous credit squeeze. In the second such cash bonanza in two months, the ECB said 800 banks took 529.5 billion euros at exceptionally low interest rates in its second threeyear long-term refinancing operation, or LTRO. That beats the 489.19 billion euros ($656 billion) borrowed by 523 banks in a first operation in December but analysts said the move would merely buy time and not be enough on its own to solve the eurozone’s crippling debt crisis. The ECB launched the ultra-long loans late last year with the aim of averting a credit squeeze in the 17 countries which share the euro. The ECB, lending the money out at just 1 percent, hopes the banks will lend the cash to households and businesses and also use it to bring down government borrowing costs.  Analysts believe the first operation in December succeeded in easing funding problems for European banks, which have to deal with debt of 720 billion euros ($965 billion) due to mature in 2012. “We believe that the ECB’s intervention has materially reduced the risk of a liquidity-driven bank

failure and averted the possibility of a severe credit crunch and additional reces s iionary onary pres s ure across the [euro area],” Standard & Poor’s wrote in a report. “We also think that the ECB’s actions have helped warm up public funding markets from the deep freeze of late 2011, although investor demand remains selective.” Nevertheless, S&P said the actions did not address the underlying structural is s ues in the banking sector, including “capital shortfalls at various banks, the questionable viability of some business models in the medium term, and continued uncertai nty over the appropriate carrying values of assets such as certain sovereign exposures”, it said. Capital Economics economist Jennifer McKeown cautioned that “hopes that the funds will also solve the [eurozone] fiscal crisis and breathe life into the ailing eurozone economy are likely to be disappointed”. Italian and Spanis h banks, apparently using funds from the December operation, did increase their purchases of sovereign debt in January, no doubt contributing to the fall in government borrowing costs as a result. But overall eurozone bank purchases of government securities rose by less in January than in November and December, before the first LTRO. “And even if banks have more money to invest after

Flood-hit Japanese firms may quit Thailand: survey BANGKOK – Almost one in 10 Japanese manufacturers with operations in Thailand plans to relocate out of the kingdom after last year’s devastating floods, a survey showed on February 29. Electronics makers were particularly hard hit, with more than half directly affected by the disaster, according to the poll of 1345 companies by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Bangkok (JCCB), in which 366 responded. “The electronics sector suffered more than other industries,” said Setsuo Iuchi, chairman of the organisation’s economic research committee, adding that such companies were now trying to spread their risk. Ei Eight ght percent of all Japanese manufacturers in Thailand plan to relocate out of the country, while 85pc will resume their business in the same place. Others expect to move within the kingdom. The months-long

floods last year took a heavy toll on Thailand’s industrial heartland north of Bangkok, with many factories forced to close temporarily. Japanese auto giant Honda has suspended operations since early October at its factory in Ayutthaya, where it was forced to destroy more than 1000 cars that were submerged by the muddy waters. The survey showed 72pc of manufacturers expected to resume their operations between December 2011 and March 2012, while 21pc will restart in April-May this year, and 6pc in June or later. “Those companies that are resuming late have to wait for new machinery imported from Japan, and some are still waiting to see the Thai government’s flood prevention plan,” Iuchi said. The JCCB has urged the Thai government to speed up the implementation of a flood control plan. –  AFP

Schoolchildren walk past drawings and a slogan on a wall in the center of Athens. Pic: AFP 

today’s operation, we are not convinced that they will stash it in risky government bonds,” Mckeown said. The head of the German banking federation BdB,

Michael Kemmer, also w warned arned that the ECB liquidity was no panacea for the eurozone’s ills. “The measures are buying time but they can’t replace

a functioning interbank market or solve the sovereign debt crisis,” he said. Berenberg Bank chief economist Holger Schmieding welcomed the move as helping confidence. “The euro crisis is a crisis of confidence. Whatever makes markets believe that Europe is getting its act together can restore such confidence. With its aggressive three-year LTRO, the ECB has managed to impress markets,” Schmieding said. “Investors are starting to believe that the ECB will do what it takes to prevent an the implosion of the common currency which many global investors had

wrongly predicted late last year. The ECB has shifted perceptions of Europe.” Looking ahead, analysts were sceptical the ECB will want to undertake a third LTRO amid concern within its governing council about the potential longer-term inflationary impact of so much cheap funding being made available. “ T h e r e w o n ’ t automatically be a third round,” s aid A Aus us trian central bank head Ewald Nowotny in an interview in The Times. European stock markets rose were firmer on the move, led by banking shares while the euro held steady, giving up very modest gains on the news. –  AFP

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China's Wang Shu wins Pritzker prize LOS ANGELES – Chinese architect Wang Shu is this year’s winner of the Pritzker prize, his profession’s highest honour, in recognition of his efforts in designing “timeless” buildings in a nation in rapid flux, the foundation that oversees the prize announced on February 28. Wang, 48, whose modestly named practice Amateur  Architecture  Architecture Studio is based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, is only the second architect of  Chinese origin to win the Pritzker, after Guangzhou-born I.M. Pei in 1983. “Wang Shu’s oeuvre, seen in depth by the jurors during a visit to China, left no doubt that we were witnessing the work of a master,” said jury chairman and British property developer Lord Peter Palumbo. He said the decision to give the Pritzker to Wang – and in doing so catapult him into the elite of global architecture – was unanimous among the nine jurors, who included past laureates Zaha Hadid and Glenn Murcutt. The US$100,000 award will be formally presented to Wang in Beijing on May 25. “This is really a big surprise,” said Wang in a statement issued by the Hyatt Foundation of Los  Angeles, which administers the

prize that is sometimes known as the Nobel prize of architecture. “I am tremendously honoured ... I suddenly realised that I’ve done many things over the last decade. It proves that earnest hard work and persistence lead to positive outcomes.” Trained in architecture at the Nanjing Institute of Technology, Wang undertook his first project, a youth center outside Hangzhou, in 1990, then spend a decade alongside craftsmen to gain handson building experience. His first major undertaking, a Suzhou University library in 2000 that earned him a national prize, was followed by art and history museums in Ningbo, sections of the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, and an apartment complex. His fondness for marrying old and new, and his passion for sustainability, once saw him salvage more than two million tiles from demolished traditional houses to finish roofs at the Hangzhou art school. “The question of the proper relation of present to past is particularly timely, for the recent process of urbanisation in China invites debate as to whether architecture should be anchored in tradition or should look only toward the future,”

The Ningbo Museum, which was designed by Pritzker prize-winning Chinese architect Wang Shu in Ningbo, in east China’s Zhejiang province. Pic: AFP 

Palumbo said. “As with any great architecture, Wang Shu’s work is able to transcend that debate, producing

an architecture that is timeless, deeply rooted in its context and yet universal.” Other Pritzker laureates include

Norman Foster, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. Last year the honour went to Portugal’s Eduardo Soutoo de Moura. –  AFP

Michael Jordan’s house on market for $29 million

Czech Minister of Culture Alena Hanakova (left), Brno’s mayor Roman Onderka (centre) and a descendant of the original owners of the Tugendhat villa, Daniela Tugendhat, at the opening ceremony of t he reconstructed Mies van der Rohe villa in Brno on February 29. Pic: AFP 

Czech Bauhaus gem open again after revamp BRNO, Czech Republic Brno municipal museum, – The UNE SCO-lis ted s aid at the reopening Tugendhat villa, a Bauhaus- ceremony. style architectural gem in In the design, the architect the southern Czech city of  abandoned the idea of  Brno, reopened its doors separate rooms, opting on February 29, following a instead for a vast open space complete renovation. of 250 square metres (2691 The clean-lined 20 th - square feet), from which century villa nestled in a giant windows frame views vast sloping garden is the of the sprawling gardens work of German architect and the city. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe The villa was built in 1929(1886-1969), head of the 1930 for Jewish entrepreneur celebrated Bauhaus school Fritz Tugendhat and his wife that sought to accentuate Grete. architecture as an art. In 1938, the family fled “The radical ideas used by to Switzerland and then Ludwig Mies van der Rohe  Venezuela to escape Nazi here influenced to a great Germany’s occupation of  extent the entire evolution of  the country during World 20th-century architecture,” War II. “A house built for a family Pavel Ciprian, head of the

has become a work of art,” s aid Daniela Hammer Tugendhat, one of the four children of the builders. Since the start of the war, the villa’s fate echoed that of the country – it was seized by the Nazis to serve as a studio for the German Messerschmitt aviation factory, and then confiscated by the Soviet army.  After the war, the villa became the property of the Czechoslovak state in 1955. It was modified to serve as a re-education centre for children before being revamped for representative purposes in the 1980s. The villa was the setting for key talks between the

Czech and Slovak prime ministers, Vaclav Klaus and Vladimir Meciar, in 1992 in the run-up to the peaceful split of the former Czechoslovakia into two countries a year later. UNESCO put the villa on its world heritage list in December 2001. “The renovation was carried out by a Czech company but under the supervision of the whole world,” said Roman Onderka, the mayor of Brno, 200 kilometres (125 miles) southeast of the Czech capital, Prague. He said that the renovation had cost 170 million Czech koruna (US$9.2 million). – AFP

CHICAGO – Basketball fans with a penchant for luxury can truly “Be Like Mike” now that NBA icon Michael Jordan’s sprawling suburban Chicago home has hit the market – for a cool US$29 million. The secluded compound in Tony Highland Park greets fans with a shimmering 23 – Jordan’s Bulls jersey number – stretched across an imposing gate. “Among the most extraordinary features of  the sprawling estate is the attached indoor basketball complex,” realtor Baird and Warner said in a February 29 press release. “It features a full size regulation basketball court with specially cushioned hardwood flooring, adjustable backstops and baskets, and competition-quality high intensity lighting.” It also features a custom sound system with speakers tuned to provide “perfect acoustics” within the court space and has a separate entry and nearby parking area. The modern threestorey mansion was built between 1993 and 1995 and extensively renovated in 2009 and offers 56,000 square feet of living space. It has nine bedrooms, more than 15 baths and five fireplaces, and includes an attached three-bedroom guest house. The manicured grounds also house an indoor/outdoor entertaining and pool area,

an outdoor tennis court, a putting green, a deep water pond, and three separate climate-controlled multi-car garages. Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s and sparked the 1992 Barcelona Olympic US “Dream Team” to gold. Withhigh-leapingacrobatic shots and clutch baskets in the dying seconds of games, Jordan lived up to the Nikepowered hype as a generation of basketball followers sought

‘Among the most extraordinary eatures o the sprawling estate is the attached indoor basketball complex.

’

to “Be Like Mike” and wear  Air Jordan Jordan sneakers sneakers..  Fo rb es magazine has estimated Jordan’s net worth at $500 million, largely because his Nike brand items remain a $1 billion moneymaker.  After floppin flopping g in the front front office for the Washington Wizards after his 2003 retirement, Jordan took an executive role with the NBA Charlotte Bobcats and then purchased the North Carolina-based Carolina-based NBA club. – AFP

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Pending US home sales show industry regaining footing 

Tourists ride rickshaws with the Tokyo Sky Tree tower in the background in Tokyo. Pic: AFP 

By Shobhana Chandra

Japan finishes Tokyo Sky Tree TOKYO – Construction of the Tokyo Sky Tree, the world’s tallest selfsupporting communications tower, finished last week, two months late because of  the quake and tsunami that struck Japan last March. Tourist bosses in the country hope the tower will be a big draw for foreign visitors, whose numbers have plummeted in the aftermath of the disaster and the nuclear crisis it sparked. “The construction was originally scheduled to finish in December 2011 but was delayed due to a shortage of  supplies after the disaster,” said a spokeswoman for the operator, adding that the finished structure is sound. Construction of the 634metre (2080-foot) tower near the already popular  Asakusa traditional district on Tokyo’s eastern side

began in July 2008. The Tokyo Sky Tree tops the 600-metre Canton Tower in China’s Guangzhou and the 553-metre CN Tower in downtown Toronto. Some 580,000 construction workers were engaged in the construction, which cost 65 billion yen (US$806 million) for the tower alone, the spokeswoman said. The Tokyo Sky Tree is expected to overshadow landmarks in the capital’s upscale western parts, including the 333-metre Tokyo Tower, which was built in 1958 and became a byword in Japan for the country’s rapid post-war growth. It hosts two observation decks – at 350 metres and 450 metres above ground – as well as restaurants and office space and sits at a former freight shunting yard along the Sumida river. – AFP

Italy to scrap Catholic property tax loophole ROME – Crisis-hit Italy on February 24 adopted a draft bill to scrap a controversial tax exemption for Catholic Church property in a move that could raise an extra 600 million euros (US$808 million) a year. The law now allows al lows businesses operating out of  Church property such as hotels and restaurants not to pay property tax as long as the building also has some religious function, such as a chapel or an adjoining monastery. The government promised thi thiss m month onth to remove the exemption following an outcry among many Italians who are already hard pressed by an austerity drive that has raised taxes and slashed budgets to avoid bankruptcy. Prime Minister “Mario Monti informed the cabinet that he has presented an amendment to the Senate ... on the immediate abrogation of rules on exemption for

properties where commercial activity is not exclusive”, the cabinet said. Property that is exclusively for non-commercial use such as churches will continue to be exempt from tax. The European Commission had opened an investigation into the loophole in 2010 on suspicion of anti-competitive behaviour. TheItalianCatholicChurch – considered separate from the Vatican state, which has sovereignty – owns around 100,000 properties worth 9 billion euros ($11.7 billion) including churches, schools, universities and hospitals. It also owns properties mainly aimed at tourists such as the French restaurant “Eau Vive” and the fourstar hotel “Ponte Sisto” in Rome. The National Association of Italian Communes has said the extra revenue for state coffers could be around 600 million euros ($780 million) a year. –  AFP

WASHINGTON – More  Ame rica ns tha n for ecas t signed contracts to buy previously owned homes in January, indicating the industry that sparked the last recession is improving. The index of pending home resales climbed 2 percent after a 1.9pc decrease the prior month that was smaller than previously estimated, the National Association of  Realtors said in Washington on February 27. The median forecast of 44 economists surveyed by Bloombe  Bloomberg rg News News called for a 1pc advance. Buyers are returning to the real estate market on the heels of faster job gains for three straight months, falling home prices and record-low borrowing costs. At the same time, foreclosures are weighing on property values and construction, slowing the housing recovery. “Housing demand has bottomed, and we should see some gradual improvement in sales,” said Yelena

Shulyatyeva, an economist of deals. In January, 33pc at BNP Paribas in New York, of R Realtors eal tors s aid they who projected a 2pc gain in experienced contract failures, pending sales. “The dark up from 9pc who said so 12 side of the story is still the months earlier, according to oversupply and the expected the association. Existing-home sales rose to pickup in foreclosures. foreclosures. That’s what policy makers really a 4.57 million annual rate in January, the group reported need to think about.” P e n d i n g s a l e s w e r e last week. While it was the projected to rise after an best showing since May 2010, initially reported 3.5pc drop distressed properties made in December, according up the largest portion of all to the  Bloombe rg survey. purchases since April. The January estimates ranged median price fell 2pc from from a decrease of 1.7pc to an January 2011. Two of four regions saw increase of 3.3pc. Compared with a year earlier, January an increase in pending home pending home sales climbed sales, the February 27 report 10.3pc. showed. That included a Pendi Pending ng home hom e s ales 7.6pc gain in the Northeast are considered a leading and a 7.7pc increase in the indicator because they track South. Pending purchases contract signings. Purchases dropped in the West and of ex exis is ting hom homes es are Midwest. Builders such as Toll tabulated when a contract closes, typically a month or Brothers and DR Horton are two later, and made up more benefiting from job growth than 90pc of the housing as well as cheaper p roperties and record-low mortgage market last year. Still, lower appraisals rates. “We’re optimistic,” Doug and rejected mortgage  Yearley, y, chief chief execut executive iveofficer officer applications due to stricter  Yearle lending standards have at Horsham, Philadelphiaresulted in more breakdowns based Toll Brothers, said

in a February 22 interview with  Bloomberg  Bloomberg Television. “We have orders that are up significantly. We’re seeing deposits up, we’re seeing traffic up.” The Realtors group’s measure of whether households earning the median income are able to buy a median-priced property at current interest rates reached record levels in the final three months of 2011, recent data showed. Borrowing costs are also staying low. The average rate on a 30-year fixed loan was little changed at 4.09pc in the week ended February 17, from 4.08pc the prior week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. It averaged 4.05pc the week of February 3, its lowest reading in records dating back to 1990. New-home purchases declined 0.9pc in January to a 321,000 annual rate from 324,000 in December that was stronger than previously reported, the Commerce Department said on February 24.  – Bloomb Bloomberg erg News News

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Japan phones built to survive water torture: makers By Hui Min Neo

BARCELONA – Japanese women are so fond of their phones, they even use them in the shower, say manufacturers. This makes waterproofing a must – also good against rainstorms and accidents while texting on the toilet. Panasonic and Fujitsu are touting their waterproof and dust-proof phones as they seek to charm the overseas market at the world’s biggest mobile phone show in Barcelona last week. “In Japan, you can’t sell a phone if it’s not waterproof.  About 90 to 95 percent of of all phones sold now are already waterproof,” Panasonic executive Taro Itakura told  AFP at the Mobile World Congress. “Why? This is very unique – young Japanese women prefer to use their cellphones even when taking their showers,” Itakura said. “Cellphones have become ‘must products’.” Panasonic is looking to re-enter the European market after pulling out in 2005 to concentrate on its

domestic sales. “The reason we decided to come back is that there have been a lot of  changes in this industry with the introduction of the smartphone,” which has become a “global product”, he said. “In order to survive in this industry as a manufacturer, we, Panasonic, have to be strong in terms of global competition.” It is not known whether Europeans share the Japanes e fondnes s for phoning in the shower, but Itakura hopes they will consider the benefits for chatting in the rain.  A thi rd of the dam age to phones comes from water, said Florian Sohn, a Panasonic marketing specialist for Europe. “You may drop the phone in the bathroom, or bring it close to water when you wash your hands or it may fall inside toilets,” he said. Dust-proofing meanwhile can appeal to customers such as construction workers, he added. Fujitsu, which has a fifth of the Japanese smartphone and tablet markets,

A Panasonic Eluga Power waterproof smartphone in a glass of water during a demonstration at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on February 28. Pic: AFP 

also sets great store by waterproofing. “The mobile phone is with us 24 hours a day. It accompanies us to the bathroom, to the shower, or under the rain. So it is a necessity for the phone to be robust,” Nobuo Ohtani, Fujitsu corporate senior

vice president, told  AFP. While better known abroad for their laptops, the Japanese giant is also trying to sell phones to Western markets. In Barcelona, it showcased its range of  phones on sale in Japan, as well as a new “quad-

core” phone with extra processing power. Besides being waterproof, the phone also appeared crack-resistant when hammered repeatedly with a falling steel ball. Ohtani said Fujitsu’s smartphones will also offer “human-centrictechnology”

that makes the devices easier to view or hear, a particular advantage for elderly users. This technology includes sensors that raise or lower the volume of a call, or even slow down speech if  the caller is speaking too quickly. – AFP

Tech giants lectured on gadget worship LONG BEACH, California – Silicon Valley giants at the prestigious TED innovation conference on February 28 were warned that the worship of technology will ruin the world before it saves it.  Activist and author Paul Gilding made a case for the peril of obsession with modern technology and how lust for the latest gadgets is distracting people from acting to stop global disasters such as climate change. “The Earth is full,” argued Gilding, author of  The Great  Dis rup tio n , in which he reasons that as technology drives efficiency and economic growth it powers breakneck consumption that the planet cannot endure. “It is full of us. It is full of 

Diamandis said. He argued that rapidly improving sensors, robotics, digital medicine, synthetic biology and computing power in the internet “cloud” provided hope for a better future. He added that a Slingshot device about the size of  a college dorm room Those people who think technology will get us through are right; refrigerator and capable of  cheaply making drinking they are only missing that it takes a crisis to get us going. water from even the most tainted of sources was being With China and other “We’ve had 50 years of  a counter-point to Gilding’s tested with the backing of a people and resources are beverage company. being devoured faster than d e v e l o p i n g c o u n t r i e s warnings and pretty much dark vision. Diamandis also heads they can be replenished, he booming, in many cases done nothing to change “I’m not saying that we said. thanks to technology, the course,” he lamented, his don’t have our share of  Singularity University in problems – climate change, Silicon Valley, which serves “Our approach is simply world’s resources are being eyes watering with tears. unsustainable,” said Gilding, rapidly devoured, he said. “Those people who think species extinction, resource as a training ground and the former director of  “The Earth doesn’t care technology will get us shortage – but ultimately academic boot camp for Greenpeace International. what we need,” Gilding through are right; they are we have the ability to see entrepreneurs, inventors “Thanks to those pesky laws s aid. “Mother Nature only missing that it takes a problems way in advance and technology industry of physics, it will stop. The doesn’t negotiate; she just crisis to get us going ... We and knock them down,” Peter executives. – AFP

our stuff, full of our waste, and full of our demands,” he said. “We have created too much stuff. This is not a philosophical statement, this is just science.” The world’s population has topped seven billion

system will break.” On a TED stage famous for presentations presentations from leading entrepreneurs developing ways to make the world a better place, Gilding argued that technology was making matters worse.

‘

sets rules and administers consequences.” He cited national debt crises, the Occupy Wall Street movement and rising global temperatures as signs the breakdown of modern life is underway.

really do love a good crisis and this one is a master.” The head of the nonprofit  X Prize Foundation, which is devoted to technology breakthroughs for the good of mankind, was then brought on stage to provide

’

Mozilla goes after Android, Apple with cheaper phone pledge By Hui Min Neo

BARCELONA – Mozilla, which brought the free web browser Firefox to the masses, now wants to do the same for mobile users, with a new open source operating system that could drastically slash smartphone prices. The non-profit group’s so-called Boot to Gecko project will go after Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS, to create an alternative which could generate smartphones that are “10 times cheaper” than an iPhone while offering similar experiences to those running on other platforms. “We want to pioneer a category,” Brendan Eich, who is Mozilla’s chief technology officer, told  AFP

at the world’s biggest mobile fair in Barcelona. “We see the mobile world recreating the wall of gardens in the 1990s that AOL had,” lamented Eich, referring to restrictions imposed by the internet provider two decades ago. Mozilla therefore wants to “disrupt” the closed system, and open it up to competition for greater innovation. The idea is for a platform that is completely reliant on the web, m eaning that all phone capabilities, including calls, messaging, and browsing functions, would be web-based. Being on the web removes the need for much of the intermediary software that requires large memory or speedy processors –

line, which runs on the Windows both of which are expensive.  As a result, it it is able to cut costs platform and will begin shipping this year at 189 euros (US$246). dramatically. “We can probably do two to The group has partnered with Telefonica on the project, with three times cheaper than that,” the Spanish giant aiming to ship said Domingo, who aims to have phones running on the new OS the phones commercialised in six this year. to eight months. For Carlos Domingo, Telefonica Brazil is a typical target market Digi tal di rector of product for Telefonica because it has 75 development, the development percent mobile penetration rate, spells massive opportunities but just 5pc on smartphones. in Latin America, where Nevertheless, Mozilla will face smartphones are not catching on stiff challenges from Android and because of prohibitive prices.  Apple, the runaway smartphone  A new phon e on the Mozil la leaders. platform, could be “more than 10 Microsoft too, launched its times cheaper” than an iPhone, new Windows 8 at the Mobile Domingo told  AFP. World Congress on March 1, as it It could even be competitive seeks to claw back some market compared to the cheapest phone share in the rapidly growing on Finnish giant Nokia’s Lumia smartphone industry.

But Eich, who invented the popular programming language JavaScript, believes the new system could hold its own against competitors. “If you believe that iOS and  Android have about 70 or 80pc of the market and if you believe that the remaining 20pc will not be fragmented ... we would hope to be 80pc of that 20pc,” he said. “It is possible that some of our partners agree – that by making the right entry points, we can actually achieve high volume growth and be that platform,” he added.  And if the pro jec t suc ceed s, other regions could also benefit, as like all open source projec ts, it will be open for sharing. –  AFP

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Japan feared Tokyo was ‘finished’ after nuclear crisis Panel head Koichi Kitazawa told a news TOKYO –  A worst-case scenario sketched out by the Japanese government foresaw the conference that Kan’s refusal to bow to end of Tokyo in a chain of nuclear explosions TEPCO’s demand had averted a worse that would mean evacuating the city, an crisis. “Consequently, it’s Mr Kan’s biggest independent panel said on February 28. Plans were drawn up for the mass contribution that the Fukushima 50 withdrawal from the capital as at least one remained at the site,” added Kitazawa, senior minister fretted that meltdowns at referring to dozens of personnel who worked Fukushima might spark crises at reactors to contain the accident and were feted as all along the coast and engulf the city of 13 heroes. million people. Respected academics, engineers and The revelations came in a 400-page  journalists  journalists were drafted in by the Rebuild report published by a panel of experts who Japan Initiative Foundation after public were given free rein to probe the events demands for an independent probe into the surrounding the world’s worst nuclear crisis meltdowns at Fukushima in the aftermath in a generation. of the monster tsunami of March 2011. “I had this demonic scenario in my head” The six-member panel led a team that that nuclear reactors could break down one interviewed more than 300 people central to after another, then chief cabinet secretary the disaster response and was given access to data and documents used in t he days and  Yukio Edano Edano told told the panel. panel. “If that happens Tokyo will be finished,” weeks after disaster struck. The panel found that while some of Kan’s he said, according to the report. The panel said as the situation on actions in the aftermath of the disaster had Japan’s tsunami-wrecked coast worsened, been helpful, a tendency to micro-manage Fukushima operator Tokyo Electric Power events had hampered the emergency (TEPCO) had wanted to abandon the plant response. The report said the delay in the use and evacuate its workers. But the utility, which refused to co-operate of seawater as a coolant for overheating with the study, was ordered to keep men on reactors was a prime example and came about because the prime minister’s office had site by then prime minister Naoto Kan. Experts concluded that if the premier had insisted on the use of freshwater. not insisted, Fukushima would have spiralled Experts later said the use of seawater – further out of control, with catastrophic which was available in plentiful supply – had consequences. probably averted a worse disaster. –  AFP

A distraught Yuko Sugimoto searches for her son, Raito, in the tsunami-devastated town of Ishinomaki, Miyagi preference, on March 13, 2011, and together at the same location on January 27. Yuko was reunited with Raito on March 14, three days after the tsunami struck. Pix: AFP/Yomiuri Shimbun (left), Toru Yamanaka (right). More pix: P. 25.

Outrage as aid barred to Syrian city Briefy – US President Barack Obama warned on March 2 against a premature attack on Iran, while Israeli leader Ben jamin  jamin Netanyahu Netanyahu insisted insisted his country had the right to self-defence. WASHINGTON

But in an apparent nod to Netanyahu ahead of key White House talks on March 5, Obama said if sanctions failed to curb Tehran’s atomic ambitions, US military action against Iranian nuclear facilities should not be ruled out.  VICTORIA, Seychelles –  A 

stricken Italian liner, the

Costa Allegra , docked in

the Seychelles capital on March 1 after its 1000 passengers had to use mineral water to wash and fight sweltering heat as the ship was slowly towed to port, two days after a fire disabled it.

The Costa Allegra belongs to the same fleet as the Costa Concordia that smashed into rocks off Tuscany on January 13. WASHINGTON – President

Barack Obama said on February 29 he was “confident” the United States could stick to its Afghan drawdown timetable despite a week of deadly unrest over the burning of the Koran at a US base. • Earlier report, P. 21.

WASHINGTON –

Mustachioed Americans with a sense of both charity and humour are making plans to descend on Washington on April Fool’s Day to demand a US$250 tax break for their defining facial feature. – AFP AFP

DAMASCUS – The UN demanded on March 2 that Syria allow in humanitarian aid after a Red Cross relief  mission to a vanquished rebel stronghold was blocked, as fears grew of  brutal reprisals by regime forces. With world outrage growing against the Syrian regime, a monitoring group reported at least 38 Syrians killed on March 2, including 10 shot dead in Baba Amr, the rebel district of Homs city overrun by regime forces the previous day. Meanwhile wounded British photographer Paul Conroy, who was smuggled out of Homs through Lebanon, said from a hospital bed in Britain that the regime’s monthlong bombardment of the city was “an indiscriminate massacre” and there were thousands of people there  just “waiting to die.”

Thous ands of people UN chief of “slandering” Damascus regime or face their poured onto the streets of  P r e s i d e n t B a s h a r a l -  justice for the blood on their Damascus and the coastal  Assad ’s govern ment with hands. He described the situation city of Aleppo on March 2 his accounts of the deadly to urge the West to supply crackdown on opposition as a “scene of medieval barbarity.” the rebel fighters with arms, protests. The United States called Syria has refused to let UN prompting the security forces to open fire, said all countries to condemn the humanitarian chief Valerie “horrific” brutality in Syria  Amos into the country, but activists and monitors. In New York, UN leader as President Barack Obama Ban said the United Nations Ban Ki-moon demanded declared that Assad’s days still hoped to persuade President Bashar al-Assad that Syria unconditionally were numbered. French President Nicolas to allow her entry to make let in humanitarian aid.

bei ng can you bear...this situation.’ ‘How as a human being “The Syrian authorities must open without any preconditions to humanitarian communities,” Ban told a news briefing at UN headquarters. “It is totally unacceptable, intolerable. How as a human being can you bear... this situation,” he said. But Syria’s UN envoy Bashar Jaafari accused the

Sarkozy said that “what is going on is scandalous. There are more than 8000 dead, hundreds of children, and the city of Homs faces the risk of being wiped off  the map.” British Prime Minister David Cameron urged Syrians “butchering” their compatriots to turn their backs on the “criminal”

an aid assessment. His comments came after the Red Cross said Syria had blocked an aid convoy from entering Baba Amr, which was overrun by regime forces on March 1 after rebel fighters retreated in the face of their withering assault. International Committee of the Red Cross president

Jakob Kellenberger said the ICRC and the Syrian  Arab Red Crescent Society were not allowed to enter Baba Amr more than a day after getting permission to do so. “It is unacceptable that people who have been in need of emergency assistance for weeks have still not received any help,” Kellenberger said in a statement in Geneva. More than 20,000 civilians are believed to have been trapped in Baba Amr during a month-long bombardment by regime forces, with a lone doctor reported to be tending to the scores of casualties in a single makeshift clinic. The U UN N ri ghts body appealed to Syria to respect international law after receiving unconfirmed reports of 17 “gris ly” executions as regime forces took control of Baba Amr.  – AFP • Earlier report, P.24

China hails US, North Korea breakthrough SEOUL – China last week warmer relations between welcomed North Korea’s North Korea and the United agreement to freeze nuclear States. activities in return for US “China is willing to work food aid, a deal that raised with relevant parties to cautious hopes of an easing of  continue to push forward tensions under Pyongyang’s the six-party talks process new young leader. and play a constructive role South Korea and Japan to realise long-term peace also on March 1 hailed and stability on the Korean the North’s commitment peninsula and northeast to suspend its uranium  Asia,” said said foreign ministry ministry enrichment program along spokesman Hong Lei. with nuclear and long-range The six-nation nuclear missile tests and to let UN disarmament talks have nuclear inspectors monitor been stalled for three years. The disclosure in the deal. T h e F e b r u a r y 2 9 November 2010 of the breakthrough followed US- enrichment program, which North Korean talks in Beijing could give the North a second the previous week, the first path to an atomic bomb, lent urgency to the diplomacy. under the new regime. South Korea also backed China, the North’s sole major ally, welcomed the the agreement disclosed

simultaneously by the US and North Korea late on February 29. “The US-North Korea announcement reflects the close work Seoul and Washington have done to try to resolve the nuclear standoff,” said a foreign ministry spokesman. Japan’s Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said the deal was “an important step” but called for concrete action. Tokyo still wants “the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula”, he said. That is also the stated goal of the six-party talks which began in 2003 and group the two Koreas, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.

The North angrily quit pregnant women. the forum in April 2009 and The North has suffered staged its second atomic pers is tent s evere food weapons test a month later. shortages since a 1990s  Analysts  Analysts said last week’s famine. deal could help revive the Pyongyang said it would talks, but many remain let the International Atomic sceptical that the North will Energy Agency monitor ever abandon its nuclear the suspension of uranium enrichment. Agency chief  weaponry. “At this point the best that  Yukiya Amano called this can be done is to freeze the “an important step forward” nuclear program,” said Peter and said his inspectors were Beck, Korea representative ready to return. US administration officials for the Asia Foundation. “For now, the agreement were cautious. “Today’s announcement is a welcome development. Talking is better than not represents a modest first step talking and a freeze is better in the right direction,” said than an unfettered nuclear Secretary of State Hillary program.” Clinton. “We of course will be The United States has watching closely and judging pledged 240,000 tonnes of  North Korea’s new leaders food for young children and by their actions.” –  AFP

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 A Russian Russian teacher’s teacher’s voting voting lesson lesson By Kathy Lally

ST PETERBURG, Russia – Disgruntled citizens registered thous ands of complaints of  violations after the December 4 parliamentary elections and demonstrators filled the streets protesting their unfairness, but all these weeks later it’s difficult to find any traces of anyone being held to account. Except, that is, for Tatyana Ivanova, an experienced St. Petersburg precinct chairman and high school assistant principal who publicly reported that she had refused to comply with orders to falsify the vote. That produced a charge of slander and now, out of work, she’s awaiting her day in court. The attack on her, and the lack of any public effort to prosecute vote fraud, suggests the results of  the March 4 presidential election may be open to question, even though web cameras have been bought to oversee polling places across the country. Doubts about the results could threaten the legitimacy of Prime Minister  Vladimir  Vladimir Putin, who is intent on achieving a rousing first-round victory to dispel any uncertainty about his authority after repeated protests against him. “I don’t know of anyone who has been prosecuted for election violations,” said Maxim Reznik, a member of the St Petersburg City Council and a leader of the liberal  Yabloko  Yabloko party, which which made many

Supporters of Vladimir Putin in Moscow on February 23 ahead of a rally for the March 4 presidential elections. Pic: AFP 

procedures she had long since mastered. Instead, a young man she had never seen before confronted her and a few others. “You’re very experienced,” he said, as she recalled in late February. “We need your help.” His message: United Russia, the ruling party connected to Putin, needed more votes. Ivanova said she was shocked; her first thought was that her honesty was being tested. She’s a fixture at her precinct, based in School 575, where she teaches. She lives nearby, in a The fourth of March historic neighbourhood on  Vas ily evs ky Isl and . He r is not the end. daughter teaches at the school and also serves on the election commission. Ivanova’s complaints about fraud. He predicts the forthcoming children went to the school, and coming election will also be unfair, the family – Ivanova, her husband, but said the opposition has no daughter, son, daughter-in-law and intention of easing its pressure on grandson – share an apartment. Putin and his government. “We each have one room,” she said, “The fourth of March is not “and we meet in the kitchen.” the end,” he said. “It’s just the Ivanova was sure United Russia beginning.” would win anyway. Ivanova, 53, a speech therapist “We need more votes,” she and Russian teacher, has worked quoted the man. “Your work will on elections for 14 years. When be noticed.” One of the other election workers a city election official summoned her to a pre-election meeting last spoke up. “How much?” he asked. fall, she expected to rehearse the They would be paid, he was told,

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the equivalent of US$2300. As a precinct chairman, Ivanova was paid $300 for work over a threeweek period. She was summoned again, this time in the presence of the district education official in charge of  Ivanova’s school. United Russia must get an extra 200 votes, she was told. “I said not a single (parliamentary) deputy is worth my imprisonment,” Ivanova recounted, fortified by a pot of tea. “They said, ‘Fine, someone else will do it – but you must close your eyes.’” Ivanova said she was infuriated at the sense of impunity. “They all were so sure nothing would happen to them,” she said. On election day, she made sure the observers sat next to the ballot box. Late at night, they took the results to election offices, where the young man she had encountered earlier and the district schools supervisor awaited. The young man threw the results on his desk. United Russia had achieved 22.7 percent of the vote in Ivanova’s precinct. Though some St Petersburg precincts reached the mid-30s, it was not a good day for United Russia, which won just under 50pc of the vote nationwide.

“Nothing can be done here,” she recalled him saying. “I decided I wasn’t going t o leave things like that,” Ivanova said, taking out a tissue from her purse as her eyes began to water. “But I didn’t know where to go, or whom I should complain about. I didn’t have any proof. I only had my honest word and now that seems like such a rare thing.”  At the end of December, December, when higher-ups pressured her principal not to give her an annual bonus, Ivanova quit her job. “I like my principal very much,” Ivanova said. “She was afraid she would be fired.”  After 30 years, she was earning about $900 a month as a teacher and assistant principal. Her 55-year-old friend, the other precinct chairman, quit in support but decided not to go public. Ivanova went to the newspapers, and soon her story was all over St Petersburg. Recently, Natalya Nazarova, the district schools supervisor, accused Ivanova of  damaging her reputation and asked for $3700 in damages. Nazarova, who has declined to speak to the Russian press, could not be reached for comment. Thirteen school principals in

the district wrote an open letter criticising Ivanova and her fellow precinct chairman. “The obvious lies of the former teachers prove their unscrupulousness,” unscrupulousness,” the letter said. “There is no doubt that they were paid for their statements. In our opinion their planned interviews with newspapers, internet resources and TV are examples of dishonest pre-election struggles.” Reznik, who is head of the education committee in the St Petersburg City Council, said teachers, who are so dependent on the government and vulnerable to the chain of command, should not be supervising elections. “What s he did was very courageous,” he said. “The more we talk about it, the better.” The League of Voters, a citizens group formed in January to promote fair elections, has publicised Ivanova’s case and offered her legal assistance.  Andrei Buzin, who supervises election oversight for independent monitor Golos, estimates that 30,000 complaints were made throughout the country over violations on December 4. Prosecutors have officially reported opening six criminal cases and 3000 lower-level administrative suits, he said, but most have probably been dismissed. “Here’s one example in Moscow,” he said. “A member of the election commission was seen stuffing ballots. Observers saw him. A  complaint was filed with the

‘What she did was very courageous.’ prosecutor’s office. Members of  the commission were called in and they denied it. Case d ismissed.” On February 24, the independent Levada Center reported the results of its latest poll: 80 percent of  Russians believe Putin will win the election on March 3. Tatyana Ivanova will be among those voters casting their ballots for Putin. She is a member of  United Russia. Putin, she said, has done a good job. “I still believe in him,” she said. – The Washington Post

Palestinian developer realises a vision for new city RAWAB I, Pales tinian Territories – Palestinian businessman Bashar alMasri knew that building Rawabi, which aims to be the West Bank’s newest city, wasn’t going to be an easy project. But he never imagined it would take three long years to win Israeli approval for a road of no more than a few kilometres (miles). “It should be a straightforward process, but when you deal with politics, you never know what might happen,” he told  AFP in his office in Ramallah. Work on the road is finally about to begin. And once complete, about 100 trucks a day will travel along it, bypassing the narrow village road that until now served as the only access to the construction site. But the hard-won approval is only for a temporary road,

Tractors adorned with West Bank towns, stemming and could be rescinded at any settlements in the West Palestinian flags trundle the exodus of their educated time, illustrating the unique Bank. challenges facing Masri’s “It’s a ticking time bomb around the 85-hectare (210- middle-class residents to ambitious project – which is and I think the Palestinians acre) plot, which commands Ramallah. “I don’t have a problem in about much more than real have made a mistake by views of verdant olive groves estate. not creating facts on their and hills dotted with small terms of real estate. I could villages. even increase the price a little The businessman, who land.” But attitudes are changing,  At base camp, a cluster bit and I would still sell what lived overseas for many years and holds US citizenship, says Masri, a tall, thin of smart trailers looks out I have,” he says. “But my vision is to create envisages a model city that energetic man in his 50s over the project, where attracts employers and who speaks clipped English enthusiastic young men and a standalone city, and in allows people to work where peppered with Americanisms women talk to prospective doing that I have to create  jobs... If the vision works, they live. if the concept works, you “There are s o many can take Rawabi and put complications. The road is There are so many complications. it next to Jenin, Qalqilya, temporary, we have to apply Bethlehem.” for its renewal every year, Masri, who moved back in they could stop it at any but is perfectly comfortable buyers, some of the 25,000time,” he says. in his native Palestinian 30,000 people who may one the mid-1990s, also wants Rawabi to set new green But Masri is optimistic  Arabic.  Arabic. day call Rawabi home. that the project, which is “Hopefully with Rawabi They s how off s lick standards, and expects it to likely to cost about US$1 it’s just one more step in that slide-shows and attractive boast a commercial centre models of units that go for with infrastructure advanced billion, will be profitable and direction.” politically beneficial.  At the constru constructio ction n site, site, the $80,000 to $140,000 and enough to cater to the most He also believes the city attitude is full speed ahead, have garnered interest from high-tech firms. “I believe since we’re will be a model for a way despite the setbacks that buyers throughout the West building a nation p ractically the Palestinians can stake have affected the project’s Bank and abroad. If successful, he imagines from scratch, we have the a claim to their land and timeline and initial cost placing similar cities by major opportunity of building a curb the expansion of Israeli estimates.

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modern nation,” he says. Not everyone appreciates his vis iion, on, with s ome Palestinians claiming the project looks too much like an Israeli settlement, others angry that Rawabi’s homes will be unaffordable to many. Interest from buyers suggests his critics are outnumbered, with more than 7500 families having already prequalified to buy a home, he says. Masri is realistic about the obstacles to its completion. “We have daily problems with the Israelis, just like everyone else in the Palestinian private sector,” he says, describing delays ranging from hours to days caused by one checkpoint on the road to Rawabi. “The checkpoint is not against Rawabi, it’s against the Palestinian people, period,” he said. – AFP

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Bries James Murdoch exits News International NEW YORK – James Murdoch, the younger son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, stepped down on February 29 as executive chairman of News International, News Corp’s scandal-plagued British newspaper unit. James Murdoch, 39, will remain News Corp’s deputy chief operating officer and focus on international television operations, the New  York-based  York-based media and entertainment giant said in a statement. News Corp. said James Murdoch was stepping down from News International following his relocation to company headquarters in New York as deputy chief  operating officer, a move which took place last year. • Related reports, P. 22.

Egypt sets dates or presidential election CAIRO – Egyptians will vote on May 23 and 24 to elect their first president since a popular uprising overthrew Hosni Mubarak a year ago, the head of the elections committee said on February 29. Faruq Sultan told journalists expatriates will be allowed to vote from May 11 to May 17 and that any run-off will be held on June 16 and 17. “The result will be announced on June 21,” said Sultan, in keeping with a timetable set by the military rulers to hand power to an elected president before the end of June.

Belarus accuses EU o raising tensions MINSK – Belarus on February 29 accused the European Union of escalating tensions in a growing diplomatic row, after EU member states recalled all of their ambassadors to the former Soviet state. Belarus had earlier told the EU and Polish envoys to leave and tell their capitals of Minsk’s dissatisfaction with new sanctions targeting judges, prosecutors and police officers alleged to have been involved in repression, an unusual diplomatic step which prompted the recall by Brussels of all remaining  EU ambassadors. – ambassadors. – AFP AFP

ANC expels youth leader JOHANNESBURG– South  Africa’s  Africa’s ruling ruling African National Congress on February 29 expelled its youth leader Julius Malema, turning against a man who helped bring South African President Jacob Zuma to power but later stood in his path to re-election. Malema was convicted in November of provoking divisions within the ANC and suspended for five years. – AFP – AFP

US stands by Afghan war strategy WASHINGTON – The US military has no plans to alter its troop drawdown timetable in Afghanistan despite a week of deadly unrest over the burning of  the Koran at an American base, the Pentagon said on February 27. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta and top US military officer General Martin Dempsey both “believe that the fundamentals of our strategy remain sound,” spokesman George Little told reporters. The United States will stick to its plan for a gradual troop drawdown and has an “unwavering” commitment to hand over to Afghan security forces by the end of  2014 as agreed by the NATO alliance, Little said.  Attacks  Attacks on US andcoalit coalition ion troops and violent protests were “regrettable” but had not jeopardised “strong” ties between American and  Afghan forces, he said. said. “We’re not going to let the events of the past week, which are regrettable and

The United Uni ted Nati Nations ons announced that it was pulling its international staff out of its base in the northern Afghan province of  Kunduz after it came under attack by demonstrators on February 25. The commander of  NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, US General John Allen, withdrew all staff out of   Afgh an mini stri es at the weekend on February 25-26 when two US advisers were US military ofcers salute as cofns containing the bodies of Army Major Robert shot dead in the interior Marchanti and Air Force Lieutenant-Colonel John Loftis arrive at Dover Air Force Base ministry, apparently by an in Dover, Delaware, on February 27. The two ofcers were shot dead by an Afghan  Afghan colleag colleague. ue. – AFP colleague in the Afghan Interior Ministry in Kabul on February 25. Pic: AFP  There had been no decision “But across the country yet on when coaliti coalition on unfortunate and tragic, were gunned down inside writ large... the mission advisers would return to influence the long-horizon the interior ministry. But he said the scale of  continues and we’re seeing their posts at government view that we’re taking with respect to our partnership protests had begun to decline the protest activity decline.” offices, Kirby said. The United States has  Allen “is not ready right with Afghanistan and to and that US troops were our enduring work there,” still operating successfully repeatedly apologised for now to have the advisers go Little said. alongside Afghan forces. the Koran burning at an back,” he said. “But this is  A n o t h e r m i l i t a r y “These events – they’re incinerator and insisted temporary.” The general had advised his spokesman, Captain John troubling, they’re worrisome, it was a mistake and not commanders to be “vigilant” K i r b y , a c k n o w l e d g e d they’ve got everybody’s intentional. tensions had flared over the attention. And yes, tension The incident set off seven given recent events but burning of the Islamic holy is high here in Kabul right successive days of protest “he also made it clear that book at the Bagram airbase now,” Kirby said by video link and violence, with the death operations must continue,” Kirby said. –  AFP and after two US officers from the Afghan capital. toll estimated at about 40.

 Argentina  Argentina refuses refuses entry to British cruise liners BUENOS AIRES – Two of the 30th anniversary in British cruise ships that  April of of the start of the war war visited the Falkland Islands between the two nations over were refused entry to an the South Atlantic islands.  Argentine  Argentine port port on February February  Argentina  Argentina has also reacted reacted 27, amid tension over the angrily to the deployment disputed archipelago. of Prince William to the T h e  A d o n i a , o w n e d Falklands as part of his job as by P&O cruises, and the a Royal Air Force search and Princess Cruises vessel Star rescue pilot, and to a planned  Princess  Princess were both blocked fact-finding trip by British from entering Ushuaia in lawmakers this month. southern Argentina after The Argentine province both ships stopped at the of Tierra del Fuego said its Falklands on February 25. “applied the law” in denying “We are very concerned port access to the Star to hear the Adonia and  Princess  Princess and the Adonia.  Adonia. Star Princess have been The Falklands, off the refused access to the port of  southern coast of Argentina, Ushuaia,” a spokesman for have been under British Britain’s Foreign Office said control since 1833. in London.  A 74-day 74-day war war in 1982 1982 cost cost Tensions are running the lives of 649 Argentine high between Britain and troops, 255 British troops and  Argent  Argentina inaover over theFalkla Falklands nds,, three Falkland Islanders, which London controls but with Britain retaining Buenos Aires claims, ahead control. – AFP

9/11 victims remains dumped in a landfill, reveals Pentagon WASHINGTON – Partial remains of some victims of the September 11 attacks were dumped in a landfill, the Pentagon revealed Tuesday for the first time on February 28, issuing a report that exposed years of bungling at the US military’s most important mortuary. The portions of remains that ended up at a landfill came from the 2001 attacks on the Pentagon and from a hijacked airliner that went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on 9/11, said the report by an independent panel. The revelation came from a review of the troubled mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, which has been blamed for mishandling the remains of some troops killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The details about the 9/11 remains were mentioned only in passing in the report, which focused on how to fix management problems at the troubled mortuary.  Any remains remains related related to 9/11 carry a special special significance for Americans and the White House promptly issued a statement, saying

the Pentagon was taking steps to ensure such mistakes “never happen again.” “We are deeply concerned about reports that in 2001, some unidentified portions of  remains from the 9/11 attacks were disposed of in a landfill, and about the unacceptable handling of remains at Dover,” the White House said. Officials said it was unclear how many victims might be involved or whether some of the remains belonged to the Al-Qaeda hijackers. The military had acknowledged last year that some portions of remains of  fallen soldiers at the Dover mortuary in Delaware had been incinerated and sent to a Virginia landfill, a practice that was halted in 2008. The military now disposes of unidentified cremated remains at sea. The revi ew call ed for bols tering oversight at Dover, restructuring the chain of command overseeing the mortuary, expanding training and hiring more staff  members. – AFP

Romney back in front as Super Tuesday looms DETROIT, Michigan – Mitt Romney pulled back in front in the topsy-turvy race for the Republican presidential nomination on February 28 with victories in Arizona and Michigan, gaining valuable momentum ahead of this week’s pivotal Super Tuesday contest. But Romney’s narrow win in his native Michigan failed to dispel doubts about his ability to rally the party’s conservative base for what is expected to be a dogfight with President Barack Obama in November’s general election. “Wow! What a night,” an obviously relieved Romney told cheering supporters at his state campaign headquarters in Novi. “We didn’t win by a lot but we won by enough and that’s all that counts.” Rival Rick Santorum – who placed a close second in Michigan – sought to cast the result as a victory for a campaign that had been all but written off until he managed to sweep Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri on February 7.

“A month ago they didn’t know told  AFP . “Santorum leads here who we are but they do now,” now, but his lead is fragile.” Romney leads in pledged delegates Santorum told supporters.  A staunch staunch Christian Christian conservative conservative after having won the more important who strongly opposes abortion and states so far. He also has the best-funded and gay marriage, Santorum advanced in the polls by painting himself as most organised campaign, which the authentic conservative and his will certainly help in what could multimillionaire opponent as out be a long slog to the Republican of touch. National Convention in August. “Romney gained momentum with  All four remai ning cand idate s these two wins,” said Paul Beck, – including former House speaker a political N e w t expert at Gingrich and Ohio State Ohio will be the big prize. congressman University. Ron Paul of  “But Super Texas – have Tuesday will likely yield a mixed vowed to stay in the race until the convention, where a result might picture.” T h e f o r m e r g o v e r n o r o f   have to be brokered behind the Massachusetts will likely win scenes if no one reaches the magic that state, along with Virginia number of 1144 d elegates. The negative, gaffe-ridden where Santorum and former House speaker Newt Gingrich are not on campaign by Republican hopefuls is providing ample fodder for Obama the ballot and possibly Vermont. But he will have a tough time as he builds his reelection campaign capturing Georgia, Tennessee, or ahead of the November 6 general Oklahoma, Beck said. election. “Ohio will be the big prize,” Beck  A pugnacious pugnacious Obama Obama on February February

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28 s lammed his Republican opponents for their vehement opposition to his efforts to save the Michigan-based auto industry. In a speech to auto workers gathered in the US capital, Obama accused Romney and his fellow Republicans of being on the wrong side of history and of blatant pandering to conservative voters. Romney has frequently accused Obama of engineering the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler to help his union supporters, but Obama said Romney’s charges of  crony capitalism is a “a load of youknow-what.” The Republican opposition to the bailout and focus on divisive social issues “has probably cost them Michigan in the general election,” said Michael Traugott, a political expert at the University of Michigan. “We don’t have many auto workers left, but it’s symbolic for general attitudes about workers in the state of Michigan,” he told  AFP. – AFP

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UK police officer condemns corrupt ‘culture’ at tabloid LONDON – Journalists at Britain’s best-selling tabloid The Sun had a “network of corrupted officials” who provided them with stories in return for cash payments, a top police officer said on February 27. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue  Akers told a public inquiry inquiry into press standards that the Rupert Murdochowned newspaper had a “culture” of  paying police, the military, health workers, government and prison staff. In a statement, Murdoch conceded that such payments had existed but insisted: “The practices Sue Akers described at the Leveson inquiry are ones of the past and no longer exist at The Sun.”  Akers is leading Scotlan d Yard’s bribery investigation, which has seen 10 current or former Sun journalists arrested since November, as well as a serving police officer, a Ministry of  Defence worker and an army officer. Updating the inquiry on its progress, she said: “There appears to have been a culture at The Sun of illegal payments, and systems have been created to facilitate those payments whilst hiding the identity of the officials receiving the money.” Murdoch, who shut down the tabloid’s sister paper the News of the World World over a phone-hacking scandal last year, has pledged his support for the title, launching a Sunday version of  The Sun on February 26. He insisted on February 27: “We have vowed to do everything we can to get to the bottom of prior wrongdoings in order to set us on the right path for the future. That process is well underway.” But embarrassing details continue to emerge from the Leveson inquiry, which was set up after the hacking row to examine how the British press operate. Speaking at the beginning of a new phase examining the ties between newspapers and the police, Akers

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British singer, parents receive $952,000 in phone hacking payout

LONDON – British singer Charlotte Church and her parents received £600,000 in phone-hacking damages from Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper group under a settlement unveiled at the High Court in London on February 27. Lawyers for the 25-yearold and her parents, James and Maria, had confirmed the previous week that terms had been agreed with News Group Newspapers (NGN), publishers of the defunct News of the World tabloid. Charlotte Church, who rose to fame as a child, was in court to hear the reading of a statement resolving her claim that 33 News Corporation chairman and chief executive ofcer Rupert Murdoch articles in the  News of the with the rst edition of The Sun on Sunday as Sunday  as it came off the presses at World had resulted from Broxbourne, outside London, on February 26. An editorial in the tabloid said her family’s voicemails its journalists would be ethical. Pic: AFP/News International Group Ltd  being hacked. updated the inquiry on her team’s right that journalists had to protect The settlement, worth analysis of millions of emails provided their sources when pursuing stories in $ 9 5 2 , 0 0 0 o r 7 1 0 , 0 0 0 the public interest. by News Corp. euros, of which half is But she said: “The vast majority of the for legal costs, is one of  “Multiple payments have been made to individuals amounting to thousands disclosures that have been made have the biggest made to the of pounds,” she said, adding: “There is led to stories which I would describe as dozens of celebrities and also mention in some emails of public salacious gossip rather than anything public figures who have officials being placed on retainers.” that could be remotely regarded as in taken legal action against  Akers  Akers said said the payments payments were were “openly “openly the public interest.” the  New s of the Wor ld ’s referred to” at The Sun and were Rebekah Brooks, the former editor owners. approved “at a very senior level”. of  The Sun and  News of the World, Speaking outside court The recent arrests at The Sun admitted to lawmakers in 2003 “we after the hearing, Church concerned “the delivery of regular, have paid the police for information in said she had been “sickened frequent and sometimes significant the past”, but last year she insisted she and di dissg gus us ted” at the sums of money to small numbers of  had never personally sanctioned any extent of the hacking. public officials by a journalist”, she such a payment. Brooks, who went on to “Nothing was deemed be chief executive of News International, off-limits by those who said. She cited one case involving more the publisher of  The Sun and the News pursued me and my family than £80,000 (US$127,000) paid out of the World, was arrested last year by  ju st to mak e mon ey fo r over several years and another where police investigating phone hacking and a multi-national news “one of the arrested journalists has over bribery. corporation,” she said. She had resigned shortly before her several years received over £150,000 in “My parents were not in arrest, but denies any wrongdoing. cash to pay his sources”. the public eye, they just – AFP happened to have a well Akers  Akers said said polic policee were were mindful mindful of of the known daughter. “They have been harassed and put under surveillance and my mother was bullied into revealing her own private medical condition for no other reason than that they were my parents.

Charlotte Church reads a statement to the media outside the High Court in central on February 27 after the settlement of her legal action against the publishers of the defunct News of the World over World  over allegations of phone hacking. Pic: AFP 

“Someone in a newspaper thought that was OK. How can that be, in any rightthinking society?” Church, the former wife of  Welsh rugby international Gavin Henson, said she had wanted to bring those responsible to court to explain their actions, but she feared she would have “learned nothing” from a trial. The newspaper group had been prepared to go “to any lengths” to cover up “the industrial scale of their illegal activity”, she said, adding: “In my opinion, they are not truly sorry, only sorry they got caught.” The biggest settlement made s o far is the £3 million, including £1 million for charity, paid to the parents of murdered British schoolgirl Milly Dowler, whose voicemail was hacked. –  AFP

Trade Mark CauTion NOTICE is hereby given that Uni-Charm Corporation a joint-stock company duly organized under the laws of  Japan, Manufacturers and Merchants of 182, Shimobun, Kinsei-cho, Shikokuchuo-shi, Ehime-ken, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(BFt  Th) ( rg: n. iV/8791/2008) in respect of : - “Drugs for medical purposes; sanitary napkins; panty liners (sanitary); sanitary pants; menstruation tampons; napkins for incontinents; pads for incontinents; pants for incontinents; sanitary masks; absorbent cotton; breast pads; and deodorants other than for personal use” – Int’l Class: 5 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Uni-Charm Corporation P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 5th March, 2012

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WikiLeaks publishes millions of intelligence firm’s emails Stratfor, founded in 1996, LONDON – WikiLeaks slammed the publication on February 27 began of the emails but said it publishing a huge tranche of  would not comment on their emails from US intelligence content. firm Stratfor in a move the “Having had our anti-secrecy website said property stolen, we will revealed the “private lies of  not be victimised twice by private spies.” submitting to questioning WikiLeaks claims that about them,” the company more than five million said in a statement. emails from the company “The emails are private will uncover “everything property. Like all private from sinister spy tactics to emails, they were written an insider trading scheme casually, with no expectation with Goldman Sachs” in the anyone other than the coming weeks. sender and recipient would Texas-based Texas-based Stratfor, ever see them. They should which describes itself as a be read as such,” it said. “subscription-basedprovider The emails are widely of geopolitical analysis,” believed to have been passed denounced the theft of the to WikiLeaks by hacker emails as “a deplorable, group Anonymous, which unfortunate –and illegal – claimed in December that breach of privacy.” it had stolen them. The first batch released But Assange refused to on February 27 suggests specify how his website had that Dow Chemical, the Pic: AFP  come to possess the messages, parent company of the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at a news conference saying: “As a matter of policy firm responsible for the WikiLeaks we don’t discuss sourcing or 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, in London on February 27 to announce the release of emails from the US-based intelligence rm, Stratfor. speculate on sources.” paid Stratfor to monitor “WikiLeaks, in its campaigners for victims Wi WikiLeaks kiLeak s iiss s ifti ifting ng said at a news conference s ourci ng methodology, of the disaster, WikiLeaks t h r o u g h t h e e m a i l s , in London. claims. dating from July 2004 to “Over the last ten years the deliberately tries to not T h e w h i s t l e b l o w i n g December 2011, with 25 private intelligence industry even know itself where its website said emails also media partners including has boomed in the United information comes from, because indicate that ultimately Coca-Cola is the paid Stratfor A deplorable, unortunate unortunate – and illegal – breach o privacy. that strongest to investigate protection.” animal rights WikiLeaks itself came group Peta.  Rol lin g Sto ne magazine States and other countries. “But with this growth under fire last September  A “substa “substantial” ntial” proportion proportion and Italy’s  La Repubblica o f S t r a t f o r ’ s f u n d i n g newspaper, while members t h e r e h a s n o t b e e n a for potentially endangering comes from government of the public can also view commensurate growth in the lives of government accountabilitymechanisms,” informants by publishing agencies including the US the messages. The emails document “the said Assange, who is fighting an unredacted version of its Department of Homeland Security, WikiLeaks said, private lives and private lies extradition from Britain to archive of 251,000 secret US while adding that it could of private spies,” WikiLeaks Sweden over sexual assault diplomatic cables.  – AFP • Related report, P. 28. not yet give exact figures. founder Julian Assange allegations.

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 A world service service turns 80 LONDON – Th e  BB C ’s international international World Service radio station turned 80 on February 29, as the broadcaster hailed a boom in its Iranian audience despite steep budget cuts. “The programs will neither be very interesting nor very good,”  BBC chief  John Reith had dismally predicted in 1932 as the World Service, then called the Empire Service, launched using short-wave radio technology. But 80 years on the  BBC said it was determined to reach ever larger foreign audiences via television, radio and the internet, announci announcing ng that  BB C Persian TV had doubled its audience from 3.9 million weekly viewers in 2009 to nearly 7.2 million. “More than one in 10 Iranians now watch BBC Persian TV each week,” s a i d t h e  B B C , w h i c h regularly complains that the Iranian regime jams its broadcasts. World Serv Service ice radio marked iits ts 80th year with a special day of live programming, encouraging its 225 mi million llion global listeners to participate in shaping the content in a dozen languages.

“These are historic and changing times for the BBC World Service,” said the  BBC ’s director of global news Peter Horrocks. “We want our audiences to be at the heart of both the commemoration of the past and conversation about the future.” The British government, which pays for World Service through its foreign ministry, slashed the radio s tation’s £270 milli on (US$431 million) budget by 16 percent last year. The World Service has broadcast in 68 languages over its eight-decade history. It now has 28 services, many of which are only accessible online. “A tight financial climate does not mean we need to shrink our ambition – we want to reach more people,” Horrocks said. T h e  B B C b e g a n international television broadcasts in 1991 through World Service TV, now called  BBC World News. The World Service is still paid for by the foreign ministry but from 2014 the duty to fund it passes to the  BBC itself as the government seeks to cut a record deficit. –  AFP

Trade Mark CauTion NOTICE is hereby given that k kbsh ksh (ls tg s k Cpt) a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal ofce at 14-10, Nihonbashi Kayabacho 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademarks:-

VALCAN LAVSHUCA (rg: n. iV/12619/2011)

Trade Mark CauTion Shs C., Lt. a Company organized and existing under the laws of Japan, of 7-5-5 Ginza,Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

PURE&MILD rg. n. 6652/2002

BRAVAS rg. n. 6700/2002

(rg: n. iV/12621/2011) The above two trademarks are in respect of:“Soaps; perfumery; essential oils; cosmetics; hair lotions; dentifrices”- Int’l Class: 3

rg. n. 6644/2002

REVITAL

rg. n. 6703/2002

rg. n. 6645/2002

(rg: n. iV/12620/2011) iV/12620/2011) (rg: n. iV/12622/2011) iV/12622/2011)

SHISEIDO BASALA

The above two trademarks are in respect of:“Soaps; perfumery; essential oils; cosmetics; hair lotions; dentifrices”- Int’l Class: 3 “Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes), perfume atomizers (containers), cosmetic brushes, eye brow brushes, hair brushes, nail brushes, shaving brushes, hair combs, powder compacts not of precious metals (containers), dispensers for liquid soap, soap holders, sponge holders, powder puffs.”- Int’l Class 21

rg. n. 6704/2002

rg. n. 6646/2002

rg. n. 6647/2002

rg. n. 6706/2002 in respect of “Soaps, perfumeries, cosmetics including skincare, bodycare, hair care and make up products”.

rg. n. 6649/2002

SHISEIDO rg. n. 6651/2002

Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law.

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Shs C., Lt. P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Dated: 5th March, 2012

U Kyi Win Associates for k kbsh ksh (ls tg s k Cpt) P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 5th March, 2012

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Iraqis see red after MPs approve $50m armoured cars deal

Syrian mourners farewell loved ones at funeral in the northwestern city of Idlib on February 25, a day after it came under heavy attack from government forces. Pic: AFP 

Fresh sanctions for Syria as US condemns ‘cynical’ vote DAMASCUS – Syria said almost 90 percent of voters approved a new constitution in a referendum which Washington condemned on February 27 as “absolutely cynical”. The charter brought in by President Bashar al-Assad after 11 months of  anti-regime protests won 89.4 percent of votes cast in the referendum on February 26, with a turnout of 57.4pc, Interior Minister Mohammed al-Shaar said. The results came as the European Union imposed fresh sanctions on Damascus and while Moscow hit back at US criticism for standing by Assad and frustrating international effort to end the regime’s clampdown. EU foreign ministers agreed to freeze assets of Syria’s central bank, impose a travel ban on seven Syrians close to Assad, ban cargo flights into the 27-nation bloc and restrict trade with Damascus in gold and precious metals. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin slammed the West’s “cynical” stance on Syria, staunchly defending Moscow’s joint veto with China of two UN Security Council draft resolutions condemning Damascus. He accused the West of “lacking the patience to work out an adjusted and

balanced” resolution that also required “We dismiss it as absolutely cynical,” opposition forces to cease fire and Nuland told reporters. withdraw from flashpoints such as the The draft text of the constitution besieged central city of Homs. that was overwhelmingly approved “A refusal to do so was cynical.” by voters ends the legal basis for the Syrian regime forces on February 27 five-decade stranglehold on power of  kept up their assault, killing at least  Assad’s ruling Baath party but still 30 civilians, while 11 members of the leaves huge powers in his hands. The Syrian opposition says the security forces also died in clashes, the Syrian Observatory for Human changes are cosmetic after nearly a year of repression by Assad’s security Rights said. Eleven civilians were killed in forces that human rights groups say shelling of the rebel-held district of  has left more than 7600 people dead. The United Nations also doubts Baba Amr, in the central city of Homs, under bombardment for a 24th straight the credibility of the referendum held amid “pervasive violence,” a UN day, the monitoring group said. Efforts to evacuate foreign journalists spokesman said. from the rebel-held Baba Amr district  Any vote in Syri a must be held of Homs failed on February 27, a “in conditions free of violence and Western diplomatic source in the intimidation,” UN deputy spokesman Syrian capital said. Eduardo del Buey told reporters, The ICRC has been negotiating to adding that UN chief Ban Ki-moon rescue the wounded Western journalists had just “noted” the vote. from Homs –under assault by regime “While a new constitution and the forces for more than three weeks – and end of the Baath party monopoly retrieve the bodies of two others killed on power could be part of a political solution, a referendum must take there the previous week. In Washington, State Department place in conditions free of violence and spokeswoman Victoria Nuland asked intimidation,” del Buey said. “It is unlikely to be credible in a how a democratic process such as the referendum could take place in the context of pervasive violence and country while Syrian government guns mass human rights violations,” he added. – AFP and tanks were still firing.

Trade Mark CauTion n.V. og, a Company incorporated in The Netherlands, of Kloosterstraat 6, 5349 AB, Oss, The Netherlands, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

deCa-duraBoLin rg. n. 5583/1996

MeGeSTron rg. n. 5590/1996 in respect of “Medicines and pharmaceutical preparations for human use”. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for n.V. og P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Dated: 5th March, 2012

BAGHDAD – A – A decision by outside, the Green Zone,” MPs to spend US$50 million she said, referring to the on their own armoured cars heavily-fortified centre on a day that dozens of  of Baghdad that is home people were killed in a wave to the government and of attacks has drawn sharp parliament. “Each one of them has criticism from across Iraqi a full team of bodyguards society. The vote, alongside a so there is no need to have long-delayed approval of  other privileges.” In addition to the the 2012 federal budget late on February 23, 23, was taken armoured cars, MPs already largely without debate or receive a budget allocation objection and will see a total for 30 bodyguards, but of 350 armoured vehicles officials claim that most bought at a cost of 60 billion only appoint a handful Iraqi dinars ($50.4 million), of guards and pocket the remainder of the allotted a parliament official said.  All major political groups, funds. Iraqi MPs already receive including Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of  monthly salaries of $8500, Law coalition, the main generous pension benefits, Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc, plots of land and diplomatic the alliance of Kurdish passports. Lawmakers’ monthly pay parties and the movement loyal to anti-US Shiite cleric was dramatically lowered Moqtada al-Sadr voted in after nationwide protests favour of the move, the a year ago against official official said, speaking on corruption and government inaction. condition of  T h e anonymity. February But the Security should 23 decision decision came on the – w h i c h be or all Iraqis… same day as allocates one a wave of  armoured car to each MP and an attacks in six provinces kill ed 42 extra 25 vehicles to be in Iraq that killed dispersed at the discretion people and wounded more of parliament’s speaker than 250, in violence later – has sparked the ire of  claimed by al-Qaeda. The day after the vote regular citizens, religious was taken, a representative leaders and observers. “The subject of buying of Iraq’s most revered a r m o u r e d c a r s w a s Shiite Muslim religious approved quickly, while leader blasted the decision other laws are taking a at prayers in the shrine long time, which shows that city of Karbala on February MPs prioritise their own 24. “Security should be for all benefits over the needs of  the people,” said political Iraqis, not just for a group commentator Tariq al- of people,” said Ayatollah  Ah me d al -S af i, Gr an d Maamuri. “If they fear for their lives  Ayatol lah Ali al-Si stani’ s in this way, let them resign representative in Karbala. “The duty of MPs and and sit at home, because the Iraqi people are not the government is to solve ready to waste their money the people’s problems to protect these MPs,” he and provide security for everyone. Instead of buying said early last week. Iraqi journalist Wassan al- armoured cars for $50 Shimmari said lawmakers million, it would have been better to approve laws to were “over-reacting”. “They live in s ecure protect all of the people.” – AFP areas inside, or even

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Sudan attack raises border tensions The insurgents, who last year formed Khartoum threatened retaliation KHARTOUM – Sudanese rebels said on February 28 they killed a “revolutionary front” aimed at on February 26 after accusing South 150 government soldiers along the toppling the Khartoum regime, claimed Sudan of backing the rebel attack disputed border with South Sudan in the attack in the contested Jau area – on the Jau area, six kilometres (four a battle that prompted Khartoum to part of an oil-rich region on the poorly miles) inside the border, in violation threaten retaliation against its newly defined border – as their first combined of a memorandum on non-aggression independent neighbour. operation against government forces. and cooperation signed earlier in Sudan’s military denied the casualty Sawarmi Khaled Saad, the Sudanese February. toll and said it had killed a “huge army spokesman, dismissed claims It said rebels accompanied by officers number” of rebels, but gave from South Sudan’s army launched a “direct attack”, no figure. but South Sudan has denied The casualties came during a “surprise attack” Border tensions have fared since South supporting opposition in Sudan. on February 26 against Sudan broke away rom Sudan last July. groups Ethnic minority a government base in insurgents in the SPLM-N the Jau area, said Arnu fought alongside the former Ngutulu Lodi, of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North that clashes had occurred in other rebels now ruling the South. South Sudan broke away in July after (SPLM-N). areas and said the only fighting had Rebels counted the bodies on the been around Jau, from which rebels an overwhelming vote for independence that followed more than two decades of  ground, he said, and seized three tanks had since withdrawn. “Now SAF troops are clearing the war. Border tensions have since flared, along with hundreds of weapons and with each side accusing the other of  vehicles in the joint operation with a area,” he said.  Ac ce ss to th e st at e is he av il y supporting rebels within its territory, small number of fighters from Darfur’s Justice and Equality Movement restricted, making independent while a major dispute over oil transit (JEM). verification difficult. fees remains unresolved. – AFP

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Left: A street in Tagajo, Miyagi prefecture, on March 13 last year and the same area on January 12. Centre: A bridge in Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture, on March 15 last year and the same area on January 13. Right: The Asia The  Asia Symphony  Symphony beached beached at Kamaishi, Iwate prefecture on March 18 last year and the same area on January 16. Pix, top: Kim Jae Hwan (left, centre), Roslan Rahman (left). Pix, bottom: Toru Yamanaka.

‘What I saw was no longer Japan’ By Harumi Ozawa

TOKYO – Nearly a year after he worked in the tsunami wasteland of northeast Japan,  AFP photographer Toru Yamanaka returned to capture the progress that has been made. But even for a veteran journalist, this was no straightforward assignment. On a recent winter’s day,  Yamanaka  Yamanaka stoodin an empty and windswept stretch of  land in the ravaged city of  Rikuzentakata. Nothing was left of the carnage he had seen last March. But neither was the city that once stood there. “It is for me symbolic of  what this disaster was all about,” said Yamanaka, 53. “There was a community in that place, where people were living. They had houses, families and companies to go to. They are all gone.” For Yamanaka, who has worked for  Agence France Presse for 25 years, it was not the first time he had been sent to cover a huge natural disaster in his home country. In 1995 he was one of  the first photographers on the scene of the Kobe earthquake, a catastrophe that left more than 6400 people dead. But nothing he saw in Kobe could prepare him for the scale of the devastation that greeted him when he arrived arriv ed on Japan’s northeast coast after last year’s March 11 tsunami. “’This is nothing like Kobe’, that was what hit me first,” he said, recalling the moment he reached the coastline. “K “Kobe obe was bad, too, but what I saw (in the northeast) was no longer Japan, there was nothing left of what you usually see in Japan’s countryside.

There were only mountains of debris.”  An d, sa ys Ya ma na ka after his recent trip back to the area, it is clear that putting these shattered communities back together will take so much longer. “Several months after the Kobe quake I was in a helicopter to shoot aerial views, and I remember s eeing hous es covered with blue plastic sheets. People had already started rebuilding the city,” he said. “When I looked l ooked over Rikuzentakata, I was w as staggered. There was absolutely nothing there. What would we do with the land?” In January, Yamanaka spent a week retracing the steps that he and his fellow  AFP lensmen had taken last March as they captured the sometimes still smoking ruins of what had once been pretty coastal towns. The idea was to go back to the exact spots to see what had changed since they revealed the initial carnage to the world. It was a painstaking assignment, with some places so changed it was like the difference between day and night. In Kamais hi, one of  the hardest-hit cities in a disaster that claimed more than 19,000 lives, he was trying to find the spot where a ship called  Asi a Sym pat hy had run aground. The gigantic ves s el , whose red bow had smashed through a concrete breakwater and stopped  just a few metres (feet) from from a house, had been removed, giving few clues to where he should be looking. When he finally found the spot, he saw that the ship had been blocking a view of a statue of the Buddhist God of Mercy standing on

find the locations.” top of a distant mountain. One picture that he had In some areas, Yamanaka had to rely on tiny signboards to recreate was of a young or on the outlines of hills that mother in Ishinomaki. frame the original pictures. The forlorn image of  “ I t r i e d t o i m a g i n e  Yuko Sugim oto, wrapp ed the angles that we, as in a blanket against the photographers, photographers, tried to cold as she scoured the take in the wake of the wreckage for her only son disaster,” Yamanaka said. broke the hearts of readers “But many times I just and viewers around the followed my gut feeling to world.

But the picture “She remembered exactly  Yamanaka took this time w h e r e t h e s p o t w a s . was an altogether more Otherwise I would have cheerful one. never found it,” he said. In it, Sugimoto, 29, For father-of-two smiles shyly, standing in  Yamana ka, it was a nice the middle of a busy road picture to take. as she tightly holds the “Those three days of  hand of her son Raito, with being apart must have whom she was reunited been heart-breaking. It t h r e e d a y s a f t e r t h e was so good to see them together.” – AFP tsunami.

Trade Mark CauTion

Trade Mark CauTion

MarTeLL & C, C, a company incorporated in France of Place Edouard Martell, 16100 COGNAC, FRANCE, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:

NOTICE is hereby given that ash Gp Hlgs, Lt a joint stock company organized under the laws of  Japan, Manufacturers and Merchants of 23-1, Az umabashi 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan (formerly at 7-1, Kyobashi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan) is the Owner and proprietor of the following trademark: -

MarTeLL rg. n. 548/1967 in respect of “cognac brandy in Clss 33.” 33.”

(rg: n. iV/12225/2011) rg. n. 2716/2006 in respect of “alcoholic beverages except wines in Clss 33.” 33.”

rg. n. 2717/2006

rg. n. 2718/2006

in respect of “alcoholic beverages in Clss 33.” 33.” Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. u nt T asscts, Intellectual Property Law Firm P.O. Box 952, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 951 375754, Fax: 951 254321, Email: [email protected] For MarTeLL & C Dated: 5th March, 2012.

in respect of:- “Pharmaceutical preparations; dental materials; medical materials and goods; goods for women’s hygiene; lactose; semen for articial insemination” – Int’l Class: 5 “Meat for human consumption; meat extracts; processed fruits and vegetables; Japanese style foods; eggs and processed eggs; stew and soup mixes; dairy products; edible oils and fats” – Int’l Class: 29 “Coffee; tea; coffee or tea based beverages; articial coffee; seasonings; rice; snack and foods prepared from cereals, our, tapioca and sago; confectionery; coffee syrups; curry mixes “–Int’l Class: 30 “Alcoholic beverages; spirits” – Int’l Class: 33 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for ash Gp Hlgs, Lt P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 5th March, 2012

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Bloodletting to haunt Gillard’s government Analysis by Madeleine Coorey

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a news conference in Canberra on February 27 after defeating former foreign minister Kevin Rudd in the vote for the leadership of the Labour party. Pic: AFP 

SYDNEY –  Au st ra li an s have seen the ugly inner workings of the ruling Labor party in Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s s howdown with Kevin Rudd on February 27, and the bloodletting will

Trade Mark CauTion CaSTroL LiMiTed,a LiMiTed, a company organised and existing under the laws of England and Wales, of Wakeeld House, Pipers Way, SWINDON, Wiltshire, SN3 1RE, England, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

aCTiV rg. n. 1413/1999 in respect of “Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; lubricating oils and greases; fuels; non-chemical additives for fuels, lubricants and greases; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; illuminants; gear oils; transmission oils”.

rg. n. 6442/2005

LiQuid enGineerinG rg. n. 7196/2005

iT’S More THan JuST oiL iT’S LiQuid enGineerinG rg. n. 7710/2005 rg. n. 57/2002 in respect of “Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, horticulture and forestry; chemical products for use in industry and/or for use in manufacturing processes; synthetic materials for absorbing oil; detergent additives to petrol; chemical additives for fuels, lubricants and greases; adhesives for industrial purposes; anti-freeze; brake uids; brazing preparations; degreasing preparations for use in manufacturing processes; oil dispersants; uids for hydraulic circuits; soldering chemicals; transmission oils and uids; cutting and grinding uids and oils; coolants; chemical products for use in treatment of cooling systems in it’l Clss 1. Anti-corrosive and anti-fouling compositions and preparations; anti-tarnishing preparations for metals; protective preparations for metals; preservatives against rust in it’l Clss 2. 2. Soaps; cleaning, scouring, polishing and abrasive preparations; detergents and degreases other than for use in manufacturing processes; grinding preparations; oils for cleaning purposes; stain removers; rust removing preparations in it’l Clss 3. Measuring cylinders; measuring glassware; syringes for taking samples of refrigeration oils; thermometers; temperature indicators; measuring, testing, weighing, monitoring and checking apparatus and instruments; chemistry apparatus and instruments; scientic apparatus and instruments; apparatus for testing lubricants, hydraulic oils and uids, anti-freeze preparations and thermic transfer uids; electric batteries and electric battery chargers; protective helmets for motor cyclists; installations and pumps for dispensing measured quantities of oil and grease; video tapes; video recordings; computers; computer software; computer programs in it’l Clss 9. Analysis, testing and monitoring of oils, coolants, greases and lubricants; monitoring of fuel and lubricant levels in machines and in vehicles; analysis and diagnosis of wear rates, defects and faults in engines and machinery; advisory services based upon the results of the aforementioned analysis and diagnosis; monitoring services relating to the servicing, lubrication, maintenance and repair of  vehicles, engines and machinery in it’l Clss 42”. 42”.

in respect of “Clss “ Clss 1: Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, horticulture and forestry; chemical products for use in industry and/or for use in manufacturing processes; synthetic materials for absorbing oil; detergent additives to petrol; chemical additives for fuels, lubricants and greases; adhesives for industrial purposes; anti-freeze; brake uids; brazing preparations; degreasing preparations for use in manufacturing processes; oil dispersants; uids for hydraulic circuits; soldering chemicals; transmission oils and uids; cutting and grinding uids and oils; coolants; chemical products for use in treatment of  cooling systems. Clss 4: Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; lubricating oils and greases; fuels; nonchemical additives for fuels, lubricants and greases; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; illuminants. Clss 37: Servicing , lubrication, maintenance, and repair services for vehicles, engines and machinery; inspection services relating to the aforesaid; anti-rust treatment for vehicles; tyre tting and puncture repair; motor vehicle wash services; service station services.Clss services. Clss 42: Analysis, testing and monitoring of oils, coolants, greases and lubricants; monitoring of fuel and lubricant levels in machines and in vehicles; analysis and diagnosis of wear rates, defects and faults in engines and machinery; advisory services based upon the results of the aforementioned analysis and diagnosis; monitoring services relating to the servicing, lubrication, maintenance and repair of vehicles, engines and machinery; monitoring services relating to the servicing, lubrication, maintenance and repair services for vehicles, engines and machinery”. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L. for CaSTroL LiMiTed P.O. Box 60, Yangon Dated: 5th March, 2012

likely wreak more damage, observers say. Gillard Gill ard ous ted thenpremier Rudd from power in June 2010 in a swift and brutal party coup against a leader seen by many as controlling and egotistical and tensions between the pair have simmered ever since. That dynamic led to his resignation as her foreign minister on February 22, in the belief only he can save the party from an Kevin Rudd dismissed embarrassing defeat at criticism from within the elections due next year party as being like a “soap with Labor trailing the opera”. Pic: AFP  conservative opposition in suggested “Kevin Rudd is opinion polls. With the move to challenge the Anti-christ incorporated, for the leadership, Rudd and if not the son of Satan, opened the floodgates on at least the grandson of  an unprecedented wave of  Satan”.  An al ys ts ag re ed t he criticism from within the party in a row he described very idea of a challenge to as being li like ke a “s oap Gillard’s leadership was destabilising despite her opera”. While Gillard smashed emphatic victory, and some Rudd 71 to 31 in the indicated a third candidate secret vote among Labor could emerge to lead the p a r l i a m e n t a r i a n s o n party in coming days. “I think she will continue February 27 to keep her  job, the public airing of the to struggle,” said Rodney party’s internal discord Smith, a politics expert from points to a rocky road ahead, Sydney University. “I think the government analysts said. “You just puzzle over will continue to struggle to how Gillard will shore up get attention back on its her position,” said Haydon policy achievements, its Manning, head of politics at legislative achievements South Australia’s Flinders becaus e there will be continued University. speculation “It’s very difficult You just puzzle Ia bt ho i un kt to see the p r i m e over how Gillard L a b o r ’ s electoral minister chances. continue will shore up “So I think to hold the that sort of  her position. leadership uncertainty i f t h e isn’t going polls don’t improve and given that so to disappear and so people much ammunition has been will be casting around for handed to the (opposition) alternative leaders.”  A s t h e A u s t r a l i a n coalition.” Polls indicate a Gillard- economy rides an Asianled Labor administration d r i v e n m i n i n g b o o m , infi ghting is only onl y is deeply out of favour with the infighting voters and will be dumped helping the conservative from office at the next opposition’s chances of  election. They suggest Rudd seizing power in the next is the party’s best hope of  election, he said. Richard Stanton, from victory.  Yet de sp ite hi s pu bli c Sydney University’s media popularity, Rudd is not a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s liked by the majority of  department, agreed that his Labor colleagues, some Rudd “won’t go away” and of whom launched vicious could use the one-third open attacks ahead of the of caucus votes he scored on February 27 to build ballot. Treasurer Wayne Swan another run in the future. Stanton said that while described him as selfinterested underminer of  the centre-left Labor party, the government given to which Rudd drove to power “dysfunctional decision in a landslide in November making” who held a “deeply 2007, had been hurt by the demeaning attitude towards imbroglio the soap operalike rivalry had at least other people”. Other ministers lined boosted public involvement up to explain why they in politics. “Labor has been badly dumped Rudd – who led the country through the damaged as a brand but a grim days of the global far greater number of people financial crisis – talking of  who would not normally be a lack of consultation and involved or interested in preparation and chaotic politics are now surfacing and taking an interest,” management of his office. Rudd said Gillard had he said. “And I think that’s a lost the people’s trust and told people not to believe good thing for Australian the scathing critiques that politics.” – AFP

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Nepal calls for help to settle Everest’s height

Jail term for  Yellow Shirt BANGKOK – A Thai court on February 28 sentenced controvers ial political figure, media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, to 20 years in prison for corporate fraud. Sondhi is the founder of  the royalist “Yellow Shirt” protest movement, which helped to topple fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006. The C Criminal ri minal Court convicted Sondhi, 64, of  violating the Securities and Exchange Act in a case dating to the mid-1990s and gave him the maximum sentence, a court official told AFP. Sondhi appealed against the verdict and was released on bail of 10 million baht (US$330,000), his lawyer told AFP. – AFP

KATHMANDU – Nepal is appealing to international donors to help it finally settle a long-running dispute over the height of Mount Everest, a government official said Wednesday. The world’s highest peak, which straddles Nepal and China, is usually given a height of 8848 metres (29,029 feet) based on an Indian survey in 1954, but other more recent measurements have varied by several metres. China measures the peak four metres lower – by excluding the snowcap – while in 1999 an American team using GPS technology recorded a height of 8850 metres. Nepal’s state-run Survey

Members of an inuential Philippine religious sect, Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), at a rally in Manila on February 28 attended by about 600,000 people. Despite tensions with President Benigno Aquino, a former strong supporter of the sect, organisers said the rally was a purely religious gathering. Pic: AFP 

Department told  AFP it was seeking grants and expertise from international donors, as well as the global scientific community. “This is part of the ongoing three-year Nepal government project to settle the mountain’s height. But we have neither the scientific expertise nor the resources to carry out such tasks,” said director-general Krishna Raj BC. “We have already measured from sea level to the base camp. But the difficult part is from there on. We need to train Sherpas on how to measure the height scientifically. For example, we need to carry up GPS equipment.” – AFP

RP to seek oil, gas in disputed waters MANILA – The Philippines said on February 29 it would push ahead with plans to expand oil and gas exploration in waters also claimed by China, as it brushed off a fresh Chinese warning. The comments came amid a fres h s pi pik kee i n tensions in the decades-old dispute over the potentially resource-rich South China Sea, where the Philippines and China, as w well el l as Brunei, Malays ia and

Taiwan, have overlapping claims. Philippine Energy Unders ecretary James Layug said it was preparing to issue exploration licences for 15 blocs, three of which were in the South China Sea. However Layug insisted China had no legal claim to the three contentious blocs, as they were well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone recognised

under international law. “In our view, (these) areas are not disputed areas... that they are our territory has been accepted by all our neighbours, except China,” Layug told reporters. He said the three licences were for areas between 72 and 80 nautical miles from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and 575 nautical miles from the nearest major Chinese landmass.

Chinese mining firms hampered by bribery mindset, says email SYDNEY – Chinese mining interests in The incident damaged ties with Beijing,  Australia are being being held back because because they they  Austral ia’s biggest trading partner and believe they must pay bribes to get what a major investor in its vital resources they want, said a former senator quoted in sector. emails released by WikiLeaks. In the email, the senator said corruption The private email is one of a huge number was widespread in China. “Ironically, this corruption is one of the from the US-based global intelligence company Stratfor that the whistleblowing whistleblowing impediments to Chinese interests not organisation began publishing on February having accumulated even greater stakes in the resources sector in Australia,” he 27. The assessment, titled “Insight – China/  reportedly said. “They simply cannot get it in their heads mining”, said that Chinese firms were unable to overcome a corruption mindset that the rule of law applies to mining projects in Australia. when doing business Down Under. “They refuse to believe that they have a “Where foreign companies do get access to tenements, they always seem to lose right to receive a mining lease subject only out because the mining sector in China to complying with relevant environmental is one of the most corrupt sectors of all,” permitting conditions. the unnamed former senator reportedly “They think you have no credibility said. unless you tell them they need to bribe The email is dated mid-2010, just months someone!!!” after Australian mining executive Stern The email did not name the former Hu was jailed for 10 years in China after senator but said he was “well-connected a Shanghai court convicted him of taking politically, militarily and economically” and kickbacks worth millions of dollars from now worked in private industry helping Chinese steel firms and stealing corporate foreign companies with mergers and acquisitions. –  AFP secrets during 2009 iron ore talks.

NZ reef ship skipper pleads guilty WELLINGTON – The captain and second officer of a ship that caused New Zealand’s bigg es t s ea pollution disaster pleaded guilty to criminal charges on February 29, officials said. The officers were in charge of the Liberian-flagged Rena when it hit a reef last year, releasing an oil slick that killed thousands of sea birds and fouled beaches in the

North Island’s pristine Bay since they were released on of Plenty. bail last year over fears The men, both Filipinos, for their safety, could face pleaded guilty to operating lengthy jail terms. They will a s hip in a dangerous be sentenced on May 25. manner and attempting to More than 300 tonnes of  pervert the course of justice toxic fuel oil spilled from the by altering navigation  Rena when hit the Astrolabe records after the accident, Reef in clear conditions as it Maritime New Zealand steamed towards Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest (MNZ) said. It said the men, whose container port, on October names have been suppressed 5. – AFP

The other 12 licences on offer are in Philippine territory not claimed by China.  At t hi s st ag e of t he process, companies are only required to submit a general application to explore for any of the 15 blocs. They have to nominate which specific bloc they want to explore by the end of July. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei spoke out in Beijing on February

28 against the Philippine exploration plans. “Any country or company that engages in oil and gas activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction without the Chinese government’s approval does so illegally,” he said. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario reacted to Hong’s comments on February 29 by reasserting his country’s rights to the areas, as determined by the UN’s

Convention on the Law of  the Sea. “It is our stated position that our activities are well within our sovereignty under UNCLOS,” del Rosario said. Tensions between the two countries spiked last year after the Philippines said Chinese patrol boats harassed a British vessel doing survey work at Reed Bank, about 80 nautical miles from Palawan. – AFP

CauTionary noTiCe Ptphm Lmt, a British Company of Norwich Bio-Incubator, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, Great Britain, is the sole Owner and Proprietor of the patent entitled:-

“Anti-malarialpharmaceuticalcomposition” (cspg t Gt Bt appl. ns. 0806510.4 t 10 apl 2008  0819559.6 t 27 octb 2008 w Gt  Ptt n. 245467) in respect of “pharmaceutical compositions, delivery methods, delivery devices and methods for the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated malaria. The invention provides, in a rst aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprising artemether or arteether; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient, formulated for transmucosal sublingual, buccal or nasal dosage. The invention also provides a medicament delivery device containing a composition described herein; a medicament delivery device containing a composition described herein; a device for providing pharmaceutical doses of the pharmaceutical composition described herein; a kit for the treatment or prophylaxis of malaria containing a composition described herein; a method of  treating a disease responsive to artemether or arteether (and preferably artemether) comprising the administration to a patient in need thereof of a therapeutically effective amount of artemether or arteether by the transmucosal sublingual, buccal or nasal route; a kit for the treatment of malaria containing a composition described herein; the use of artemether in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of malaria; and a method of treating malaria comprising the administration of artemether”. A Declaration of Ownership of the said Patent has been registered in the Ofce of  the Sub-Registrar of Deeds and Assurances, Yangon being No. 2796/2009. The said Owner claims all rights in respect of the above patent and will take all legal steps against any person, rm or corporation infringing their rights to the said patent in Myanmar. Win MuTin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Ptphm Lmt. P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Email: [email protected] Dated: 5th March, 2012

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Oscar documentary winner to campaign against acid attacks KARACHI – Pakistan’s first Oscar winner launched a campaign on February 28 in the hope that her documentary about survivors of acid attacks can help eliminate a crime that disfigures hundreds of  women each year. Saving Face by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, 33, which won in the short documentary category, follows victims as they struggle to recover and bring their attackers to Police stand guard as demolition work continues at the infamous Abbottabad  justice, and shows shows the work compound on February 26. Pic: AFP of British Pakistani plastic Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy the Academy Awards surgeon Mohammad Jawad, at in Hollywood on February who helps restore their faces 26 after she won the best and lives. short documentary Oscar  Acid attacks are among with co-producer Daniel the worst forms of domestic Junge. Pic: AFP  violence in Pakistan and mostly directed at women, opportunity and strength who are often classified to strive for her goal more as second-class citizens. effectively”.  Victims  Victims are disfigure disfigured d for for life “The campaign is mainly and ostracised by society. aimed at making our society The team behind the more humane and better to  ABBOTT ABAD – Bulldozers last week al-Qaeda leader was killed on May 2. “We found nothing in the building. documentary is using its live. It is to help and remedy razed the infamous three-storey home in Pakistan where Osama bin Laden lived for Everything had already been taken away website to launch a campaign those who are victims of such at least five years until he was killed by US by the investigation experts,” the security raising awareness about the brutality and injustice,” she attacks, inflicted on about told AFP. official told AFP. special forces last May. The website said the The compound has been closely guarded 200 women each year in Only the wall of the compound remained intact early last week, obscuring the by Pakistani security officials since the US Pakistan, and to strengthen film, which few have seen legislation against the in Pakistan, was “uniquely debris of the house in the garrison town of  operation. pos itioned to advance  Abbottabad where the al-Qaeda chief hid Hundreds of people visited after bin violence. “The film must be more awareness, education and with his three wives and nine children, 50 Laden’s killing, provoking concern that it kilometres (30 miles) from the capital. could become a shrine to Islamist militants than an expose of horrendous prevention efforts”. The chairwoman of Acid Officials were reluctant for the site in a country where attacks blamed on the crimes, it must be a recipe for to become a shrine and the house was Taliban and al-Qaeda have killed thousands addressing the problem and Survivors Pakis tan, a a hope for the future,” co- partner in the campaign, pulled down two months before the first in recent years. anniversary of the secret US Navy SEAL The Americans buried bin Laden’s body director Daniel Junge says on told  AFP that the fight to eliminate the crime had only raid that has been described as the Pakistan at sea, determined that no grave act as www.savingfacefilm.com. Pakistan’s parliament  just start ed and that the army’s biggest humiliation. a memorial to the mastermind of the last year adopted tougher campaign would increase The fact that bin Laden lived so long just September 11 attacks.  A provincial government official said no penalties for the crime, awareness, partly by showing a mile from the country’s premier military academy exposed the powerful military decision had been taken on the future of  increasing the punishment the film widely. to between 14 years and life,  Vale rie Khan Yus ufz ai to charges of complicity or incompetence the site. Many people living in t he neighbourhood and a minimum fine of one said eight acid attacks had and dealt a massive blow to Pakistan-US want a girls’ school erected on the bin million rupees (US$11,000). been reported in Pakistan so relations. “The demolition has been completed, Laden plot – providing the community The new law came into effect far in 2012 and that all had been registered with police. the three-storey building was razed to the with something it lacks and a slap in the on December 28. “We now need to strengthen Obaid-Chinoy’s mother, ground,” a security official told  AFP on face for Islamist militants opposed to girls’ Saba, told  AFP that the the momentum to get more education. February 27. “It will be the best message to the campaign was launched legislation passed which will Bulldozers began the demolition work late on February 25 in Abbottabad’s Bilal world because militants are against girls’ formally after her daughter complement the law that Town, which was propelled from a quiet education,” said a neighbourhood resident, won the Oscar, which had got passed in May 2011,”  Yusufzai told AFP. – AFP “provided her with a unique  Yusufzai suburb to international notoriety after the Mohammad Siddique. –  AFP

Pakistan demolishes bin Laden’s hideout

Trade Mark CauTion NOTICE is hereby given that hoyU KabUshiKi Kaisha (ls tg s H C., Lt.) a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal ofce at 501, Tokugawa 1-Chome, Higashi-Ku, Na goya-Shi, Aichi-Ken, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of  the following trademark:-

(rg: ns. iV/4352/2005 & iV/12839/2011) in respect of : - “hair dyes; hair color preparations; bleaching preparations for hair; color-removing preparations for hair; hair lotions; hair sprays; hair waving preparations; hair tonic; hair creams; hair shampoo; hair conditioner; hair treatment cream; cosmetics; toiletries” Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for hoyU KabUshiKi Kaisha (ls tg s H C., Lt.) P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 5th March, 2012

 Assange  Assange wanted wanted in US, US, says says email email SYDNEY – US prosecutors have drawn up secret charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, a confidential email cited by media said last week, as his lawyer demanded Australia start protecting him. The email is one of thousands from the USbased global intelligence company Stratfor that the whistleblowing organisation began publishing on February 27. Internal correspondence to Stratfor analysts from vice-president of intelligence Fred Burton said: “We have a sealed indictment on Assange,” the Sydney  Morning Herald Herald reported on February 29. The newspaper, which has access to the emails through an investigative partnership with WikiLeaks, said the comment on January 26 last year was made in response to a media report about US investigations targeting WikiLeaks. The information came with the request to protect it and not publish, the paper said, adding that Burton had close ties to the US intelligence and law enforcement agencies.  Assange,  Assange, an Australian Australian citizen, citizen, is awaiting awaiting a British Supreme Court decision on his appeal against extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations. He strongly denies the claims, saying they are politically motivated and linked to the activities of WikiLeaks.  Assange fears being sent to Stockholm

would open the way for his extradition to the United States to face charges of  spying linked to the leaking of classified military documents by US soldier Bradley Manning. Manning was formally charged on February 23 for allegedly turning over a trove of classified US documents to WikiLeaks in one of the most serious intelligence breaches in US history.  Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson said in Australia that the government needed to start standing up for one of its citizens and only had to look at Manning’s treatment to see what awaited the WikiLeaks boss. “We need only look at the treatment of  Bradley Manning... who has been held in inhumane and degrading conditions for more than 600 days without trial to know what fate awaits Julian should be be extradited to the US,” she said. “It is time the Australian government and the Australian people start asking questions. He is an Australian citizen and he deserves our protection.” She said that regardless of the out come of  the British court case, fears were high that the US would seek an extradition. “Irrespective of what happens now we have confirmation that there is a sealed indictment, that we could be seeing an extradition request from the US irrespective of the outcome,” said Robinson. –  AFP

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Bries Terror plot oiled, says New Delhi NEW DELHI – India’s home minister said on February 29 that police had foiled a major attack by suspected militants from the Pakistan-based Lashkare-Taiba group who were caught with explosives at a rail station. Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters that two men were arrested at New Delhi’s main station after a tip-off from intelligence agencies and work by three state police agencies. Lashkar-e-Taiba is one of  the most powerful militant groups in Pakistan and is blamed for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead.

Attack in China leaves 20 dead BEIJING – Twenty people died when a group armed with knives attacked a market in Xinjiang, the latest outbreak of violence in the ethnically divided Chinese region, authorities said on February 29. The motive behind the attack late the previous day was not immediately clear. The state-run  Xinhua  Xinhua news agency initially put the toll at 12 dead, but the official information website Tianshan said on February 29 that 20 people died, including 13 “innocent people” and seven “terrorists” who were killed by police.

Beijing orders new pollution measure BEIJING – China’s cabinet on February 29 ordered new air-quality standards to measure the most dangerous form of particulate matter, following a public outcry over worsening air pollution. The State Council told 31 major regional capitals including Beijing and Shanghai to begin monitoring PM2.5 particulate, or fine particles measuring  2.5 microns in diameter, this year, the cabinet said on its website. The new measure – which had been demanded by environmental campaigners – would be compulsory for 113 more cities in 2013, it said.

Thai activist jailed or lese majeste BANGKOK – A – A Thai Thai politipolitical activist was sentenced on February 28 to seven and a half years in prison under the kingdom’s royal defamation laws. The Criminal Court in Bangkok found Surachai Danwattananusorn Danwattananusorn guilty of  insulting the monarchy during several public speeches he gave to supporters of his “Red Siam” group in 2008 and 2010. Surachai planned to appeal against the verdict, said his lawyer. – AFP – AFP

Time out 

29 The Myanmar Times March 5 - 11, 2012

‘The Artist’ Artist’ crowned with Oscar gold HOLLYWOOD — Silent movie The Artist crowned iits ts spec spectacular tacular awards a wards season success by winning five Oscars including the Best Picture prize at the 84 th Academy Awards on February 26. The French-directed black-and-white lm earned Oscars for best director for Michel Hazanavicius and best actor for Jean Dujardin, who played a silent movie era star whose career was torpedoed by the arrival of the “talkies”. “I love your country,” Dujardin told the Hollywood audience as he accepted his Oscar, the rst for a French actor. But speaking to French journalists later, he said he might consider projects in the US after winning best actor Oscar for The Artist, but insisted he would “never be an American actor”. In Paris, President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the Oscar triumph as a sign of the “tremendous success of French cinema and quality cinema”. The movie’s success was “witness to the exceptional vit vitality ality of our ci cinema nema and the success of the government’s policies to support the excellence of this major French industry,” he said. Hollywood’s biggest and

Oscar winners, actress Meryl Streep and actor Jean Dujardin, pose at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on February 26. Pic: AFP 

most glittering night had long been expected to be a battle between Hugo and The Artist, two odes to lmmaking. M Martin artin Scorsese’s S corsese’s 3D 3D adventure Hugo , which had the most nominations, with 11 compared to 10 for The Artist also garnered ve prizes, but all came in technical categories. Meryl Streep won best actress for her powerful

turn as former British premier Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady , earning a standing ovation from the A-list Hollywood audience. It was the third Oscar for 62-year-old Streep and her rst in three decades, underscoring her status as the pre-eminent actress of her generation. “When they called my name, I had this feeling I could hear half of America

going, ‘Oh no. Come on ... her, again?’ You know. But, whatever!” she said, rolling her eyes. Octavia Spencer took the prize for best supporting actress for her role as a black maid in the civil rights drama The Help , receiving a standing ovation for her powerhouse performance. Veteran Canadian actor Christopher Plummer, 82, crowned a six-decade acting career with a long-overdue Oscar, a best supporting actor trophy for his role in Beginners as an ailing widower who embraces his homosexuality. Kissing his coveted golden statuette, he joked: “You’re “You’re only two years older than me, darling – where have you been all my life?” Other winners included the Johnny-Depp voiced Rango , for best animated feature and Woody Allen for best original screenplay for Midnight in Paris . In the foreign language category, Iran’s A Separation beat films from Belgium, Canada, Israel and Poland. Its director Asghar Farhadi dedicated the award to Iranians “who despise hostility and resentment,” and referred to current tension between Tehran and the West over the Islamic republic’s suspect nuclear program.

“At the time when talk of war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their coun try, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, her rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics,” Farhadi told the Oscars audience. Those Iranians braving a ban on satellite television receivers were able to see the Oscars live. And they quickly launched an avalanche of electronic exchanges to declare their pride and joy at their country’s rst Oscars win. Jafar, 29, wrote on his Facebook page that his happiness was not just because of the unprecedented Oscar win – “it’s more because of what he (Farhadi) said.” Hossein, 30, from Isfahan, added: “Thank you Asghar Farhadi! It had been soooo long we hadn’t taken pride in ourselves.” And A Pakistani director won her country’s rst Oscar fo r Saving Face , a short documentary about acid attacks on women and those who help them r ecover. Obaid-Chinoy paid tribute to “all the women in Pakistan who are working for change,” saying: “Don’t give up on your dreams. This

is for you.” Twitter followers in Pakistan erupted with joy at news of the Osc ar, ar, falling over themselves with praise for her win and delighted that Pakistan was making headlines for something other than Al-Qaeda, Taliban and bomb attacks. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was quick to congratulate Obaid-Chinoy, and said she would receive “a high civil award” without specifying which one. The show was presented by a galaxy of stars, including last year’s best actress and actor Natalie Portman and Colin Firth, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie. Highlights included a breathtaking cinema-themed performance by Canadian dance troupe Cirque du Soleil, including rapid-re acrobatics and tumbling across the stage and ceiling of the auditorium. “Wow,” “Wow,” said v eteran host Billy Crystal, presenting the show for the ninth time. “I pulled a hamstring just watching that.” British comic Sacha Baron Cohen also pulled a colourful stunt, coming dressed as the star of his latest movie, “The Dictator” – and pouring the faux ashes of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il on an interviewe r. — AFP 

Literature award permitted to return after 3 years By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe

AN AWARD for the best political literature was given out for the rst time at the sixth Taw Phayar Ka Lay literature awards ceremony at Royal Rose restaurant (Thiri hall) on February 28. This year saw a return to publicly hosting the awards, under permission from the government, which also saw the new category included. Receiving permission to give the award for political literature this year was a great feeling, said U Htet Myat, a member of judging committee. “We established a judging committee to begin reading all legally published books in Myanmar in 2006 and held our first award ceremony in 2007 at Sein Lan So Pyay Garden,” he said. “But from the third year, we couldn’t hire any hotel or

“He was always eager to share his experiences as an air force soldier before he passed away, so thank you to all the publishers and judging committee.” She also questioned why the government did not allow the awards ceremony as the books were selected from those published under permission of the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (PSRD). The best collections of poetry and short stories were won by the poet U Mg Aung Paung Ngar Say Kyar Thaw  Pwint and writer U Nyi Pu  A Khar  (After More Than 50 Lay, respectively. Both the collection of Years) was published as a novel last year, but originally poems, titled Nyein Chan Yay  appeared as a series in Moe Nya Sar  (Dinner for Peace) and the collection of short  Journal 17 years ago. “I’m very proud to accept stories, Ta Ti Ya Myo Daw  the award on behalf of my Thar Ei A Lwan (Yearning father, and I’m sure he would By The Third Citizen), were be happy if he knew he popular last year. “Every literature awards won this Taw Phayar Ka Lay dignity, award,” said his daughter, ceremony has a certain dignity, and now I’m very proud to Daw Ni Ni Mar. hall to celebrate our awards, so we had to hold it each year at U Taw Phayar Ka Lay’s house which is small and uncomfortable, and were able to cater for only a few people,” he said. The ceremony awarded three categories, including the best poetry and short story collections of the past year, as well as for political literature. For the best political literature award, the rules were slightly bent as Lay Htee U Own Maung’s Hnit

Events Flash with ...

Nuam Bawi

Bringing along their ve albums, customers can receive their ticket at Bo Bo Enterprise, No 34, 1st oor, 101 Street, Mingalar Taungnyunt Township. Ph: 205 905.

Hip Hop show free tickets

Cartoon Show

Customers who buy ve original copies of any Bo Bo Music Production albums can get one free ticket to a hip hop concert held by the company on 25 th March at Myawsin Kyun, Kandawgyi.

30 to 40 cartoonists from Yangon, Mandalay and Mawlamyiang will hold a cartoon exhibition at the Lokanat Gallery, No 62, 1st oor, Pansodan street, from 5 th to 7th March.

Daw Khin May, wife of U Taw Phayar Ka Lay, hands the award fo r best political literature to Daw Myint Myint, wife of U Own Maung at Thiri Hall on February 28. Pic: Ko Taik

win the Taw Phayar Ka Lay prize in the same year with a writer and poet I admire,” said writer U Nyi Pu Lay. “I want to win many more awards like this. I hope there are many more literature awards and they do not to disappear again,” he said. Each prize winner was honoured with a trophy and K200,000 in prize money.

The ceremony ended with a poem recital of a work by U Taw Phyar Ka Lay, who was the son of U Ko Ko Naing and A Shin Htiek Su Myat Phyar Lay, the fourth daughter of King Thibaw. U Taw Phyar Ka Lay died in 2006, with most of his latter years spent in jail. His daughter, Daw Dawei Thant Sin, told the audience thant while her father was

of royal lineage, he had always supported the public in their efforts for freedom, ultimately leading to his detention. “He passed away in June 2006, without feeling free … but now we have permission to celebrate his award proudly, so I feel he has nally escaped from that difcult situation,” she said.

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Cartoonists come together for Kachin By Nuam Bawi

A GROUP of artists is pooling resources to help those affected by the conflict in Kachin State, currently drawing caricatures for the public at the Shwedagon Pagoda west gate from February 22 to March 7. Moved by the current situation in Kachin State, the artists began fundraising by drawing caricatures and realised they could boost their efforts by becoming more involved, setting up the group, A Phyu Yaung Twe Let Myar (White Holding Hands). “When we learned about the victims in Kachin State we felt we had a responsibility to help as much as we could. But we knew we could not do it alone so we discussed with some of our friends and came up the idea to combine with other groups who are also eager to help the victims,” said Bo Bo, an

organiser of the fundraising group. They have also drawn public caricatures in fundraising events such as Manaw Ala Gita Nyiah, a concert of famous Kachin singers and musicians, in Myawsin Kyun on February 25. San Tun, leader of Together artist group, which joined A Phyu Yaung Twe Let Myar, said they had initially intended to fundraise to provide donations for Kachin victims but realised they could do more if they got involved. “We had planned just to give money to an organisation that is working for Kachin victims. But when we met them in Shwe Gone Dine at an event we talked and made the decision to combine as one,” he said. The group was formed by graduate students from the National University of Art and Culture with the idea stemming from the artists attempts to raise funds for

themselves through street art. But with awareness of such tragedies in the country, they decided to shift the focus, initially drawing for victims of the re at Mingalar Taungnyunt storage facility. They are now a combination of 9 youth groups fundraising for Kachin victims, with the next step to actually travel to the state in March. “As we don’t have a large amount of funds and also knew we couldn’t get so much so we are aiming to not just donate money, we are going there to let them know we know their situation. We will collect some letters for them from here and we will perform a variety show there too,” said Bo Bo. The group has also received donations of warm clothing from overseas friends. “I feel happy and proud that we could help them in our own way, although it is not much,” said the artist.

Pic: Ko Taik Customers enjoy having their caricature drawn by a member of A Phyu Yaung Twe Let Myar (White Holding Hands) group of artists at the Shwedagon on February 27.

Aung San lm overwhelmed with donated memorabilia By Zon Pann Pwint

RARE memorabilia of General Aung San are being donated to the biographical film project on the country’s independence leader, which is planned to start lming in 2013. Numerous private donors have already offered their memorabilia to the project that a member of the lm’s executive board says helps them build an accurate picture of the time. “The Bogyoke lm executive board has so far received rare pictures of General Aung San, vinyl records on which his historic speeches are preserved, swords that were used during the period and original copies of newspapers that published his efforts to gain independence,” said director Daw Kyi Phyu Shin. “Unexpected pictures of General Aung San include a photo of him riding a boat in Inle, a portrait that was used by the British government as a warrant for his arrest in 1940 for K5. I had never seen these in local prints and came from donors in Yangon and Mandalay,” she said. She added that the donors’ generosity knows no bounds, with one even donating a car dating from the post-war period

that they had maintained for decades. “The car is in a good condition; the owner drove to the executive board ofce to show how well the car works and said he wants to support us to see it appear in a scene,” she said. “Other valuable contributions are stamps, rst editions of books about Aung San and newspapers published during the period when General Aung San died. Most of the newspapers have pictures of Aung San on the front and are still in good condition. “Their generosity is evidence of how they love Aung San, which is proved by how well preserved they are. I am amazed at the extent of their patriotism,” she added. The donated vinyl on which General Aung San’s speeches are recorded has a crack and needs to be sent to Singapore to be professionally restored and transfered to digital format. It will provide valuable assistance to the actor who will play the general as they will get to learn rst hand how the independence leader gave speeches according to tone and intonation, as well as learning about his character from books and newspapers. These sources will also prove useful, as “the print media was given full freedom of expression

A Yu Wa Di newspaper Di  newspaper from 1954 containing a story on General Aung San. Pic: Supplied 

during that time”, she said. Daw Kyi Phyu Shin said the lmmakers are going to great lengths to achieve historical accuracy so the donated newspapers and books are of crucial importance to check what they have learnt before. “We want to show the true history. There will be no invention or fiction but the film-makers will try to make it artistic.” she said. “The lm will aim to capture the mood of the general’s period so such authentic memorabilia of General Aung Sa n have become crucial and will make an exceptionally useful contribution for historical precision because I have never read the newspaper issued on Independence Day on January 4, 1948. We can produce an exact copy of the newspaper to use in the lm,” she said. U Kyaw Minn, owner of Zezawa bookstore, is one of those who collected copies of Hantharwady , Myanmar Shae Saung (The Daily Guide) and The Rangoon Daily  newspapers published from 1946 to 1962. “Newspapers published early in 1947 contained the latest details on General Aung San’s speeches and what decisions he made in his meetings. Most of the newspapers at that time had his picture on the front,” U Kyaw Minn said. “I started to collect them 10 years ago as I felt they would be of historical importance one day,” he said. “When people used to visit Martyrs’ Ma uso leum to pay respect on Martyrs Day, July 19, they used to receive booklets containing brief biographies of all the martyrs who were assassinated that day. The booklet was distributed yearly, but the tradition didn’t continue after the 1970s. I still keep these booklets too,” he said. The donations are of such historical importance that a museum devoted to General Aung San is being planned once lming is complete so that the memorabilia can be viewed by the public.

Musician Thxa Soe ends career to make money By Yadana Htun

THXA Soe has been making music since he was a teenager. But suddenly its all over. While everyone was expecting the release of his sixth so lo album after a two year break, Thxa Soe announced he would change his career and become a businessman. “I spent all my time in the studio, about six days a week, creating music but I’ve got nothing back for my efforts. I got success artistically but not nancially,” he said. He said ongoing piracy in the music industry as a major reason forcing him away from music, adding that it’s been about three months since he has gone to his studio. “Everybody wants to buy pirated copies and we don’t get a fair price for our work. People can buy a bottle of mineral water for K400 but why can’t they buy a CD for K1500? “There are more than 60 million people in Myanmar … if you could only sell about a thousand CDs you’d have a hit album. I’ve been making music for more than 10 years and I can’t even buy a at yet,” he said. Thxa Soe started his career as a hip-hop MC. Along with his friend Bar Bu, they formed the band Theory and released their debut album in 2000.

Not content with just being the front man, in 2001 he left the country to study music at the School of Audio Engineering in London. He focused on studying electronic music for three years. He returned with new ideas to mix electro and traditional music. He released his rst solo album, Yaw Tha Ma Mhwe (Blended Music) in 2006 and kept on releasing electro music inspired albums. Over the years, Thxa Soe has released ve solo albums and seven group albums. But he made the decision to quit after he had to undergo a series of treatments for his worsening health over the past two years. “During these days, only my family cared for me and spent money on me. I was only able to keep making music due to my parents’ support. In return, I can’t give them anything back. I should care for them too,” he said. Thxa Soe recently opened an education counseling centre and also plans to start a business career by getting into the construction industry. “I’m not sure whether I’ll keep spending one day a week making music,” he said. But admitted he is still attached to his music. “If the situation gets better I will return to music as a career. I won’t totally abandon it but I have to spend less time on it.”

New 3D Cineplex opens in Yangon By Zon Pann Pwint

TAW Win Centre opened the third screen of its in-house cinema, and Yangon’s rst 3D theatre, on March 1. The centre on Pyay Road, which opened in February 2011, has already been running its two other screens on DVD format, but the new one offers a 3D experience, accommodating 101 people at a time. “The Taw Win Family Group had planned to open a 3D theatre a year ago but it took a long time to build and get the technical side right so it could be opened in March,” said U

Myo Aung, assistant manager of Taw Win Centre. “This is the first 3D theatre in Yangon. Audiences here haven’t had the chance to watch 3D movies although they have been popular for a long time. We are happy to announce its long-awaited arrival,” he said. The theatre will show mainly adventure lms that have a lot of 3D effects to showcase the format. “I am happy that the audience will nally have a taste of 3D,” he added. There are four screenings a day and ticket prices are set at K2500 and K3500.

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Japanese art shifts after tsunami By Madeleine King

TOKYO — In the year since Japan’s northeast coast was torn apart by a massive quake-tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis, artists have searched for new ways to come to terms with the disaster. The so-called “Post-3/11” movement has taken its inspiration from images of tsunami-ravaged townships and grief-stricken victims in the aftermath of the worst tragedy to hit the nation since World War II. From activist performance art to the creation of a memorial, artists have found new ways to either make a statement against nuclear power or simply remember the thousands who perished. “Practically every exhibition and art event held after the ... earthquake has implicitly or explicitly responded to these life changing events,” says Emily Wakeling, a curator and art researcher working in Tokyo. “The majority of artists’ responses have been emotional,” she says. For 27-year-old installation artist Tsubasa Kato, a trip to Fukushima for volunteer work to clear up the mountains of rubble provided him with the inspiration to leave a lasting memorial. Kato recently completed a threestorey lighthouse built from the collected ruins of houses destroyed by the tsunami, with the help of 300 local residents whose lives were wrenched apart by the disaster. While his usual approach with large works is to drop them into place, ensuring a noisy landing, he decided his Fukushima work should be lifted quietly, as a mark of respect. He was initially reluctant to become involved creati vely, but his experiences working alongside the locals soon changed that, he said.

Taro Okamoto’s “Myth of Tomorrow” by artist group ChimPom at a Tokyo train station. Pic: AFP 

“In Fukushima, t hey were pulling buildings down, clearing the ruins. Yet there I was, with the opportunity to build something new for the community,” he told AFP in a Tokyo galler y. He says the optimism of the

thousand or so who gathered to watch the lighthouse pulled upright was palpable. “Japanese people have a shared culture of rallying together after natural disasters, and the project was a way audiences and victims

could communicate on an emotional level,” he said. Manga artist Moeko Fujii, 25, says the disaster means she and her colleagues have had to change the way they go about their work. “As artists we’ve had to rethink

Italian designers look to China for salvation By Ella Ide

MILAN — Italy’s top designer brands looked to foreign buyers, particularly from China, for salvation during Milan Fashion Week, offering a lifeline for a sector which is heading for another slump in Italy this year as the country grinds through a recession. With Italians hurting from budget austerity and fears that a debtladen Rome could follow Athens into the mire, the National Chamber of Fashion said the situation was “worse than in 2008” when the global nancial crisis began. Italian fashion designers hopes that last year’s revenue trend — up 5.5 percent from 2010 — could be

sustained, were dashed last week when the industry forecast a 5.2pc drop for 2012 to 60.2 billion euros (US$79 billion). Revenues went down 4pc in 2008 and a record 15pc in 2009. “It has become essential to focus attention on Asian and American markets,” said Mario Boselli, head of the chamber which organises fashion week. In fact, bleak results in Italy are being offset largely by gains in nonEuropean countries, particularly in Russia, Hong Kong, South Korea and China. “The situation is dramatic. The Italian market is a disaster, just like the French market. No one is buying anything! In Europe, there is a real crisis,” said a manager at

A model displays a creation as part as Fendi Fall-winter 2012-2013 collection on February 23 during the Women’s fashion week in Milan. Pic: AFP 

a top fashion house who spoke on condition of anonymity. Milan has responded accordingly: for the rst time buyers attending the shows and fashionistas unable to attend the whirlwind of parties this year will have access to the fashion chamber’s website in a Chinese language version. Seventy-two fashion houses take their autumn-winter 2012 collections to the catwalks in palaces, monuments and parks across the city until February 27. The show opened its doors with Gucci on February 22, followed by Prada and Fendi on February 23, Versace on February 24, Jil Sander and Bottega Veneta on February 25, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana on February 26 and Giorgio Armani on February 27. “This year will be complex and full of uncertainty, while 2011 was positive overall,” said Silvio Albini, the head of the international textile association Milano Unica, adding that there were already signs of a slowdown in orders. “This is a time for our companies to have a global vision and to focus on exports to countries where the values of Made in Italy count a lot,” he said. Albino said Italian textile imports by China went up 27.2pc in 2011. Fashion giant Gucci in particular has been performing so well in Asia that it buoyed up the 2011 results for the French luxury group PPR that owns it. PPR last month posted a net profit up 2.3pc to 986 million

euros in 2011 with revenues up 11.1pc, and the group said it was “very optimistic” that Gucci would continue to perform well in Asia and sales would increase. Exposure to the higher-margin retail business in Asia also boosted profits at Salvatore Ferragamo. Revenues for the Italian house, which listed on the Milan stock exchange last year, climbed 26.2pc to 986.5 million euros. With the exception of tsunami and earthquake-hit Japan, the group posted a growth in revenue close to or higher than 30pc in every region, while the fashion house’s retail chain registered a vast 44pc jump in China. A wealth of brands are expanding in the region, including Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Jil Sander, which has just opened a new branch in China. Versace has even come up with a jewelled handbag with handpainted golden dragons on the side panels in honour of the 2012 Year of the Dragon. “China’s retail market will grow at a rate of 14pc in 2012 and 2013, and luxury retail will grow at an even higher rate of 20pc over the same period,” said Isabel Cavill, luxury expert with Planet Retail research group. “China is the most tangible emerging market for growth, we’re talking about major investments where brands are prepared to set up stores in Hong Kong despite incredibly high rental rates for shops,” she said. —  AFP 

how we would present such a terrible story, and whether it was necessary to do so,” she says. “Manga is so familiar and can be read by people of all ages, it’s a good way to understand others’ earthquake experiences,” she said. However, while many of the artistic responses have been emotional, six-member art collective ChimPom have taken a more confrontational approach, using public anger at the country’s reliance on nuclear energy. energy. The group has produced a video called “Real Times” in which they travel into the middle of the exclusion zone around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi and hoist a white ag above the ruins of the plant. They paint it with the red sun of Japan’s national flag, before transforming it into the warning symbol for radioactive material. In a separate project, they added a panel to a mural by Taro Okamoto in Tokyo’s fashionable Shibuya district that depicts the fallout from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs. Aping the style of Okamoto’s original, the ChimPom addition shows the smoking Daiichi nuclear plant. Although the panel – for which they did not have permission – was swiftly removed, group leader Ryuta Ushiro insists it contributed to “renewing the history” of Japan and nuclear energy. Ushiro rejects some Post 3/11 artists’ view that there is a distinction between emotional and political responses to the disaster. “When you try to create something, sharing one experience together, the action inevitably takes on a political aspect,” he said. “The issue is not really whether it is political or not, but whether it was made with the intention of communicating with other people.” — AFP 

China’s Zhang Daqian tops 2011 art sales PARIS — The late Chinese artist Zhang Daqian was the best-selling artist at auction in 2011, global market monitor Artprice told  AFP , while Spanish great Pablo Picasso dropped out of the top three. Chinese artists dominate the top end of the art market. Zhang’s compatriot Qi Bashi was the second top seller and six Chinese artists in all were in the top ten, while Chinese art accounts for 40 percent of sales by value. “China, which has held the top spot in art auctions since 2010, took two of its star artists to the head of the annual table in 2011,” said Thierry Ehrmann, chairman and founder of Parisbased Artprice. The third place in the Artprice table was taken by American pop art master Andy Warhol, knocking Picasso – who died in 1973 and h as been the bestseller in 13 of the past 14 years – back into fourth place. Zhang, who lived between 1899 and 1983, was not only top in sales but, according to Artprice, he had the best annual haul of any artist with 1371 pieces going for a total of US$554.53 million (418 million euros). Qi, who lived between 1864 and 1957, came in behind, netting art investors $510.57 million and Warhol hit $325.88 million. — AFP 

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National Day of Brunei

Malaysia scraps US singer show over Allah body art KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian authorities scrapped a concert by American singer Erykah Badu on February 28 after she angered Muslims with a photo in which she sports body art including the Arabic word for “Allah”. Information Minister Rais Yatim said on Twitter Twitter that the c oncert was cancelled because it breached government guidelines on “religious sensitivities and cultural values” in the Muslim-majority country. Tattoos are forbidden in Islam and many Muslims also frown upon depictions of the word “Allah” that are deemed frivolous or disrespectful. The acclaimed soul artist had been scheduled to perform in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Lumpur. Badu is known for pushing the envelope. She raised eyebrows in 2010 with a video for the song “Window Seat” in which she strips naked while walking the street in Dallas, Texas, Texas, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, falling “dead” at the fateful spot. The Home Ministry, Ministry, which summoned three top editors of the newspaper on February 27, has said it would issue a warning letter to The Star demanding an explanation over use of the photo. Malaysia’s Centre for Independent Journalism issued a statement criticising the ministry’s response as “unnecessary and detrimental to media freedom”.

MyanMar tiMes

U Wunna Maung Lwin and wie, HE Pehin Dato Rahmani Dato Basin and his wie

Daw May Zin Nyunt and Daw Yupar Khin

Immigration attaché o Malaysian embassy and wie

Grand opening ceremony of ‘GD’ Giada Boutique

Cranberries reform after nine-year break PARIS – Tired of non-stop touring and hurting for inspiration, The Cranberries hung up their guitars in 2003. Nine years on, the Irish rockers say the chemistry came right back for their new album “Roses”, released on February 27. The quartet from Limerick shot to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Linger” and the politically-charged “Zombie” about the Northern Ireland conict, lifted by the powerful voice of singer Dolores O’Riordan. They sold 40 million r ecords worldwide, becoming one of the agship bands of the decade, but by 2003, two years after releasing their album “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”, they had hit a dead end. And that could have been the end of the story, were it not for Trinity Trinity College, Dublin, which invited the singer to become an honorary patron of its philosophical society in 2009. Asked by the university to perform for the occasion, she looked up her old companions and the question of getting back together came up. The four decided to book into a studio – but with “no contract, no management, no record company,” company,” said guitarist Noel Hogan. “We were not obliged to do it, we just did it because it was what we wanted to do.” “Roses”, the album born of those recording sessions, is instantly recognisable as the work of The Cranberries, with soft, airy melodies backing up O’Riordan’s distinctive voice. The Cranberries kick off a world tour on March 15, starting in New Zealand.

Zaw Win Htut and Daw May Khine

Ya Wai Aung, Moh Moh Myint Aung and Myo Thandar Tun

R Zar Ni with amily

Arial Thu Ta, Chan Chan and Nandar

Monkees frontman Davy Jones dead at 66 MIAMI – Davy Jones, lead singer of 1960s made-for-TV band The Monkees, whose hits included “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” died on February 29, the local coroner said. He was 66. The British-born star, whose TV antics with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork drew fans but also unattering comparisons with the Beatles, died of a heart attack in Florida, the TMZ celebrity website said. The four-piece band initially gained fame through their TV show about a band called The Monkees, created by legendary US music producer Don Kirshner. Jones’s good looks and British charm – born in Manchester, England – went down well with US audiences, along with the three American group members: guitarist Nesmith, bassist Tork and drummer-singer Dolenz. Their knockabout antics on the show – with the toe-tapping theme tune “Hey Hey, We’re the Monkees” – drew criticism that they were a rip-off of the Beatles, who had taken America by storm a few years earlier. But the show won two Emmy awards in 1967, for best comedy director and outstanding comedy series. Fresh-faced Jones was said to be the reason that David Bowie – real name David Robert Jones – changed his name in the mid-1960s to avoid any confusion.

E Toe and amily

Thiri Swe

Medical Tour Tour in Korea 2012 press

Ma Yee Yee Swe

Soe Myat Thu Zar

Ms Kim Mi Jo

Cherry Oo new branch opening

Adam Sandler sets Razzies nominee record SANTA SANTA MONICA, California – US actor Adam Sandler set a record for cinematic stinker nominations as organisers of the Razzie awards unveiled their 32 nd annual movie short lists of shame. The Golden Raspberry Award Foundation Foundation nominees for worst lms and performances, announced a day ahead of the Oscars, included no fewer than 11 for Sandler, Sandler, more than double the previous record by Eddie Murphy in 2005. Sandler amassed the 11 Razzie nods as actor, writer and/or producer of three critically-panned movies released by his Happy Madison Productions, “Jack & Jill,” “Bucky Larson” and “Just Go With It,” organisers said. Cross-dressing comedy “Jack & Jill” leads the pack for Worst Picture with 12 nominations overall, including both worst actor and actress for Sandler and a third Razzie nod for Oscar winner Al Pacino, who plays himself in the movie. But this year organisers changed the timetable, announcing the nominees on the eve of the Oscars, while the winners will be announced on Sunday, April April 1 – April Fools’ Day. Day. Nominees for the Razzies rarely turn up to claim their awards up at the spoof event. Actress Halle Berry turned up in 2005, and Sanda Bullock gamely appeared last year, handing out DVD copies of her offending performance in box ofce op “All About Steve.”

Aut ho ho ri rit y

U Au ng ng K hi hi n Ti nt nt a nd nd D aw aw K hi hi n Ay e My in int

GNC Live Well products launch

Daw Sandar Phone Win

Ma Mya Hnin Yee Lwin and Dr Khin Khin Soe

Ko Htun Myint Aung, Dr Khin Khin Soe, Daw Khin Khin Thit and Ma Khin Thet Oo

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Kuwait National Day

KMA product launch

HE Essa Youse A Shammal (Center), Yangon Region Chie Minister U Myint Swe

SOCIALITE, hustled her way to the grand opening ceremony o ‘GD’ Giada Boutique at Taw Win Center as well as passing by NIBBAN Dealers’ Night at Traders Hotel on February 21. She was at a second dealer conerence, this time by LG at Traders Hotel on February 23. The ollowing day, she enjoyed students’ perormances at the reshers welcome event by Victoria University College at Karaweit Hotel. On February 25, she attended the new branch opening o Cherry Oo watch shop on Anawyahta road, a GNC live well products launch in Bahan township and a new product launching ceremony o the Smart Dictionary at Park Royal Hotel. Socialite Socialite ended her week attending the press event o  Medical Tour in Korea 2012 by Pure Dream Company at Sedona Hotel and squeezing in a KMA cosmetics launch at Gamonepwint shopping center on February February 26. She also attended Kuwait National Day and Brunei National Day on 27 and 28 February at Sedoan.

Mr Sittichoke Suwanate and Ma Nan Nilar Htike

Victoria University College’s College’s Fresher Welcome

Attendees

Teacher Teresa

Dr Ph Phyo yo Thuza Thuzarr Thein Thein

Khine Pwint Attendees

Ko Myo Nyunt Aung and Ma Ohnmar

SMART Dictionary new products launch

Kyawt Hmu Min Thein and Chaw Su Su Han

U S ai ai So So e T in in Wi Wi n

M a K hi hi ne ne My My o T hu hu an an d M a M ay ay Oh Oh nm nm ar ar

Daw Nan Sam Sai, U Soe Htun Zaw, Ko Sai Cho Lwin and Mr Stan Do

Dealer Conference 2012 of LG

K o H te tet My Myat Lw Lw in a nd nd Da Daw Ay Aye Ay e T hw hw e

U Wa i Lwi n

U Maung Maung Htun and Ko Ah Li

Mr Michael Jung

LG’s team

NIBBAN’s Dealers Night

Dr Aung Thein

Daw Shwe War

Stafs

Stafs

Daw Hnin Hnin Mar Aung

Dr Nay Win Naing

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the

Laughs keep airline flying high By Jean Liou

JOHANNESBURG – “In case you have two children, choose the one you love the most to help him or her first.” Such wisecracking announcements are standard fare on Kulula, a discount carrier that relies on humour to secure its place in South Africa’s skies. “Humour has been part of  Kulula from day one,” said Heidi Braurer, the airline’s marketing chief. “It is well to be easy and funky, but this is serious business, too.” Since launching in 2001 as Africa’s first low-cost carrier, Kulula has become South Africa’s number two carrier, powered by ad campaigns that have costumed ordinary flyers as cape-wearing superheros, under its slogan “Now anyone can fly”. Their planes could be painted with cows, or arrows marking the nose and tail.  And they never hesitate to turn to news headlines for inspiration. “With a tiny budget, we needed to be seen,” said Braurer. “We couldn’t guarantee that we would always be cheapest, especially as the national carrier (South  Af ri ca n Ai rw ays ) ha d a history of cost-cutting to drive out new entrants to the market.” The airline’s name means “it’s easy” in Zulu, she said, and the original idea was to make flying simple, at a time when the non-budget SAA dominated routes. But the company did not come from nothing. It’s part of British Airways’ local partner Comair, which operates both airlines. Comair has been flying since 1946 and is listed on

the local exchange, with BA holding an 11 percent stake. Over the last decade, Kulula has claimed 20 percent of the domestic market and transports 2.4 million passengers a year, with several no-frills challengers following it into the skies. “It is a very good case study,” said David Blyth, marketing manager at  Yellowwood ad agency. “It is a very difficult market, very competitive,” he said. “What they did very cleverly is giving humour, bringing an ambience: as a passenger, you think you are a personality, you get more for the same price.” The flight crew’s outlandish announcements have become Kulula’s brand, helping passengers forget that they have to pay for their snacks. Flight attendants threaten to test passengers w who ho ig ignore nore the s afety announcements, and urge everyone not to leave their children behind. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Cape Town. You can disembark in a moment. Except for the hunk in 13A, who is welcome to stay,” one flight attendant said upon landing, leaving everyone scouting the plane only to realise there’s no row 13. “They are encouraged to be interacting and original, but not insulting to anybody,” Braurer said. “We don’t hire them as comedians, we hire them as flight attendants.” The airline also knows how to capitalise on headlines to get people talking. During the 2010 World Cup, Kulula defied football governing body FIFA, which barred the airline from using the phrase “World Cup” in its ads. In response, Kulula offered free tickets to anyone named

Tourism Myanmar Update Myanmar to participate at  ITB Berlin 2012 Myanmar Marketing Committee will showcase Myanmar at the world’s leading travel trade show, show, IB Berlin 2012, together  with 26 co-exhibitors co-exhibitors comprising three airlines, six hotels and 17 tour operators, rom March 7 to 11.  With more than 170,000 170,000  visitors, and over 10,000 exhibitors rom 180 countries, IB Berlin is the leading business-to-business platorm or the tourism industry. MMC will also hold a press conerence to international media, detailing current trends in the country’s tourism sector and to urther promote Myanmar as a unique travel destination. For more inormation on IB 2012, please visit http://  www.itb-berlin.de/en/  www.itb-berlin.de/en/

 Jazz nights at the Ritz   Te Ritz Exclusive Lounge at Chatrium Hotel will host  jazz music nights, every  Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout March.  Te Hotel’s resident band will play between 8.30pm until 11.30pm.  Te hotel also runs daily  happy hours rom 7pm to 9pm, with buy one get one ree and special oers on select items, plus complimentary tidbits.  Te Ritz Exclusive Lounge opens daily rom 7pm to 1:30am on the ground foor o the Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, 40 Natmauk  Road, amwe ownship,  Yangon.  Yangon. For more inormation or reservations, please call (95 1) 544 500 Ext: 6243/ 6244 (or) [email protected]. mm, www.chatrium.com/ chatrium_hotel_yangon

The Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC), the marketing arm o Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board, aims to market and promote Myanmar as a destination to develop the Myanmar tourism industry. For more inormation please visit our websites – www.tourism-myanmar www.tourism-myanmar.com .com or www.tourismmyanmar. www.tourismmyanmar.org org – or contact Winni e at Traders Hotel, Level 3, Business Center, No 223 Sule Pagoda Road, GPO Box 888, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951 242 828 Fax: +95 1 242 800 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

MyanMar tiMes

AIRLINE OFFICES

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Air Asia (FD) 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Air China (CA) Building (2), corner o Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon, 8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 666112, 655882.

Bangkok Airways (PG)

#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Air India

75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

One of low-cost carrier Kulula’s aircraft docks at Johannesburg airport on August 17. Pic: AFP 

Sepp Blatter, like FIFA’s president, finally giving a flight to “Sepp Blatter the dog”, who became an internet star. Last year it offered to pay “lobola”, a groom’s traditional wedding gift for his bride’s family, for Prince William to marry Kate Middleton. The question

posed to passengers: “How many cows do you think Kate is worth?” The local airline industry is facing a pinch, with Kulula’s parent company Comair just announcing its first-ever financial loss. “Once you play in a territory, you have to make it work all the time, it is very

challenging for them to keep it interesting,” Blyth said. “But they have some issues now. They have to cope with ever increasing costs on fuel and a very increasing airport access cost. It is hard to keep on being humorous in those conditions. They are facing a tough time.”  – AFP

Fashion hotels show jetsetters luxury Italian style

Myanmar Airways International(8M) 08-02, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Malaysia Airlines (MH) 335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Silk Air(MI) 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG) By Ella Ide

MILAN – From Dubai to Jamaica, Australia to Brazil, high-end fashion hotels are mushrooming as growing numbers of luxury travellers seek a taste of the glamour and indulgence that only stardom used to bring. Offering presidential suites with everything from private cinemas to personal chefs, Italian brands are investing heavily in the latest fad – creating “lifestyle experiences” which guarantee guests designer perfection. “This is a massive area of investment for designer labels,” said Salvo Testa, professor in fashion management at Milan’s Bocconi University. “It’s no longer just about getting you to wear Armani, for example, it’s about getting you to eat, sleep and dream Armani as well.” Despite the economic crisis, Italian labels in particular are a driving force in the sector, with a Bulgari hotel opening in London in  April and hotel s plann ed by Missoni and Armani for Kuwait, Oman, Cape Town and Marrakesh. “American brands are not luxurious or aspirational enough to interest rich clients, especially in Asia, the Middle East or South America – and French designers worry about over-exposing their brands,” said Testa. “Italian brands, meanwhile, have been gradually innovating with secondary fashion lines and

“What party? Everything homeware, and have even broken into the restaurant you could ever need is right business – all of which are here,” said his colleague elements then incorporated  Vivi ana Gius san i as she s howed off one of the into their hotels,” he said.  As the well-heeled flock signature suites, which to Milan in these days for cover two floors and come fashion week, catwalk shows with a kitchen and private are followed by parties gym or cinema. “It’s a win-win situation in the Bulgari hotel, or celebrity-packed dinners in for the fashion houses. They the city’s Dolce & Gabbana, enter into partnership with Just Cavalli and Moschino large hotel chains which fund the venture, rake in restaurants. Those searching for a more the royalties and build up intimate dining experience brand awareness and brand can head to the Armani hotel, loyalty,” said Testa. “They start attracting where it’s possible to book a table in the kitchen and  VIPs, and celebrit ies like watch the chef rustle up a fare Lady Gaga hire a room to dreamt up by the billionaire change for a concert and designer Giorgio Armani come to use the hotel as a himself, where guests pay up second home,” he said. to 11,000 euros (US$14,800) While the flagship stores cater for guests looking for a night. The Armani ideal is to authentic Made-in-Italy welcome guests from any luxury, it is the hotels in background and make them wealthy and emerging feel at home – so much so markets which draw in that they have highly trained what the Burberry brand personal “lifestyle managers” calls the “travelling luxury who are on call 24 hours a day consumer”. “China is the most to attend to every whim. Newly-weds who have tangible emerging market blown their savings on a for luxury growth. Chinese night of luxury but have are travelling abroad and nothing to wear for their spending up to six times as romantic aperitif in the bar much overseas as they do at overlooking Milan’s famous home,” said Isabel Cavill, a cathedral can ask their luxury expert with Planet personal manager to get Retail research group. “The vas v as tly wealthy weal thy them kitted out. “You’re heading out to a Chinese and Russians are party and need a fashion travellers who place their adviser? We’d arrange one money and trust in Italian for you, or of course you fashion brands because could shop in the Armani there is such a dearth of  clothing store downstairs,” culture and intimacy in said Andrea Zeno Villa, their own luxury services the hotel’s marketing and back home,” said Testa.  – AFP communications manager.

#11-01, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255499 Fax : 255490

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

#1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068. 255068.

Domestic Airlines

Yangon Airways(YH) 166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

AIR KBZ (K7)

33-49,Corner o Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport) Fax: 372983

Air Mandalay (6T) 146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488 (Head Oce) 720309, 652753, 652754 (Airport Oce), Fax: 525 937

Asian Wings (AW)

No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar. Township,Yangon.Myanmar. Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-73135991~3.Fax: 951 532333

tea Break

36

March 5 - 11, 2012

the

MyanMar tiMes

World’s oldest liquor a ‘true passion’ By Jan Hennop

BREDA, Netherlands — Forty years ago when Dutch businessman Bay van der Bunt bought his first two bottles of vintage cognac on a road-trip to France, little did he know it would be the start of a collection worth millions of eur os today. “Collecting old liquor never even crossed my mind back then,” Van der Bunt, 63, told AFP as he uncorked an ancient-looking bottle, part of what is regarded as the largest collection of old liquors in the world – now up for sale for a “mere” six million euros. “Go ahead have a taste, this is an 1895 cognac from the house of A. E. Dor,” he said, pouring the deep brown liquid into a snifter glass then holding it up to the light as the cellar lled with a musky, velvety aroma. “A glass like this could set you back several thousand dollars in any top restaurant in the world,” he added as he carefully lifted the snifter to his nose, savouring the rich bouquet before taking a small sip. Van der Bunt wants to sell the collection in its entirety “otherwise its integrity will be compromised.” And he has already received solid interest, notably ffrom rom potential buyers from China and Russia, but has accepted no offers yet. In the early 1970s, the businessman owned a small antiques shop, which often took him on trips to France to look for hidden gems in second-hand stores. “But many times there were also old bottles of cognac or armagnac and I decided to buy these, not

Dutch businessman Bay van der Bunt, 63, checks a cognac in a converted cow shed at his rustic farmstead on the outskirts of the southern Dutch city of Breda on February 16. Pic: AFP 

even thinking back then what it would one day become.” In 1978, his collection got its first major boost when Van der Bunt’s father gave him a gift of some 100 bottles, “presents my dad received while running a small gardening service company” for the wellheeled in the area. “My father said: ‘You are out of your mind to collect liquor. liquor. Why don’t y ou invest in something worthwhile?’

YOUR STARS By Astrologer Aung Myin Kyaw Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Empathy is the heart and soul o giving. Let the  joy o philanthr philanthropy opy enter enter your mind, and enhance enhance your view o everything around you. Use your virtue to reach your goals, and you will eel much more contented than i you progressed in an underhanded way. Your communication skills will be very eective, particularly in smoothing out rough spots in love and social relationships. Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 No matter how negative the situation, endeavour to inject a positive element into it, to even out the results. Don’t allow pessimistic inuences to orce you to change your values, especially those that drive you to help others in need. Spending time with a new circle o riends could lead to romance. Developing love in two hearts at once sometimes requires perseverance, but the results are well worth the eort. Aries March 21 - April 19 Nothing matters more than living with selconfdence. Never orget your responsibilities to the amily circle in which your lie is rooted. Society is built upon trust, and someone who loses trust in others stands to lose everything. Make yoursel a trusted riend in social circles,

“Well, I didn’t listen,” he said smiling. His collection has grown to more than 5000 dusty bottles, kept safely behind lock and key in a converted cow shed a att his hi s rustic rusti c farmstead on the outskirts of the southern Dutch city of Breda. The collection consists mainly of bottles of rare cognac a and nd armagnac, a rmagnac, distilled from French grapes, as well as a variety of ports, madeiras and rums.

Asked whether he preferred cognac or armagnac, Van der Bunt just laughed: “It’s like asking a polygamist which one of his wives he loves the most.” The crown prince of the collection is undoubtedly a six-litre bottle of 1795 Leopold Brugerolle, bought at an auction by Christie’s in 1990. It is the last remaining hand-crafted bottle in the world that accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte’s army

on its campaigns and is valued at 138,000 euros ($182,000), said Van der Bunt. There’s also three complete sets of eight bottles of A. E. Dor cognacs, dating from 1805, 1811, 1834, 1840, 1858, 1875, 1889 and 1893 and valued at between 70,000 to 80,000 euros a set. Or a hand-blown bottle of 1789 Courvoisier & Curlier which will set a potential buyer back 49,000 euros,

and there will also be no problems in your love lie.

and this requires the touch o another human being to eel connected.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 A simple, well-rounded lie requires purifcation with a smile. Someone is thinking o buying you a present or asking you or a date. Considerable profts are in sto re or you. Good news will remove doubt, but someone might try to undermine your confdence. Travel may lead to a new experience or even greater prospects. What distinguishes extraordinary people is how they respond when lie sends one o its inevitable curves.

Leo July 23 - Aug 22 Do not neglect the power o breaking bread with amily and riends, a nd try not to lose sight o the importance o human contact. A bright ame o passion is burning in someone’s heart or you. Reward yoursel or your eorts, and learn to take solace in the positive results o your perseverance and exertion. Work towards achieving a higher level o diplomacy.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 Success is not sexy but it’s all about working the basics o excellence with a passionate consistency. Stick to the undamentals that you know in your heart to be true, and you will do  just fne. Qualiy Qualiy yoursel yoursel by taking responsibilit responsibilityy or your role in what is not working in your lie. Focus on being sel-disciplined and valuing your amily. Small daily gains will lead to giant results over time. Cancer June 22 - July 22 When thinking about the prospects o success and ailure, do not allow your ears to overwhelm your aith. Personal and organisational greatness is not about revolution but evolution, so be sure to ocus on small but consistent victories. The paradox o our wired world is that as we became more connected electronically, we become less connected emotionally. But love is more important than everything else,

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Your sotness is hard enough to break the hearts o others, and you have the power to create beauty in the souls o those around you. Protect yoursel rom alling prey to greed, either on your part or rom others. Show grace under pressure and in the ace o intererence rom those who are too proud to see their own aults. Know when to retreat rom the orces o destructive challenge and controversy. controversy. Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Present more o your positive and exulted nature to the world. No one’s lie i s perect, and you must ace challenges both large and small. You must develop the willpower to choose to be strong and logical when things all apart. Your beautiul qualities can inspire others to greater heights, and your well-developed spirit can win over beautiul hearts and souls. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Try to be more productive, but at the same

or an Armagnac Eau de Vie from the same year. “The year of the French Revolution,” Van der Bunt said pr oudly. oudly. “I have even been approached by some of the cognac houses in France wanting to buy back their own historical product,” he added. By his own admittance, as his collection grew – buying at auctions and stock from famous restaurants such as Maxim’s in Paris Paris – so did his need to possess some of the old spirits in existence. “It became a passion, an obsession and ultimately a form of avarice.” He tells the story of bidding at a Sotheby’s auction in London in the 1970s on a rare 1789 vintage cognac. “I told my wife Ria: ‘This is the one bottle I must have, it simply has to be removed from the market, no matter the cost’,” eventually eventua lly paying 5000 pounds – an astronomical amount at the time – for the privilege. “Two months later, another existing bottle is up for auction at Christie’s. That one too, simply, had to be ‘removed from the market’,” he laughed, la ughed, adding “I paid way too much money for it.” But after 40 years of passionate collecting, the Dutch businessman is putting his collection up for sale. “I promised my wife when she turns 65, I will sell the collection and we’ll use the money to build a smaller house,” Van der Bunt, who has no children, said. There will, however, be one bottle not for sale. It’s a 1780 Remy Martin, believed to be one of the world’s oldest existing bottles of cognac, “a gift from my father”. — AFP 

time relax and have more un. Discover that creativity comes when you are relaxed, happy and enjoying the moment. You need to make space or your genius to ow. Business is about loving the people who do business with you, and giving them more value than they have any right to expect. Your romantic relationship will ower. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your frst responsibility as a leader is to defne reality, and the last is to say “thank you” to everyone who helped your project succeed. Connect with your wisdom each morning with enthusiasm and open your heart a little wider. Speak your own truth. Show your respect or the git o lie that has been given to you. Your love lie will be as sweet as heavenly music. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Work out the solution by analysing the elements o the problem in the context o the law o cause and eect. The big question or you is, “What are you doing to help build a new and better world?” Don’t blame politicians and those around you; blaming others is a means o excusing yoursel rom responsibility. Believe that ordinary people every so oten can do extraordinary things. Take personal responsibility or your part in the problems between you and your partner. For a personal reading contact Aung Myin Kyaw, 4th Floor, 113 Thamain Bayan Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: 0973135632, Email: [email protected]

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REALEASTE If you need

Land, House Apartment, Ofce Room, Building

to buy or sell you are welcome to contact

[email protected] &  Electrical

A IR IR CO CO N

U Thaung Din Style) Member fees - 15,000

etc.,) . Add: 141(B), 1st Flr, Bayintnaung Rd,

in Myanmar. Effective

: keencentre @gmail. com

Daw Khin Thawda Aung, English Grammar & Speaking in 60 hrs. IELTS, TOEFL, GCE & SAT in 120 hrs. Tel: 556571, 09-508-9368.

TEACHER

MyANMARLANGUAGE MyANMARLANGUAGE

Guide (For Embassy

family and others) When you stay in Myanmar, Myanmar, do You want to ask to your  children to learn Myanmar  language? Call: 09-

514-6505, 09-73075265. 501846 Ext:191 (Christine)

LEARNENGLISH! In a

quiet atmosphere and fun with an experienced

teacher “Certied in TEFL” patient, friendly, organized Enjoys English language: daily

conversations, business issues, preparation for  examinations. Develop your skills: reading, writing, listening comprehension,conversation, grammar and vocabulary. Mode of  work: textbooks, novels, magazines, newspapers, audio, video, etc. To all

levels & ages individual

Car No: 7A, Color: Dark

Gray, Car Condition: Fine, Price : 5.5 lakhs per one month (Negotiable), Contact Person : Mr. Win Lwin Thant, Contact Ph :

09-43039613

HAVE YOUR OFFICE at

the prestigious central

towers for only 39000

kyats a month. Pls call

09-492-47013, 01-377-

151. For more details about the facilities and services offered.

For Sale iphone 4S - 16G Black

Brand new. ph:09- 43184138. TV 21" Toshiba 218*8m + VCD : 80000 SONY 21": 80000/- SAnsung oneset 21": 30000/ 1G, ph; 09501-0830

available, K 1.45 lakhs each. (3) Used foam

rubber double mattress,

78"x 66"x 6" K.30,000.

(4) Used Clavinova

Yamaha electronic

piano - K 800,000. Ph: 09500-3248. Address: 114, Kayebin Rd, Dagon Tsp., near Children’s hospital. IpHONE 3GS - 16G White very very good  All accessories with covers iOS 5.0.1 + jailbreak, unlock

250,000 ks. ph: 09-43184138

CHINA Generator (STC-

20KW, 3 Phase) 1-set (6-lakhs) Ph: 541351, 552729

Food DE’ CHEF Corner Bakery

Since- 1999, Rm No.03,

Ground Flr. Block C, Pearl Condo, Bahan, Yangon.

Tel: 554253.

HD GAME, app (install)

Public Notice

iPad 8000ks, iTunes

pHOTOGRApHY

iPhone, iPod 6000ks,

: account open (free game,app download) , iOS 5 all iDevices full untethered: jailbreak (power off) iPhone 4s, iPad 2 available. contact

Especially

food

and

interior photography for 

Hotels & Restaurant

Contact ; Sam (Tel : 09-

731-74404)

MYANMAR COOK Book

Apple

 A unique unique Myanmar Myanmar Cook Cook Book with recipes for  practical usage, written

800mhz + c8500 handset

WinB.FastMo hinga,Ohn

:09-514-7480

RAzER

2

STARCRAFT

Headphone

Superdrive New cmda

in English by Daw Ena

with no internet Ph: 09-

no Khauk swear, Shwe taung Khauk swear, etc . . .Rice & CurryChicken

730-48374

iPhone,iPad, iPod Touch

, PSP Services :Jailbreak , game install, Version Upgrade, iPhone4 / 4S sim card cutting, PSP modify + Games Service, Create iTunes account (ygn / mdy), Create Gmail account (ygn / mdy), Ph:

09-739-03193(mandalay

only) (1) HR SOFTwARE Package: Price 200,000.

Modules:

Employee

Management, Time  Attendance, Payroll. (Available :Finger Print/ Card). (2)pOS Software

1000/ 8Lakh per month,

Ph: 09-502-0969 Pyay MAYANGONE , Rd, 0.5acre land, 2RC Storey new house, 5 master bed rooms, ph, Fully furnished, big

garden, US$ 3500 Per  month, Ph: 09-503-4954

+ Sun) 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Contact Address :

K120,000.

Thingangyun,

For Rent

2MBR, Jacuzzi, Funished Room, water heater, US$

Fibre glass bath tub,

Tel : 09-430-93361. GUITAR GUIDE To Home Ph:09-731-94925

CAR: Model : 90 Mark II

lift, 17’x59', Ph line, 2AC,

garden, ph line, US$

other 

family and others) When you stay in Myanmar,do you want to ask to your children to learn Myanmar language ?

month, Ph: 09-502-0969

CHINA TOwN apartment,

(Tue + Thur) 9:00 am to 11:00 am (Wed + Fri)

products & equipments

GUIDE (For Embassy

MBR, US$ 3000 per 

TINUM PRO” (1) “PLATINUM tread mill, almost new,

Language

Chinese Language, Computer Course : Sat

0.35 acre Land, big

garden, 2 storey, ph line, semi-furnished, 4

KAMAYUT , Inya Rd

30th May, 2012. Sessions

Hour: 9:00-15:00 (Close only Sat & Sun). English,

Time Duration ; School

Neighborhood, 15 Lakhs, Foreigners welcome.

HousingforRent BAHAN, Golden Valley,

2012. Completion Date :

Hlaing. Tel: 513235, 09730-75047

Performing Art, Social Studies, Poems , Songs

0225,09-515-0720

skills and grammar will be taught by an experienced teacher with international exposure:An ideal home

CAN buy for wish: Narrow

PROPERTY

Briefcase Series, Inter-

& Rhymes, Excursion.

Myanmar, Hand Work, Drawing & Colouring,

downloadinglargelewith

English Classes: Four 

way, (B) Intensive Class, (C) Interpreter - part time/ Full time (Under  mentioned languages),

504-2775

& Investing, Accounting, view

Kyats Registrat-ion Monthly - 10,000 Kyats.

PRESCHOO L,

Subjects : English (4)

Skills, Science, Basis Mathematics,Concepts,

DOwNLOADING Service

SUMMER and

09-73173175. Email: khinmin@gmail. com LANGUAGE Prociency(A) Effective & Scientic

Package: Price 200,000. Modules: Inventory Control, Purchase, Sale, Account Payable. (Available :Barcode Printer/Scanner). Ph:09-

& Crown Cork Plant, Efuent Treatment Plant,

ABC

Installation & Congu-

Education

classes or groups reviews of leveling! Calls Teacher Min Thant Ph:

Tel: 09-507-7634, 09567-0442 Monday, Wednesday, 18:00 to 20:00 - Sports Karate Friday, 18:00 to 20:00 Combat Karate (Sayargyi

[email protected]

Data Recovery. Hot Lines: 09- 513-0617, 0980-0323

ration, Laptop Servicing,

ter Unit) Bldg. 8, Rm :

privately owned and lead by senior citizen that

09-431-97513 mail: maw. san @ gmail.com

09-732-13407

Ladies Fashion Tailoring (Use Centime-

Diplomatic, RV), GCSE, SAT , IELTS, TOEFL , Sayar Bryan, ME ( IT) or Sayar Htet Ph; 09215-0075, Saya Thet (MBBS)(09-731- 11782), Korean Native English Teacher Tr.Kim (after 6 pm) 655647/ Tr. Taw Ti ( after 6 pm) 09-730-35744 /Tr. Phyu 09-430- 83117

www. ahmatadaryi. Computer  Services. Pls Contact -

COMpUTER

com

C.L.T

OUTSCOURCING - We

(ISY, MISY, ILBC, Total, PISM, Crane, MLA,

to English. Specialize in

Thuwun-na, Ph: 705484,

Services

& Servicing) August Engineering Service. Tel; 09-731-10321, 586509 Email; aes. august@ googlemail.

10, 11 and Int’l school

DTP Course- 15000/-, Photoshop20000/-, Graphic Design- 25000/-,  Auto CAD- 25000/-, GENERAL

Engineering

(Installation,Repairing

Curry, Duck Curry,Prawn Curry etc,Myanmar Style.  Available in Yangon (1). Innwa Book Store,

Pansodan St. Tel : 389838, 374234. (2).Myanmar  Book Centre, Tel221271 (3).Bishop store, Old

United Club old members: FOCRegistrationMonthly - 50% off - Moe Lwin. SMART Fitness Center : Invitetoallof ourcustomer, Grantee for over weight

men & women (over 200 lb), to get always smart &

healthy body, Available to discuss with skillful training teacher, Teach in systematically. Ph: 09-

730-17729. 142, 47th St,

1st Flr, Botataung.

Travel ELEGAN ELEGANT T MyANMAR ANMAR

Tours Company Ltd ! Special Promotion in  April 2012 to welcome Myanmar New Year!! Trip to the Virgin Islands in Mergui Archipelago by cruise 6 Days – 5 Nights (5  April 2012to 10April 2012) 2012)

550000 Ks Now (Local) & 720 USD Now(Foreigner)

Special promotion trip for  launching a new Mergui Princess Boat ! 5 Days  – 4 Nights (11 (11 April 2012 2012

BAHAN, : Shwe Gonda-

ing, Condo, 7F, 1500 Sqf  , Fully Furnished, Fully

Furniture, 3 A/C, 1 MBR, 2 SBR ,1PH, 750USD,

(Suitable to Rent for  Foreigner), near down town, near golden Vally

Call-01-569448, 09-73135900

BAHAN : New University

 Avenue Lane, Condo,

7F, 1500Sqft , Fully Furnished,

Fully

Furniture, 3 A/C, 1 MBR,

2 SBR, 1Ph, (Suitable to Rent for Foreigner),

800USD. Call-01569448, 09-731-35900

CHANTHA GONYAUNG

Executive Codomi-niums

- Penthouse/Rooms. - 4 rooms, 5 rooms. - Fully Furnished. - Amazing serenity and satisfactory facilities, club restaurant. - 24 hours electricity internet, cable TV. -Brookers welcome. -Interested parties pls

call 430078 to 87 (Ext : 0,303), 09-430-85887, 09-430-85889, BAHAN,Kanbawza Rd,

Golden Valley, Bahan,

Yangon. 30x30 ft, 2 new

stories

building

with

30x110 ft land. Backyard

lawn and greenery. Very quiet place.1 master bed room and 2 bed rooms. Fully furnished. Best electricity in town. YCDC water. US$ 1200/mt.Can provide phone/internet depend on price. Ph:

09-732-06783 ,09-5010816. SUpERB

TRUCKS

downtown

location

for 

area.

5

parking

in

minutes drive from Hle

Dan Junction. 15 minutes

drive to Hlaing Thar Yar,

airport. Dhama Thukha

to 15 April 2012) & (18 2012) Kawthaung, 115

land only (b) 2 x 3-phase

 April 2012 to 22 April

acres compound: (a)

Island, Nyaung Wee Island, Myauk Ni Island, Ranong for shopping 660 USD per pax (Foreigner)

industrial power meter  (c) 1 x phone landline pls contact 09 5012920 SOUTH SOUTH OKKA OKKALAP LAPA: 10 minutes drive from

+ 430000 Ks (Local) Book now with us! Email: mergui princess @gmail.

com, Ph: 01-401261, +95-

9-43064296

pACKAGE Tour to “USA

& Europe for April 2012”

are available at United Treasure Travel (UT) with attractive offer. For 

booking & inquiry, just call to 09-731-77936, 09-5165219, 558866.

Want To Hire A MNC that is planning to

open an ofce in Yangon

NYOON Book Dealing:

air-con, and must be clean, to include driver. Pls

Various kinds of Books regarding Business Management, Business

3200 per month, Pls call 09-503-4954

Kyaung Rd, Hlaing. 0.8

Yaydarshay Rd, Bahan (4).Tab Book Center, Taw

win Plaza, Tel: 8600042, 8600043 (Daw Ena Win & Associates)

0.3acre land, 2.2RC Storey, 2MBR, 7BR,

is seeking the following for short term and long term lease; Land Crusier,

Pajero, and Toyota Hiace,

quote on a daily, weekly &

monthly lease terms.

Sedona Hotel, Mya Thida Housing , Banglow ,

2 story building, Fully furnish-ed, Fullyfurniture, 4 MB, 4SB, Ph, A/C, Good

Call - 01-569448, 09731-35900

BAHAN. (for Foreigner)

Pearl Condo Tower D,

6 oor Fully Furnished about 1780 Sqft, 3BR. US$1800/mt 1 year  Contract. Call: 09-501-

8701.

BAHAN. Pearl Condo

Tower E, 4th oor. Fully

Furnished (including kitchen ware) Inclusive of  electricity, water, wireless internet, satellite TV

channels. about 1780sq ft, 3BR. US$3000/mt (nego) Payable Monthly Call: 095200654

Housing for Sale MANDALAy, La La - 63,

Industrial Zone (40' x 60') 2 Blocks (Can contact directly to Owner, Ph: 01

565751)

MANDALAy

Rd,

:

26(B)

between(86/87)

 A u n g m y a y t h a r s a n

Township. (22 feet X 75 feet ) Ph: 09-504-8704, 02-21915.

SOUTHOKKALA, 20' x

60' house, Anawmar 2nd

St , Block 13, Ph: 572607, 09-861-8286.

BAHAN, Locate at Golden

Valley 2, Inya Myaing Rd, Total Sqft - 14950 (Nearly 15000) Price - 250000

per Sqft. Ph: 513160.

BAHAN, 40 x 60 ft

plot at Kaba Aye, Two

storey house include.

Selling price - 2300 lakhs (negotiable). Tel:

663-326, 09-731-97531, 09-431-26571, 09-43141971.

Want To Buy LOOK LOOKIN ING G TO buy a

large, old home with a big garden in a quiet suburb, preferably away from the main road and not

in Golden Valley. House

must be structurally sound but does not have to be in A1 condition. For  more information please call June on + (951) 501

437

Want to hire TO HIRE Suitable building

to run an ofce (or) to take

relax two bed rooms with bathroom attached About

7 miles from Pathein

bridge road side of  Pathein Ngwe Saung run way Contact: 09-520-

1910, 534580

VILLA

OR CONDO (for foreigner) Bahan,

Mayankone, Hlaing, Kamayut,Thingankyun, Yankin. RC, MB, SB,

Water-Well & YCDC, Good Electricity, A/C,

Ph, Attached to Garden, Furnished, Rent Rate - $600 ~ $1000. Pls contact by house owner 

to Ms. Hnin Si within ofce hours 9AM to 5PM556692, 540995

NEARyUzANAPLAzA,

warehouse to hire. Ph:

546309.

Employment Embassy THE EMBASSY of the

Republic of Korea is

seeking one personal driver . Requirements : Age 25 to 40 years old. Communication in

English (Korean can

be assisted). Inter-personal

Good in Health.

Good skill.

The

interested person can send the lasted CV

form to 97, University  Aven ue,

Bah an,

Yangon (Embassy of the Republic of Korea), Ph: 01-527142~44 Contact person: Honey Soe (Admin Department).

INGO Position HelpAgeInternational is

a global network of not-

for-prot organisations. HelpAge mission is to

work with our partners to ensure that people everywhere understand how much older people contribute to society and that they must enjoy their right to healthcare, social services and economic and physical security. HelpAge is widening the scope of  its work in Myanmar 

& expanding to new geographical locations.

Currently,

HelpAge,

in collabo-ration with relevant Government agencies and partners, in implementing projects that support older people and other vulnerable groups by strengthening their livelihood and food security, health and DRR capacities in  Ayerawaddy,  Ayerawaddy, Mandalay and Sagaing Regions.

The project activities focus on promoting participatory development approaches for the formation and capacity development of Self 

Help Groups to reinforce

their existing livelihood activities, starting new income generating activities, provision of 

community-based community-based Home

Care service, training in Self Care, etc. The overall aim of the programme is to reduce poverty and vulnerability of older  people and to facilitate their participation in community developHelpAge ment. International(Myanmar)

is

seeking

qualied

and experienced Myanmar national for  a Receptionist post: Main responsibilities: Make schedules, greet

visitors to the ofce,

undertake responsibilities associated with developing travel itineraries/visit schedules for senior  management staff and

visitors including ight

bookings, visa processing, hotel reservation, travel insurance, etc. Perform other duties as assigned by members of the Senior Manage-

ment ledge

Team. Know& experience:

Graduate with at least

2-3 yrs experience in Secretary

Field

and

uent in English both

written and spoken with goodinterpersonalskills; ability to work for long hours; computer literate, and strong familiarity with typing skills using

both

Myanmar

and

English fonts. Interested and qualied candidates

are requested to send a Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae to the

Human Resources Unit of HelpAge International Myanmar Country Ofce, No 10

Kanbawza

Avenue,

Shwe-taun-gya Ward No. 1, Bahan Township, Yangon OR by email to

hr.helpagemyanmar@

gmail. com no later  than 5 p.m., Monday, 12th March, 2012. Only shortlisted candidates

will

be

interview.

notied

for 

SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) is looking (1) Deput Programme Programme Manager  Manager 

: MBA in Agriculture or  other relevant University Degree. 4 years professional experience in project management. Good knowledge of  Project Cycle Manage-

ment. Fluent in English/ Excellentreportingskills.

Good computer skills in particular for data processingandanalysis;

prociency in MS Ofce. Knowledge of the Chin

State and the project area is considered as an advantage. (2) Deput ProgrammeCoordinator : MBA in Agriculture or  other relevant University Degree. 5 years of  professional experience in project management. For 1, 2 : Previous experience with an INGO in implementing  Agri cult ure/ Food Security/ Livelihood projects. Proficiency

in English, Fluency in

Myanmar language. High

computer literacy. Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to the attention of: Caroline Courtois, Programme Coordina-

tor - Solidarites Int'l Ofce

: 44-A, Taryarwa-ddy Lane, Sayar San Ward, Bahan, Yangon OR per  email: hr.solidarites. rk.

[email protected](thanks

to use basic excel, word or pdf format). Closing

date: 9.3.2012 .

MEDECINS du Monde

(MDM) is seeking (1) Counselor  (VCCT) 1 post in Yangon : Graduate or Degree.

Good Knowledge in English. Good commu-

nication skill. (2) Nurse (ART Counselor) 1 post in Yangon : Graduate or Degree. 1 year 

experience with HIV/  AIDS & ART patients. Basic English. Good communication &

counseling skills. Team spirit. Pls submit CV and a cover letter to MDM

Yangon Ofce. 16, Kan

Yeik Thar St, Mayangone, Ph: 662604,

652658 (OR) Email: hr. mdmmyanmar @ gmail.

com MALTESER Int'l is looking for a project Manager  in Pauktaw & Myebon, Rakhine State : Preferably Master  degree or equivalent professional experien-

ce in the elds of rural

development; 4 years experience in project management including managing human resources, logistics

and budgets; Excellent

communication including a

skills good

sense of diplomacy &

discernment; Fluent in

Myanmar & English. Procient in Microsoft Office

(particularly

Word, Excel, & Power 

Point), Previous working experience in Rakhine State is a strong asset. Pls submit application incl. CV, 2 photos, copies of educational

certicate, National ID, & references to Malteser  Int'l Country Ofce: # 1415 (6F), Pyi Taw Aye Yeik Yeik

Thar St, Yankin, Email: hr.co. malteser@ gmail. com Closing date: 05th March, 2012

Local Position “ A SINGApORE based

trading

rm

having

branch in Yangon is looking for an import marketing executive for  sales of various items to its customers in Myanmar. Candidates should have back-ground of international trade or  shippingand speak/write

good English. Interested candidates may forward

their C.V to lilani. vatsal@

gmail.com.” ARCHITECTS  A Local Architectural Firm Seeks Architect

SpINE

(all levels) : Diploma & Work Experience a Plus,

 All must know AutoCad

well. 3-D modeling & Rendering skills a plus.

Senior project Manager  : 5 years +

experience in design & construction, review &

supervision of working drawings, site management, detailing ability.

 Autocad prociency a

plus but not essential. Civil/ Structural Engineer  : 3 years + experience in structural

design & construction. ETABS and Autocad

proficiency required. M&EEngineer  : 3 years experience in design/

installation: Electrical loading calculations &

distribution Generator, voltage regulation, switch systems. Air con

calculations & system planning Sanitary &

piping systems. Low voltage systems (telephone, networking) Lighting. Autocad familiarity will be helpful. Foreign work experien-

ce & knowledge of int'l

code preferred. Admin Assistant: Any  Anygraduate, good com-munication,

English & Computer 

skills required. one year  experience, Pls send CV with recent photo, indicating education,

work

experience

expected

salary

&

to

SPiNE Architects at

15/A, West Parami Rd, Mayangone (Across RC-2). Ph: 660 996,

667770. Email: admin@ SPiNE architects. com Closing date: 30 March 2012

RAFFLES

Education

Corporation is seeking

Education Consultant to be a part of our  international marketing teams. We would like to invite you to join us for a challenging career and opportunities for personal growth and development. EducationConsulant F 2 Posts : A minimum of Bachelor Degree holders with 2 to 4 years experience, preferably in sales and marketing ,cost management indust-ries. Good communi-cation skills

& comfortable in public

speaking, must be able

to speak English. Able

to travel to various cities in Myanmar. Initiative individual, who strives to achieve enrollment targets. Responsi-bilities Responsi-bilities

various school principals

to contact school visit &

presentation. Source and indentifypotentialagents to built up close contact with, and collaborate with agent to tap in to

agent’s

recruitment

networks. Motivate team player, who contributes to achieve enrollment targets. Pls send in a detailed resume (stat-

ing current & expected

salaries) along with a recent photograph to

Rm : 809, 8 r, La Pyayt

Wun Palza, Singnal Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp. Or Tin Nilar Wynn (ren-

myanmar3 @myanmar.

com.mm) not later than 10th March 2012. QUALIFIED individuals interested in competing for the below vacancies should submit their  applications directly to the Logistics Media Service Co., Ltd. (1) Marketing &AdvertisingManager  - - 1 post (2) Senior  A cc cc ou ou nt nt  E xe xe cu cu ti ti ve ve - 7 post (3) Senior  MarketingExecutive 7 posts (4) Marketing Assistants - 20 posts. Minimum Qualificat-

relevant document &

a recent photo to: Rm 807, 8th Flr, La Pyayt Wunn Plaza, Dagon Tsp. Closing date: 15th March 2012. S AV AV Oy Oy  H OT OT EL EL is urgently looking for (1) Chief Chief Enginee Engineer r - 1 post: must have 5 yrs experience in related elds. (2) HR/payroll Assistant - 1 post : must have at least 2

years experience. (3)

Receptionists - 1 posts (4) waiter/waitress 3 posts. (5) Driver  - 1

BAGAN THANDE Hotel

Group Co., Ltd. is looking for  Reservatio n Manager or A ss ss t. t.  R es es er er va va ti ti on on  Manager  : Age 25-35 to be appointed for 

Yangon Ofce : 5 years

Send CV & cover letter  to hr@ mspiral.com. Content riter : 3 years ing. Strong English writing skills & translation experience. Corporate & entertain-ment writing &

experience preferred. Send CV, cover letter 

, 3 recent English & Myanmar

language

writing samples to hr@

ce or MBA with 3 years in marketing & advertising eld especially with

(Microsoft word & Excel) & Internet & Email

industry. Bachelor’s degree in Economics

to : 75 (D), Banyadala Rd, Bahan , near Shin Par Ku

in English is an added

Clinic. Ph: 546225/6,

advantage.

degree holder with 5 years proven experien-

expertise in media servics

with 2 years experience or LCCI second level with 2 year experience.

Bachelor’s degree holder  with 3 years experience in Marketing & advertising. Bachelor’s degree holder ability to learn quickly, demonstrate

critical thinking, & make

situation-appropriate decisions using sound  judgment. Outstanding

interpersonal

communication

Experience

&

skills.

working

in a high-paced, small company environment. To Apply: Pls submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications

&

experience

with

supporting documents

& certicates to 297, Rm. 3, 2nd Flr, Corner 

eld, positive attitude, Excellent writing and good communication skills in Myanmar and

English, good persona-

lity, able to use computer  knowledge. Pls submit CV with other testimonial

543963.

wE are urgently seeking (1) GeneralManager - M 1 post. (2) HRManager M/F 1 post. (3) Logistic Manager  - M 1 post.(4) BusinessDevelopment Manager  - M/F 1 post. (5) BusinessDevelopmentDManager/Asst Manager  - M/F 1 post. Executive (6) Senior Executive

(Commer-cial)

-

M/F

2 posts.). (7) Senior 

Accountant- M/F 2 posts. (8) Business Business DeveDevelopmentExecutive M/ F 2 posts. (9) Manager forExecutiveOfce forExecutiveOfce -

M/F 1 post. post. Pls submit an application letter, with full CV detailing experience, knowledge

& Bogalay Zay St.,

& skills. Pls include the names & contact details of referees to HR Department : hrd1@ pristine

logimedia@ myanmar.

428 or No.B/7, Taw Win

of Mahabandoola Rd.,

Botahtaung, Yangon or 

myanmar. com or PO Box

com.mm before end of  March 2012. ALBA requires experienced part time Art&Musicteachers. Prefer teachers familiar  with western Art and Music programs. 66, Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Ph:

Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangone within 2 weeks. THABICO Manufactur-

NATIVE English speakers wanted for 

& negotiation skil ls; Team

376236, 376314, Email: admin@ albaedu.com

part time teaching at

 ALBA .

Exper ienc e

preferred. We have current vacancies. 66, Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Ph:

376236, 376314, Email: admin@ albaedu.com

(1) BRAND MANAGER - M/F 1 post : University

Degree

&

qualification as MPA (or)

higher  such MBA/

Master’s degree is an

added advantage. 2 ~

3 years experiences. Excellent written & oral

commu-nication skills in

English Good computer 

skills on all common Microsoft applicants. (2) Accountant - F 3 post : B.Com (or) LCCI Level

III. 2-3 years years experienexperien-

ce. Good computer  skills on all common Micro-soft applications

& accounting software. Sales Executi Executive ve (3) Sales & Respresentativ Respresentative e -

M/F 6 posts: University Graduate (MBA holder 

ing & Trade Company (THABICO) is seeking Information Recruiment 1 post : Age 23 ~ 30.

Minimum in Bachelor’s

Degree in Food Science/ Chemical within related

eld. Strong technical

knowledge; Good sales

work, ability to learn fast; Decision making and problem solving skills. Good communi-cation

& written English. Pls send full resume, stating

current

&

expected

salary, and enclosing a recent photograph to : Nguyen Van Bay/ U

Thein Zaw : 629/631, Pyay Rd, Kamayut . Tel: 503603/ 534439, 09-5415513. Email: vanbay. nguyen 76@ gmail.com or duyphuong@thabico. com to appoint experienced Travel Travel Consultant Consultant & Produc Product t Execut Executive ive.. Please contact Nature

wE ARE seeking

Travels & Tours. Tel: Tel: 255 620, 09-501 1287 Email: adm.trails. myanmar @

gmail.com M-SPIRAL is an exciting new IT and marketing company opening in Yangon is seeking web & Graphi Graphic c Desi Designe gner  r 

: 3 years experience in both web & graphic design. Experience in Photoshop CS3 and

& detailed CV with

com. web developer  developer :

target markets & develop

ing & ofce administrat-

mspiral.com. Applications close March 6th. URGENTLy Required: (1) project Director , Project Manager  Manager , (2) Project (3) Site Manager . The applicants for the all the above mentioned positions must be degree

ions, Knowledge, & Experience: Bachelor’s

experience in related

with artistic air.Send

close relationship with

mspiral.com.Finance and Administration Ofcer : 3 years experience in account-

experience in print media and/or market-

526298, 526289.

30. Can speak English uently. Can use MS

Fairs and Seminars. To penetrate into potential

Send CV, cover letter and

folio of weblinks to hr@

savoyhotel-yangon. savoyhotel-yangon. com or 129, Dhamma-zedi Rd, Yangon. Tel: (95-1)

prefer). 2 ~ 3 years

activities

Education

& problem solving skills.

5 must have at least 1 year experience in hotel

elds. Application letter  by email to operations @

such

as,

of HTML, CSS, PHP

and MYSQL. Wordpress experience preferred. Self-motivator with strong critical thinking

ion. Self-motivator with strong critical thinking skills. Bachelors degree in accounting or related discipline.

post. For Position 3, 4 &

: Co-ordinate & attend marketing

2 years experience in web development. Must have expert knowledge

experiences. Age 25 ~ excel, word,pagemaker. word,pagemaker. Pls submit a cover letter 

Illustrator.Self-motivator 

CV, cover letter and

folio/links to hr@mspiral.

holder of BE - Civil. Project location is Kyauk

Phyu. Good command Interested

& qualied persons are

welcomed to submit full CV, detailing skills, know-

ledge & experience with

recent color passport sized photo-graph and copies of the testimonials to the contacts below.

Ph: 09-731-89577, 221134, 218387. Feel

free to contact for  detail information. Mail:  Applicat ion can be

submitted via Email tossa@myanmaroffshore-

ltd.com. Pls mark applied position in front of CV. Attractive salary. Urgently required. ADVERTISING  Agency Looking for an outgoing

& creative Male to join

our video editing team. Salary Negotiable.

Knowledge of Adobe software, 2D/3D animation & editing

software with min. 1 year working experience. Ability to be a team player and must be able to work independently and under tight deadlines.

Call : 09-5069346 for an

appointment. THE E4Y is a school education program for  out-of-school-youngsters. It is an opportunity for children between

the age of 13-17 years

that have to leave the normal school system

due to difcult circum-

stances. We are looking for  Subject Subject Teache Teacher  r  - M/F: Age under 40.

 Able to speak & to write English uently. Able

to work with computer 

very well. Experience in the related eld. What

we offer: Work in a friendly motivated team.

Guidance & instructions

of experienced teachers. Correct salary. Pls summit application form with references not later  than 15 March 2012 to Vocational Orientation Program for ‘Out-of-

School’- Young-sters/ E4Y, No : 65, Kyaikwine Boys’ Training Center, Kyaik-wine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone,

731-04683.

Tel: 09-

General Listing

The Essentials EMBASSIES

Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, ax: 246159 Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. tel: 515275, 526144, ax: 515273, email: [email protected]. mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. ax: 507483. email: Administ.yangon@ itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 317/319, U Wizara Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 526985, 524285, ax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 549609, 540964, ax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @mptmail. net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 221280, 221281, 224025, 224097, 221926, ax: 227019, 228319 Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 222886, 222887, ax: 222865, email: egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 212178, 212520, 212523, 212528, 212532, ax: 212527, email: amba rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.r Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 548951, 548952, ax: 548899 email: ino@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant Street, Yangon. tel: 391219, 388412, 243972, ax: 254086, 250164, 388414, email: indiaembassy @mptmail. net.mm

Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, ax: 254468, email: kukygn @indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 515115, ax: 515116, email: ino@ yangon.ma.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. tel: 527100, 527101, ax: 514565, email: ambyang.mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, ax: 549643 Embassy o the State o Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: No.416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500. North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 512642, 510205, ax: 510206 South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 527142-4, 515190, ax: 513286, email: hankuk@ kore mby.net.mm Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. tel: 222482, ax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 220248, 220249, 220251, 220230, ax: 221840, email: mwkyangon@mptmail. net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. tel: 545880, 557168, ax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, Yangon. tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) ax: 221147, email: pakistan@ myanmar. myanmar. com.mm

Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 558149-151, ax: 558154, email: p.e. [email protected] Russian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. tel: 241955, 254161, ax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mm Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943Yangon. tel: 515282, 515283, ax: 504274, email: serbemb@ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 559001, ax: 559002, 559922, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgma. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. tel: 222812, ax: 221509, email: slembassy. slembassy. [email protected], in[email protected], www.slembyangon.org Thailand 94 Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. tel: 226721, 226728, 226824, ax: 221713 United Kingdom 80 Kanna Road, Yangon. tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, 370863, 370864, 370865, ax: 370866 United States o America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Yangon. tel: 536509, 535756, 538038, ax: 650306 Vietnam Building No. 72, Thanlwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. tel: 511305, ax: 514897, email: vnemb myr@ cybertech.net.mm Royal Embassy o Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Sanchaung Tsp. tel : 01-536153, 516952, ax : 01-516951

UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison Ocer Rm (M1212~1220), (M1212~1220), 12 Fl-A, Traders Hotel. 223, tel: 242 393, 242811. ax: 242594. IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: 252560 ext. 5002 UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: 252361, 252362, 252498. ax: 252364. UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: 666903, 664539. ax: 651334. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. ax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: 524022, 524024. ax 524031. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., BHN tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: 375527~32, ax: 375552 email: unice.yangon@unice. org, www.unice.org/myanmar. UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: 666903, 660556, 660538, 660398, 664539, ax: 651334. email: [email protected] [email protected] www. unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd foor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), fax: 292739, 544531. WFP 3rd-fr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 657011~6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000. WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel:250583. ASEAN Coordinating O. or the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Township. Ph: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. ax: 641561.

Emergency Numbers Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Trac Control Branch tel:298651 Department o Post & Telecommunication Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry o Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry o Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry o Communications tel: 067-407037. 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry o Foreign Aairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry o Health tel: 067-411358-9. 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112.

HOSPITALS

Central Women’s Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Worker’s Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811.

Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131.

ELECTRICITY

Power Station tel:414235

POST OFFICE

General Post Oce 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). 285499.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Yangon Yangon International Airport

YANGON PORT

Shipping (Coastal vessels)

RAILWAYS

Railways inormation tel: 274027, 202175-8.

tel: 662811.



tel: 382722



tel:



ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. ax: 544400.

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. in[email protected] Conort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872 Golden Aye Yeik Mon Hotel 4, Padauk Lane, 4th Word, Aye Yeik Mon Housing, Hlaing. tel: 681706. Hotel Yangon No. 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Mayangone. tel : 01-667708, 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. ax: 665537. Orchid Hotel 91, Anawrahta street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon, . Tel: 399930, 704740, 293261. E-mail: orchidhotel@myanmar. com. mm.

Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. ax: 227995. Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. tel: 243639, 243640, 243641. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. ax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 535205, 524387. email: winnerinnmyanmar winnerinnmyanmar @gmail.com Yangon YMCA 263, Mahabandoola Rd, Botataung Tsp. tel: 294128, Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600, 543367 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944 ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (NAy PyI TAw)

Panorama Hotel 294-300, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 253077. PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. ax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com Website: parkroyalhotels. com. Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Seasons o Yangon Yangon Int’l Airport Compound. Compound. tel: 666699. Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152 Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. ax: 289880.

Charted Certied, Certied Public Accountants. Accountants. tel: 09-5010563. [email protected] AIR CONDITION Chigo No. 216, 38 Street (Upper), Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 373472

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you resh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-8, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi TawTel: 067-420778, E-mail reshaircon@gkmyanmar. com.mm. URL: http:// www.reshaircon.com General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906

Reservation Ofce (Yangon) 262-264, Pyay Road, Dagon Centre, A# 03-01, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 95-1-501937, 536255, 09-520-0926. The Oasis Hotel (Nay Pyi Taw)

Tel: 95-67-422088, 422099 ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

No. 205, Corner o Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3, 229358 ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) 212854. ino@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

Easy Expat Accommodation Accommodation Specialist in Yangon. Tel: 09-730-33776. Eco-Apartment Fully Furnished Ga 21, Pearl Centre (Pearl Condo), Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557488. Espace Avenir No 523, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 505213-222. 505213-222. Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. ax: 650630. MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: 650933. ax: 650960. Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. ax: 525002. The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel 951-256355 (25 lines). ax: 951-256360. email: gmer@ mptmail.net.mm, www. grandmeeyahta.com Yangon City Villa (Residence) Pyay Rd, 8 Mile Junction, MYGN, tel: 513101

ASTROLOGER Saya Min Thoun Dara Astrologer No(2), Maha Wizaya Pagoda North Stairway, Dagon Tsp. tel: 296184 BARS 50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

Green Garden Beer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: [email protected] www.inya1.com

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.ax: 243393, [email protected] www.ghmhotels.com

Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

mt QuiCk guide

40

March 5 - 11, 2012

the

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

A Little Dayspa No. 475 C, Pyi Road, (Between Sweety Home & Shwe Kant Kaw Silk) Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831.

La Source Beauty Spa 80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut. tel: 512 380, 511 252. Sedona Hotel, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 666 900 My Way Diamond Condo, Bld(A), Rm (G-02), Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 52717, 09 51 70528

MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner o Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 ax: 524580. email: ino@ myanmarbook.com

Building Materials

COLD STORAGE

Est. 1992 in Myanmar Cold Storage Specialist, Solar Hot Water Storage Solutions. Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-73194828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@ gmail.com, glover2812@ glover2812@ gmail.com

DUTY FREE Traders Hotel, 5th Floor Tel: 242828,Ext: Coreana. Sedona Hotel, Mandalay Ground Fl. Tel: 02-36488, Ext: Coreana

SR 22/1, Next to the Pearl Shopping Centre, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 544 297, 549 527, 700 777 , ax: 558 044. email: eros@ mptmail.net.mm. www.erosspa.com

Qi Foot Spa At Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951-662866, 662857 Ext: 1725

Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7½ miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm

CAFÈS

La Brasserie (International) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.

BATTERY Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com Saw Peter Foot Refexology Oil Massage, Body Massage, Foot Massage. Any time you want at your place. Tel : 09-518-8047.

ISO 9001:2008 (QMS)

ProvenTechnology Industry Co., Ltd. No. FS 14, Bayintnaung Rd, Shwe Sabai Yeik Mon, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-951-701719~20, 527667, 531030, 531041, 530694. Fax: 527667, 531030. http//www. toyobatterymyanmar.com.

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: [email protected] www.inya1.com Traders Caé Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519

CHOCOLATE

BOOK STORES

Duty Free Airport Shopping Yangon International Airport Arrival / Departure. tel: 662676 (Airport). oce: 90B/1, Inya Road, Kamayut Township. tel: 512534, 500143-5.

MHR Business & Management Institute 905, 9th foor, Modern Iron Market(Thanzay Condo) Lanmadaw St. tel: 707822. NELC (Nelson English Language Centre Young Learner & Adults No 53, Dhamayon Street, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp. tel: 534287 NLEC 82 Anawrahta Rd, Corner o 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 250225. RV! Centre Yangon Tel: 535433, 541886, 242410, 250388 Ext: 333. email: [email protected] The British Council 92, Strand Rd, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 254658.

ELECTRICAL

Inya Day Spa 16/2, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 537907, 503375.

Room - 4021, 3 rd Floor, Taw Win Centre. Ph: 8600111 (Ext:4021), 09-803-2581.

Innwa Book Store No. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387

G-A, Ground Floor, Pearl Center, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon. Tel: 09 500 6880 Email: chocolateheaven. chocolateheaven. [email protected]

Dance Lessons Mon-Fri 12:00 to 23:00. Sat-Sun 10 am to 8 pm Fun dancing Friday nights with Filipino musicians 4, U Tun Myat St, Tamwe. Tel: 01-541 550 The Uranium Dance Studio Pearl condo Bldg (C), 2nd fr, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 09731-42624, 09-514-0404.

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), MingalartaungnyuntTsp. Tel : 245543, 09-730-37772. Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanayetharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-6803505, 02 34455, 36748, 71878.

GENERATORS

FITNESS CENTRE

EDUCATION EDUCATION CENTRE Zen Wellness Care No.62 (A), Room-3, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951-252939.

ENTERTAINMENT

Est. 1992 in Myanmar Electrical & Mechanical Contractors, Designers, Consultants. Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-73194828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@ gmail.com, glover2812@ glover2812@ gmail.com

Espace Avenir 523, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Tel : 505214, 505222 FIT Club - Rm 101~3, Marina Residence, 8, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 650634, 650651 Ext:102 Parkroyal Fitness & Spa Parkroyal Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 250388.

Mr. Betchang No.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th fr, Sanchaung Tsp, Tel: 095041216 The Yangon GYM Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Health Club. Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: 951 242828 Ext: 6561

FLORAL SERVICES

Floral Service & Git Shop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292. Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm

Floral Service & Git Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

Foral Service & Gits shop No.2, Corner o Khay Mar St & Baho Rd (Near Asia Royal Hospital), Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. email: yangonforist@ myanmar.com.mm. Tel: 01-510406, 09-73184714.

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon. Teleax : 01-203743, 09730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825. Line-09-730-30825.

FURNITURE NatRay Co., Ltd. Rm 807, La Pyayt Wun Plaza. tel : 01-370833, 01-370833, 370836

MyanMar tiMes

Winning Way No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

HOME FURNISHING

22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363. Home Plus Trading Co., Ltd. No. 457, Aung San Stadium, Mingalartungnyunt Tsp. tel: 394888. Fax: 393008.

HEALTH SERVICES

81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 548022, 542979, 553783, 09-8030847, 09-730-56079. Email: asiapacic. [email protected].

Agent Ofce, 5th Floor, Junction Centre (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw Township, Yangon. Myanmar. Ph: 09-731-56770, 09-5117584, Fax: 01-516313, myanmarmeditour@gmail. com Bumrungrad Int’l Rm 238, Summit Parkview Hotel, Dagon Tsp. tel: 723999, 211888. Ext: 8238.

No. 365/367, Bo Aung Kyaw st (Upper), IHBC, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 392484 , 389824, 09803-0166. Fax: 392590. Email: radiant.aesthetics radiant.aesthetics @gmail.com. Web: www. kembanganradiant.com

Acupuncture, Medicine Massage, Foot Spa Add:No,27(A),Ywa Add:No,27(A),Ywa Ma Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 01-511122, 526765. Piyavate Hospital (Bangkok) Myanmar Represent ative (Head ofce) Miba Gon Yee Business Group, No.506, 5 th-f, Yuzana Twin Tower, (No.8, Pangyan Tower) Cor o Dhama Zedi & Bargayar Rd, SCHG Tsp. Tel: 500600, 500800, 500900. Fax: 539799. hotline: +9595018777. piyavate@ myanmar.com.mm www.piyavate.com PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013

24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Yangon Int’l Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, (951) 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

24 hours Cancer centre No. 330, Yangon International Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

24 hours Medical centre No. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Int’l Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. 24 hour Call Centre : (951) 218 445 Clinic : (959) 4921 8159 Oce : (951) 218 446 Fax : (951) 218 389 www.leomedicare.com Shimmering Gold Services Co., Ltd. VICTORyFORLIFE

BANGKOK, THAILAND

VEJTHANI MYANMAR REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE No.125(C), West Shwe Gon Dine Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. 01-3449977. Hot Line: 09-507-1111, 09-507-1111, 01-555448, 555998. [email protected] www.vejthani.com

LEGAL SERVICE U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate o the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. [email protected]

MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION

Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

MARKET RESEARCH

MMRD Research BLDG C, New Mingalar Market, 10-story BLDG, 8 & 9 fr, Coner o Mill St & Banyardala Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 200326, 200846, 201350. Fax: 202425.

Media & Advertising

Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior Decoration Corporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Prole Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Billboard, Corporate diary/ email newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning or any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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41 the

MyanMar tiMes

March 5 - 11, 2012 Signature Near U Htaung Bo Round, about Bahan Tsp. tel: 546488, 543387.

OFFICE FURNITURE

Centure Ofce Furniture Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Room -4, Ground Floor, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lamadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th

PLEASURE CRUISES

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.ax: 651250. email: sche [email protected].

Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor o Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876,09-862-4563.

RESTAURANTS

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Saari in the Mergui Archipelago 4 Days, 6 Days, 8 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: mobydicktours@ gmail.com. Website: www. moby-dick-adventures.com

24 hours open. 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon Tsp, inside Thamada Hotel. tel 243640, 243047, Ext: 32.

Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-512-7795 [email protected] www.operayangon.com

Black Canyon Coee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 0980 21691, 395052. email: blackcanyon@ yangon. net.mm.

PAINT

TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

REMOVALISTS

Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Floor Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township. tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. ax: 229212. email: crown [email protected]

Legendary Myanmar Int’l Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3 rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr@ mptmail.net .mm www.LMSL-shipping.com

No.430(A), Corner o Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.

Italian delicatesse & Ice-cream No.150, Dhamazadi Rd, Bahan Tsp. (Monunent Book Shop) OpenDaily9:00amto7:00pm. Italian Ice-cream, Pasta, Pizza & Bar (2) G/F, City Mart, Myaynigone Centre. tel : 508469, 508470 ext. 113 Open Daily 9:00am to 10:00pm.

House o Memories Piano Bar & Restaurant Myanmar Cuisine & International Food 290, U Wizara Rd, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. tel: 525 195, 534 242. e-mail:houseomemories [email protected]

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: [email protected] www.inya1.com

No.5, U Htun Nyein St, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 656611, 09-431-35406. Email: ino@ mesamisyangon.com Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

No. 105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road. between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Tha (Halpin) and Manawhari Road/Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel/Fax: 538895, Tel: 09730-29973, 09-540-9469.

padonmar.restaurant@ gmail.com. www.myanmarrestaurantpadonmar.com

Pansweltaw Express Cae: 228, Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm-309, 3 rd fr,Ocean, East Point Shopping Center, Pazundaung Tsp. Tel: 397900 397900 Ext: 309. (2)–G-Flr, Ocean North Point Shopping Center. Center. Tel:652959, Tel:652959, 652960, Ext: 133. www.pansweltaw.com E-mail: pansweltaw@ myanmar.com.mm

Phoenix Court (Chinese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

Shiki-Tel (Japanese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

ASIA Language & Business Academy (All classes are taught by native English-speaking English-speaking teachers), No-66, Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel:+95-1376236, 376314, 384055. http://www.alba-edu.com

Kangaroo Child Care 55, Aung Min Gaung 1st Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 501 568, 09 504 7732. Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916.

No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing, New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 951-549451, 557219, 540730. www.yangon-academy.org SOLAR SYSTEM

The Ritz Exclusive Lounge Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net

Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174 Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor’s Residence 39C, Taw Win Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: (951) 229860 ax: (951) 217361. email: [email protected] www.orient-express.com

Bldg No. 12, Yangon Int’l Compound, Ahlone Road. Tel: 09-431-85008, 09-731-60662. sales@corrianderlea.com

SCHOOLS

Tiger Hill Chinese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6253 Traders Gourmet Corner Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel : 242828 ext : 6503 Traders Gallery Bar Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6433 Traders Lobby Lounge Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6456

1. WASABI :No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 666781,09-503-9139 2. WASABI SUSHI : Market Place by City Mart (1 st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) JunctionMawtin (City Mart)

Kandawgyi (Royal Lake) Park, Yangon. (opposite o Eye Hospital) Ph: 556837, 556838. Fax: 556875. E-mail: [email protected] www.whiterice-myanmar. com

LANGUAGE Bilingual Language Centre Teaching Myanmar to Non-Myanmar No.7 (Gournd Floor), Thu-Kha-Main Street, Myaynigone, San Chaung. Tel: 09-500-6431, [email protected]

Horizon Int’l School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. ax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com ILBC 180, Thunandar 9th Lane, Thumingalar Housing, Thingungyung.tel: 562401.

The Brightest AC CFL Bulb 21, 9th street, Lanmadaw Tsp. Ph: 212243, 216861, 216864. [email protected] www.spsolarstation.com STEEL CONSTRUCTION

ILBC IGCSE SCHOOL No.(34), Laydauntkan Road, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 542982, 545720, 549106,545736,400156 Fax: 541040 Email: in[email protected] www.ilbcedu.com

PEB Steel Buildings 60 (A), Halpin Road, Yangon. Tel: 01-218223, 218224. Fax: 218224. [email protected]. mm www.pebsteel.com.mm

ISM Int’l School W 22/24, Mya Kan Thar Housing, Hlaing Tsp. tel:530082, 530083. International School Yangon 20, Shwe Taung Kyar St, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 512793.

Asia Light 106, Set Yone Rd.tel: 294074, 294083. Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart (Aung San Branch) tel: 253022, 294765. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026, 298746. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Junction 8 Branch) tel: 650778. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: 682323. City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Myaynigone Branch) tel: 510697. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar Branch) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Chinatown Point Branch) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Junction Maw Tin Branch) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)

Admissions Ofce: No. 44, Than Lwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 535433, 09-850-3073. Email: rviacademygn@ rvcentre.com.sg

95, Anawrahta Rd. Tel:296552, 293754. 336, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel: 526456. New University Avenue, 551521, 551951, 553896. U Wisara Rd, Tel: 524599, 501976.

YangonInternational School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.net YangonInternational School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Gol Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: 687701, 687702

SUPERMARKETS

City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) IKON Mart IKON Trading Co., Ltd. No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung P.O (11111), Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-535783, 527705, 501429. Fax: 95-1-527705. Email: [email protected] Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 651 200, 652963. Pick ‘n’ Pay Hyper Market Bldg (A,B,C), (14~16), Shwe Mya Yar Housing, Mya Yar Gone St, Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 206001~3, Fax: 9000199 Sein Gay Har 44, Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 383812, 379823. Super 1 (Kyaikkasan) 65, Lay Daunt Kan St, Ph: 545871~73 Super 1 (Shwe Bonthar) 397, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan. Ph: 250268~29 Victoria Shwe Pone Nyet Yeik Mon, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel : 515136. TRAVEL AGENTS

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. ax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Htoo Travels 209/c, rst fr, Shwe Gonedaing Rd, Bahan. Tel: 548554, 548039. Sun Far Travels & Tours 27, Ground fr, 38th st, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 380888. WATER HEATERS

The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 251033, 09-730-25281.

Water Heater 

Same as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address

WEB SERVICES

World-class Web Services Tailor-made design, Proessional research & writing or Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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Thais dish out friendly punishment By Aung Si Hein

THAILAND’S Premier League club, BEC Tero Sasana, ended their run of  friendly games in Myanmar by beating Yangon United FC 2-0 at the local club’s home stadium on February 27.  A s a l o n g - s t a n d i n g top level football club in Thailand, reaching eighth position in the league last season and two players selected for the national team, BEC Tero Sasana proved stiff competition for Myanmar teams. Their first friendly was with Ayeyarwady United FC handing out a 5-1 drubbing at Yangon’s Aung San stadium on February 23. They also went to Mandalay to play Yadanarbon FC on February 25, giving Mandalay spectators a chance to cheer Tero Sasana as the team’s owner, Mr Bryan Marker, was born in Mandalay. The head coach, Mr  An dr ew Or d, ha d al so

Mr Ord also rested many previously worked as a youth academy director for of his regular players, giving  Yangon Un ited FC, giving chances to some of the team’s them a slight advantage younger players. of some familiarity with “I used young players in Myanmar National League the game because I would clubs. like to see them [in action];  YU FC we re no t we ll I found them satisfactory,” prepared for the match he said. With the absence of the with the team losing four influential players in Kyi wingers Kyi Lin and David Lin, David Htan, Yan Aung Htan, YUFC’s left and Win and Kaung Si Thu to right attacks were visibly the national U-21 squad for blunted. In midfield the players the Brunei Cup. Another player, Khin Maung Lwin, b a t t l e d h a r d t o k e e p possession in the face of  was out injured. “I am very upset about sustained pressure from the having to lose five players, Thai side but the difference four for Brunei and one between the teams was injured,” the head coach of  telling as YUFC struggled  YUFC, Mr Eric Williams, agains t Tero Sas ana’s said. passing and teamwork. He also had an eye on the It took 23 minutes for next MNL match against Ponlachai to head the ball  Yadanarbon FC as it is a into YUFCs net for the crucial one for the league. opening goal. Forced to prioritise, Mr The second goal came Williams fielded a second late in the second half on string squad against BEC 83 minutes when Cleiton  Augus to round ed Saw El Tero Sasana. “ F o r u s t h e m o r e Htoo, YUFC’s goal keeper, important thing is to win and almost snatched a at Yadanarbon. That’s why second when the keeper I changed so many players,” came rushing past his defenders to take on the he said.

A YUFC player (2 nd right) swings in a cross during the friendly match against BEC Tero Sasana at in Yangon on February 27 Pic: Boothee

forward.  YUFC did manage to pose pose a threat to Tero Sasana but couldn’t turn any chances into goals. “We just couldn’t score today. We missed two sure chances in the first half  and in the second too,” Mr Williams said.  Af t er t h e ga me , Mr Ord said that if YUFC kept playing at the same standard, they could prove

Indonesia FA denies grat accusations in 10-0 rout JAKARTA – Indonesian football Indonesia look like a total loser.” Before the game the two teams had authorities on March 2 denied any foul play in the national team’s 10-0 a head-to-head record of two wins thrashing by Bahrain, after world apiece and two draws, but Indonesia governing body FIFA announced an went down to a flurry of goals after inquiry and fans expressed outrage. their starting keeper was sent off two The Gulf side needed to t o win by a nine- minutes into the match. goal margin to have any hope of going FIFA said it was mounting its through to the last round of Asian zone investigation investigation “given the unusual qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup finals, outcome in relation to the resultswhile Indonesia had already been expectation and head-to-head history eliminated from the tournament. and in the interests of maintaining Indonesia’s football association unequivocal confidence in our game”. (PSSI) has long been mired in graft Limbong said: “We welcome FIFA  scandals, but the head of its disciplinary to carry out the required investigation committee Bernhard Limbong told on the matter. If there is any evidence  AFP: “There’s no way corruption is to prove that corruption was involved, please let us know. But please don’t involved in this. conclusions.”” “I know because I was involved  jump to conclusions. He added that the PSSI would protest in organising the match. If anyone did that, they would be a traitor to the goalkeeper’s sending-off to FIFA. In the event, the result was academic, Indonesia. “I would like to apologise to the whole with Bahrain’s rivals Qatar going nation for the defeat and for making through when a goal four minutes from

$3bn spent on transfers in 2011: FIFA PARIS – More than US$3 billion was spent in 2011 on international football transfers, FIFA said on March 1, as it published its first full-year report on player moves worldwide. The report highlighted that the average annual salary of a professional footballer was $244,000 but was skewed upwards by a handful of high-earning top stars. In reality, the median salary was just $43,000. Similarly, high transfer fees of leading players distorted the average cost of moves. The average was $1.5 million but only 14 percent involved any financial compensation.  – AFP

time in Tehran earned them a 2-2 draw with Iran. But Indonesians ridiculed the result on Twitter. “Wait, 10-0 Bahrain vs Indonesia. Is this football as in ‘soccer’, right? Not ‘American’ football,” avianto tweeted in English. The PSSI has come under fire in recent years over corruption allegations, leadership tussles and most recently a breakaway super league that has prompted threats of sanctions by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. The country’s coordinating minister for the economy Hatta Rajasa said he was surprised by the score and hoped it was embarrassing enough for the troubled sporting body to reform. “Indonesian football needs to be better managed and better regulated,” Rajasa said. “It’s sad to see a score of 10-0. It’s not basketball, it’s football.”  – AFP

difficult opponents in the upcoming AFC cup. However, YUFC’s first match in the competition, playing on March 7, is agains t Chonburi FC, runners-up in the Thai Premier League. “Our club has two players selected for the national team whereas Chonburi has

six and many experienced players. Yangon United will have to prepare well,” he said. “I hope our players in the Brunei cup could come back for the match with Chonburi,” said Mr Williams, “but if the U-21 squad goes all the way to the semi-final, they won’t”.

March 5 - 11, 2012

tImESsPORt tImES sPORt Clinical French see off depleted Germany

Arjen Robben (3rd left) of The Netherlands scores the opening goal against England at Wembley Stadium in London on February 29. Pic: AFP 

By Ryland James

BREMEN, Germany – France gave themselves a pre-Euro 2012 boost with a 2-1 friendly win over an injury-depleted Germany in Bremen on February 29 as the Germans suffered their first defeat in 11 games.  A fir st- half goal by Fran ce’ s Oliv ier Giroud, who then set up substitute Florent Malouda for the second, inflicted the first defeat on Joachim Loew’s Germany since they were beaten by the same margin by  Australia last March. Germany’s Brazil-born striker Cacau scored a late consolation for the hosts, but the French deserved the win. It was a disciplined performance from France who open their Euro 2012 campaign against England in Donetsk on June 11 and Laurent Blanc’s side dominated a weakened German team lacking five firstchoice players. Germany were missing captain Philipp Lahm, his deputy Bastian Schweinsteiger, midfielders Mario Goetze and Lukas Podolski, plus defender Per Mertesacker with injury, but their replacements failed to cope with the French. Loew opted to give youth a chance in midfield with Moenchengladbach’s exciting prospect Marco Reus alongside Real Madrid’s skilled playmaker Mesut Ozil and Leverkusen’s Andre Schuerrle but it was only Ozil who really tested the French. France were also missing injured pair Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Marseille’s Loic Remy. Germany had a couple of early chances, but the French took the lead after a superb run from Montpellier’s Mathieu Valbuena who found his club teammate Giroud unmarked to bury his shot past Wiese on 21 minutes. Ozil attempted a long-range strike on the stroke of half-time which flew the wrong side of the post as it finished 1-0 to the French at the break. Loew switched Miroslav Klose for Bayern striker Mario Gomez, who took over the captain’s armband, after the break and Blanc swapped Paris Saint Germain’s Jeremy Menez for Franck Ribery on the left wing. The second goal came when Giroud played the ball into Malouda who managed to scramble the ball over the line with the help of the crossbar on 69 minutes. It could have been more as only the offside flag prevented Tottenham Hotspur’s veteran striker Louis Saha getting the third after he found the net with time almost up while Cacau grabbed the German’s consolation on 91 minutes.  – AFP

Robben double sinks England By Rob Woollard

LONDON – Arjen Robben scored twice as the Netherlands overcame a brave England fightback to win a thrilling friendly international 3-2 at Wembley on February 29. England, playing their first match of the post-Fabio Capello era, looked to have snatched a draw after goals in the final five minutes from Gary Cahill and Ashley Young cancelled out efforts from Robben and KlaasJan Huntelaar. But just as Young’s injurytime equaliser had sent a 76,283 Wembley crowd into raptures, Holland swept forward and Robben latched onto a Mark van Bommel pass to curl a superb winner beyond Joe Hart. It was the dramatic final act of a memorable game which had seen England haul themselves back to parity after Holland had appeared to be coasting to victory. England caretaker manager Stuart Pearce said his youthful side’s “naivety” had been responsible for the defeat. “We probably showed a little bit of naivety and a slight lack of belief,” Pearce said. “That’s something we’ve got to get into the squad, going forward. “Once we’d got ourselves back into the game, we’re disappointed

to have been beaten. But there were a few good showings, we learned a lot and that was the exercise.” Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk meanwhile praised his side’s performance as they banished the memory of their last international, a 3-0 defeat to Germany. “We lost against Germany on the counter-attack and we didn’t want to lose on counter attack here ... you have to defend against England as they have a lot of very fast players and that’s a weapon. “But we were happy to play our football, and the pitch was unbelievably good,” he added. Pearce had named an experimental side, opting for Tottenham’s Scott Parker as captain ahead of Steven Gerrard while handing starts to international novices Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Cahill and Leighton Baines.  A low key first half had seen England make the brighter start even if genuine goalscoring chances were thin on the ground for the home side. However in a foreshadowing of what was to come, the best chance of the first half fell to Robben after 14 minutes, the former Chelsea player turning Micah Richards and forcing Hart to save smartly at his near post. Thereafter England were on

top but tellingly never really tested Stekelenburg in the Dutch goal. Pearce was given cause for alarm after only 33 minutes however when Gerrard, making his first start for England since 2010, was substituted as a precaution to be replaced by Sturridge. Sturridge however made an instant impact, embarrassing Erik Pieters for pace before firing in a low centre across the face of goal. Parker meanwhile found himself on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from Kuyt, the Liverpool player taking out the Spurs midfielder with a flying leap that somehow escaped a caution. But early in the second half  England were exposed as the Dutch cut loose with deadly accuracy, Robben and substitute Huntelaar scoring in rapid succession. Robben drew first blood with a superb individual effort on 57 minutes. The Bayern Munich winger picked up a stray England pass inside his own half, surged forward and as Cahill and Smalling backed off, fired an unstoppable low shot beyond Hart. England had barely had time to digest that setback before it was 2-0.

Schalke 04 striker Huntelaar – who had replaced Arsenal’s Robin van Persie at half-time – swept a pass out to Dirk Kuyt on the right flank. Kuyt returned the compliment with a teasing cross and Huntelaar leapt high to nod past Hart to double Holland’s lead. The goal came at a cost for both sides, Huntelaar and Smalling being substituted after a sickening clash of heads which left both players needing hospital treatment. England had their chances to get back in the match, but subsitute Stewart Downing volleyed wide from James Milner’s cross while Daniel Sturridge, who had replaced Gerrard midway through the first half was responsible for a glaring miss late on with the goal at his mercy. But England finally got on the scoresheet on 85 minutes when Baines picked out Cahill and the Chelsea defender beat the offside trap to slot past Maarten Stekelenburg. Then in the first minute of  stoppage time, substitute Phil Jones slipped in Young who lifted his shot over Stekelenburg for a scarcely credible equaliser. England’s joy was short-lived as Robben conjured up another magical finish to give the World Cup finalists a deserved win.  – AFP AFP

News extra

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March 5 - 11, 2012

MyanMar tiMes

U Thein Sein vows focus on reconciliation, equality NAY PYI TAW – President U Thein Sein said last week that his government wanted equal rights for ethnic minorities, the latest conciliatory gesture from the regime to armed ethnic groups. U Thein Sein said in a speech to parliament on March 1 that the authorities needed to end the “misunderstanding” with ethnic minorities, which he said was due to a lack of dialogue. “The expectation of ethnic groups is to get equal rights f or all. Equal standards are also

the wish of our government,” he said. “Confidence is very important for national reconciliation in our country.” Civil war has gripped parts of  Myanmar since independence in 1948 and an end to the conflicts as well as alleged human rights abuses involving the military is a key demand of the international community. U Thein Sein – a former prime minister who came to power almost a year ago after decades

of military rule – has launched efforts to end ethnic conflict as part of a raft of reforms. The new government has reached tentative peace deals with several rebel groups including in eastern Karen and Shan states, but bloody fighting in Kachin State has overshadowed reconciliation efforts.  A presid ential or der iss ued in mid-December for the military to cease attacks against Kachin guerrillas failed to stop heavy

fighting in the region, according to the rebels. U Thein Sein acknowledged that the unrest had not yet ended but said he had instructed the military not to engage in combat except in self-defence. “Fighting will not stop by pointing the finger of blame at each other,” he added. “Ceasefires are needed on both sides first for political dialogue ... We all have to work so our ethnic youths who held guns stand tall holding laptops.”

Wage debate continues after presidential address By Soe Than Lynn

THE president’s address to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw was for the most part well-received by parliamentarians last week, particularly its strong focus on national reconciliation. But the sections of U Thein Sein’s March 1 speech that touched on the issue that has divided Nay Pyi Taw over the past month – pay rises for civil servants – drew fewer plaudits, with most representatives In recent weeks the governmentandPyidaungsu Hluttaw have engaged in a highly charged debate over the issue of salaries, with Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann declaring an immediate pay rise essential for fighting corruption and Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun arguing it would be fiscally irresponsible. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has approved Thura U Shwe Mann’s motion to raise the minimum governement s alary to K K100,000 100,000 a month by scaling down or suspending unnecessary government projects but it remains unclear whether the government will implement the plan. President U Thein Sein said on March 1 that his government would “try to increase salaries and allowances at a right time depending on our macroeconomic situation”, including foreign debt and budget deficit. The president said the debate about pay rises had already caused commodity prices to “skyrocket” and the government had to consider the 96.7 percent of the population who were not civil servants. Representatives said they believed the comments constituted a pledge to raise salaries but express frustration at the lack of  a time frame or pay rise scale.  A m y o t h a H l u t t a w representative U Khet Htein Nan told The  Myanmar Times the speech was “good”, particularly on national reconciliation, but he did not agree with the assessment on pay rises. “I li liked ked the s ections

Myanmar’s regime held initial peace talks with representatives representatives of the Kachin Independence Organisation in January in China, with the two sides agreeing to hold further negotiations in search of an end to the conflict. Last week Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – herself sometimes distrusted by ethnic minorities – appealed for unity among the country’s different groups as she campaigned in Kachin State ahead of April 1 by-elections. – AFP

Myanmar’s economic promise faces pitfalls By Richard Sargent

NAY PYI TAW – Resourcerich Myanmar is seen as a hot new business frontier as reforms tempt investors, but with currency distortions and a banking system in tatters, analysts warn the economy could be slow to bloom. International economic experts meeting in the capital Nay Pyi Taw last week agreed there was almost a contagious faith in the country’s potential as it opens up after years of  isolation.  Aside from its abundant natural resources, including oil and minerals, Myanmar has huge scope to develop its tourism industry after years of boycotts against the former government. The country was once known as the “rice bowl of Asia” because of its agricultural riches. But economic mismanagement during nearly 50 years of  direct military rule have left the country deeply impoverished. But as a new government pushes through political reforms at a rate that has stunned observers, many hope it can take advantage of its opportunities and a strategic location between China and India. “In many ways it is well-positioned to provide enormous investment opportunities,” Nobel PrizeMyanmar’s President U Thein Sein (bottom C) greets members of parliament after he winning economist Joseph delivered a speech at the Union Parliament in Naypyidaw on March 1, 2012. Pic: AFP PHOTO / SOE THAN WIN  Stiglitz, of New York’s Columbia University, said about how they would try rate for [US dollars] sharply evading paying tax.” at the meeting of experts. He said border trade tax to bring peace and economic fluctuating from K760 to “The fact that there has development to our country,” K830. Traders also cannot collection also needed to be been so little investment in he said. increase prices in a market improved. the past means the potential “If the full amount of  returns are very high.” “But I believe that the economy where there is revenue is collected and advantages [of a pay rise] will strong competition.” The government, which outweigh the disadvantages Representative U Ye Tun new bills are not printed, remains dominated by ... [inflation and commodity urged the government to commodity prices won’t go former generals, took power price rises] will have to be improve its tax collection up,” he said. last year and has since been R e p r e s e n t a t i v e U hailed for reforms such as handled whenever pay rises system in order to raise the Sai Thiha Kyaw K yaw s aid the release of hundreds of  are done, so it is better if it is funds for a pay rise. “Previously when there parliamentari ans had political prisoners. done now.” But U Sai Hsaung Hsi, was a pay rise it was “expected too much” from Western countries are the repres entati entative ve for financed by printing new the president’s speech. now considering lifting “The hluttaw will proceed economic sanctions, fuelling Kyaukme, said a well- bills because extra revenue managed pay hike would could not be collected,” he with discussing budgets as the huge growth in interest planned; it will revoke things by outside business. not necessarily result in said. “ C o l l e c t i n g r e v e n u e that should be revoked, it prices rising. Myanmar’s government “It may be true if money doesn’t mean collecting will withdraw things that said in January that it is printed to pay for pay it from public. There is a should be withdrawn,” he planned to offer eight-year raises. But there will be lot of money that doesn’t said. tax exemptions to foreign no inflation if budgets are go into the government’s “The motion about pay i n v e s t o r s a s W e s t e r n changed without affecting treasury even though it is raises has already been companies rushed to build the GDP-to-deficit ratio,” from the public. Just look approved so it can’t be ties with the one-time he said. at the list of Myanmar’s top revoked. But we have to international pariah. “Commodity prices went 10 taxpayers – where are wait and see to what extent The International up a few days ago not because the well-known business the government will carry it Monetary Fund has pointed of news about pay raises but tycoons? There are clearly out.” – Translated by Thit to Myanmar’s “high growth because of the exchange some rich people who are  Lwin potential”, estimating real

gross domestic product growth in the 2011-12 fiscal year could hit 5.5 percent. But it s ai aid d currency reform is a priority in the country, which currently has an informal exchange rate almost 100 times better than the official one. It’s a view shared by Stiglitz, who stresses the need for “not only the unification of the foreign exchange but bringing down the foreign exchange rate, which is adversely affecting the competitiveness of their economy”. Myanmar’s banking s ys tem is almos t nonexistent following a major crisis in 2003.  A rec ent rep ort by the British risk analysis group Maplecroft said Myanmar has the world’s worst legal system for doing business, retaining a position it has held for the past five years despite recent reforms. The country must also professionalise its administration, which is stamped with a military culture and chronically under-skilled. “The political changes in a way have gone very well and the story is relatively wellknown now,” said Myanmar historian Thant Myint-U. “But the economic story is still very murky. I think the government is trying to undertake a lot of very wideranging reforms but how it’s actually going to come together, how it’s actually going to strengthen not weaken the political process, I think remains to be seen.” The government of  President U Thein Sein appears to be pulling out all the stops to persuade the European Union and United States to lift sanctions.  Al l ey es ar e no w on  April 1 by-elections, which opposition leader Daw  Au ng Sa n Su u Ky i ha s been allowed to contest after years of detention and marginalisation. If the vote is perceived as free and fair, the country is likely to be rewarded by a further thawing of  international relations – and more foreign direct investment. “We have to make sure it’s responsible, that it is not  just coming here for a very short term and then just run away with the profits,” said Myanmar economist Dr Aung Htun Thet. “But we really want serious partners.” – AFP

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March 5 - 11, 2012

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Commission confirms Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as candidate

Secret ballot retained in ward, village admin bill simply following what other people do. It could allow officials to use their power WARD and village tract to influence [the selection of  officials will in future be administrators]. “Only secret ballot system elected through secret ballot, after the Pyidaungsu can reveal their true wishes Hluttaw last week narrowly for selecting a leader of a voted down a proposal from ward or village tract. It President U Thein Sein’s will reduce the likelihood office that local officials o f p r o b l e m s l a t e r o n be selected partly through between administrators and residents.” negotiation. The Ward and Village “A negotiated selection Tract Administration Bill had system cannot prevent already been approved but was inappropriate use of influence resubmitted to parliament by to affect the result. Only the president’s office with the a secret ballot system can recommendation recommendation that “secret revealed the true desire of  ballot system” be changed the community,” said U Tun to “negotiated selection  Aung Kyaw, Kyaw, representative representative system”. of Ponnagyun in Rakhine However, lawmakers voted State. But not all were happy down the proposal 278 to 236, with 12 representatives with the change. U Mann abstaining from the February Kan Nyunt from Kayin State Constituency 2 said 22 vote. Section 7(c) of chapter 4 of  he supported the president’s the bill states that each group p r o p o s e d a m e n d m e n t of 10 households is required because organising secret to submit the name and ballots was a financial and organisational burden. personal details of a person organisational “I feel sad that the hluttaw living in their ward or village tract who meets the criteria did not support the president’s to be an administrator. proposal,” said U Mann Kan The proposed amendment Nyunt. U Thein Nyunt of  would have resulted in these nominees being selected Thingangyun argued that a through negotiation rather secret ballot was fundamental than a vote – a provision to democracy. “Our country is reportedly contained in the original draft democratisation , submitted to the hluttaw by on the path todemocratisation, the government but later we have started a transition to democracy – this is what amended by lawmakers. Speaker U Khin Aung the president has said. Myint floated the idea of  So what is the essence of  allowing communities to democracy? The secret ballot choose which method they is the only free and fair way preferred to use but this was for people to elect their leaders. This is the essence of  also rejected. “The comment of the democracy. The amendment president was reasonable of Pyiduangsu Hluttaw is in in terms of procedures,” harmony with the democratic said U Aung Thein, the way. And there will be many representative for Ywarngan. serious problems if we put “However, in practice it both systems in the bill,” he could result in people being said. – Translated by Zar too afraid to speak out or  Zar Soe

By Kyaw Hsu Mon

By Soe Than Lynn

88 Generation leader Min Ko Naing speaks at an event in Kachin State on February 24, with the Myitsone in the background. Pic: Shwe Yinn Mar Oo

 Ayeyarwady campaign a ‘river of collaboration’, says Min Ko Naing

Min Ko Naing expressed gratitude to those involved in the campaign against the dam. “I thank the experts and citizens who POLITICAL activist Min Ko Naing paid tribute the spirit of unity exhibited by the focused on the future of children yet to be government, the president and the people born, rather than on the matter of money, at an event held in Kachin State last for being far-sighted,” he said. “National unity is important,” Min Ko month to express gratitude for the decision to suspend work on the US$3.6 billion Naing said. “It was launched from the Myitsone and it continued flowing; let us Myitsone dam. “The project that would block the cherish what was achieved for ever.”  Veteran environment alist U Ohn told  Ayeyarwady River was prevented in the end because the government, the president the crowd that the confluence of the and the people all worked together,”  Ayeyarwady could be likened to a neck. “The Myitsone area is like the neck of a Min Ko Naing said at the event held at human. If the throat is throttled, the entire Tanphe village, where the Maykha and Maylikha rivers join at Myitsone to form body will be dead,” U Ohn said. the Ayeyarwady. Ayeyarwady. “The Ayeyarwady must be safeguarded, th “A river of collaboration joined forces to not only by the Kachin, but also by Bamar, prevent the blockage; it was so auspicious,” Rakhine, Mon, Kayin and all national the 88 Generation student activist said, groups, who must be prepared to risk said all people interested referring to the national outpouring of  their lives,” he said, his voice choking with By Aye Sapay Phyu in the topics are welcome emotion which preceded the decision emotion. Speaking on behalf of the artists, to attend. announced by President U Thein Sein on cartoonist Aw Pe Kye said that while he was THE Department of  The winners of an essay September 30 to suspend the dam. Meteorology and Hydrology competition with the World The February 24 event, held on a hillock happy that the dam had been suspended, is planning three days of  Meteorological Day 2012 within view of the dam site, was attended there was still uncertainty about the events to mark its 75 th theme of “Powering our by about 100 people, most of them Kachin  Ayeyarwady River’s future. “We cannot put up our oars amid anniversary along with future with weather, climate in traditional attire. Also present were World Meteorological Day and water” would receive members of the 88 Generation student uncertainty; passion is important,” Aw Pe 2012 later this month, a their prizes on March 23. group, environmentalists, writers, poets, Kye said. “Only if you are working from the spokesperson said. The World Meteorological cartoonists and artists. U M a u n g M a u n g Organi Organiss ati ation, on, its 189 Speaking from a stage featuring a heart, the entire people will join you. May S o e , d e p u t y d i r e c t o r M e m b e r s a n d t h e banner reading “Echo of gratitude for matters relating to Myanmar as well as the  Ayeyarwady be carried out with passion led of the department, said worldwide meteorological Myitsone”, Min Ko Naing spoke of the  Ayeyarwady exhibitions and paper community celebrate World power that comes when individuals are by wisdom,” he said in prayer.  After the prayer, members of the crowd reading secessions about Meteorological Day each united. “Though you have no power, there will be went down to the confluence and gathered weather and climate issues year on March 23. The day stones from the river. will held from March 23 to commemorates the entry influence if you are united,” he said. “What is important is that all agree with The stones were used to build a cairn 25 at the department’s office into force in 1950 of the on Kabar Aye Pagoda Road WMO Convention, which each other; if you share the same feelings, which will be known as the Myitsone memorial. – Translated by Thit Lwin you will overcome everything.” in Mayangone township. He created the organisation.

Dept of Meteorology to mark 75 anniversary

MyanMar tiMes

By Shwe Yinn Mar Oo

THE election commission has officially endorsed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s candidacy for the April 1 by-elections, after a rival candidate sought to have her removed from the race for accepting funds from a foreign organisation. The southern district election commission office in  Yangon Region’s Thanlyin township posted the announcement in its office on February 28, U Nyan Win, a spokesperson for the NLD, said the following day. “The announcement that the election commission accepted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a candidate was put up in the commission office late on February 28,” he said. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will contest the seat of Kawhmu in Yangon Region. In the early weeks of February, U Tin Yi, a member of Unity and Peace Party, filed an objection against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s candidacy on the grounds that she did not conform to the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law. U Tin Yi submitted the objection on February 6, arguing that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not eligible to stand as a candidate because she contravened section 10(g) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, which bars anybody “entitled to enjoy the rights and privileges of a subject of a foreign government or a citizen of  a foreign country”. In his letter of complaint, U Tin Yi also said she had received cash prizes from more than 100 international awards and these had not yet been transferred to a bank in Myanmar. He alleged that she accepted grant money from overseas organisations and that a person from the United States named Philip Robertson had secretly sent US$80,000 more than a decade ago. Under section 10(h) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, anybody who “obtains and utilises directly or indirectly the support of money, land, housing, building, vehicle, property … from any individual of a foreign country” is barred from running as a candidate. U Tin Yi had submitted articles from state-run media published in 1999 and 2000 and transcripts of press conferences as evidence to back up his claim. The election commission dismissed the objection on February 11 after discussing the objection with Daw  Aung San Suu Kyi but did not immediately confirm her eligibility. eligibility. “The commission office has now announced [she is a candidate] because the objection did not have strong evidence,” said U Nyan Win.  – Translated by Thiri Min Htun