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myanmartimes myanmar times
July 30 - August 5, 2012
Myanmar’s first international international weekly
Reps ignore ministry on land-grab committee
A woman pans for gold in Thabeikkyin township, Mandalay Region. Pic: Kaung Htet
THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw last week overruled the deputy minister for agriculture and approved a proposal to establish a committee to investigate land disputes following a debate involving more than 40 parliamentarians. parliamentarians. The proposal of U Tin Htut, Pyithu H Hlluttaw uttaw representative for Zalun, “to probe the cases of confiscated farmlands so as to be fair to the farmers”, was approved on the afternoon of July 26. Forty-two hluttaw representatives – the largest number for a single proposal in the hluttaw’s short history – took the floor to discuss the proposal and many raised alleged land-grabbing cases that had occurred in their constituencies. A t t h e e n d o f t h e discussion, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint invited Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann to give his thoughts on the proposal, after which the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, U Ohn Than, urged the hluttaw not to approve the motion. Deputy Minis ter for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Than said no land confiscation claims predating the formation of the U Thein Sein government should be assessed. “Concrete evidence of land grabbing during the Burma Socialist Program Party era before 1988 is not available now and these acquisition were accompl is hed in accordance with the laws
and procedures that existed then so it is not possible to examine and settle them,” he said. “Land acquisitions in the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and State Peace and Development Council governments were also carried out in conformity with the laws then in place so it is not possible to change them either,” he said. He said that the government should investigate who was “inciting” the farmers to complain about losing their land. “In order to maintain the stability of the state, the government should strictly uncover those who are inciting behind or in the front of and in the name of the farmers to spoil the stability of the state and to cause unrest by exploiting the impressionable and honest farmers throughout the country,” he said. However, 395 voted for the proposal and 176 against, with 24 abstentions. “The proposal of U Tin Htut is approved … I think that it will be most effective to organise commission to investigate the cases of farmland-grabbing farmland-grabbing to avoid suffering by the farmers,” U Khin Aung Myint said after the vote. “We are going to review all cases.” He said the commission would focus on cases involving all types of land, not just farmland, to make it more inclusive, as suggested by U Thein Tun Oo of Amarapura constituency. constituency. More page 4
Quick boom turns to bust as prices dive in Mandalay outskirts I n D epth with
Phyo Wai Kyaw
Record number o MPs join debate on proposal over orming committee to investigate land-grab complaints By Soe Than Lynn
Volume 32, No. 637 1200 Kyats
Foreign mining frms eye Golden Land As a recent mining summit in Yangon showed, there’s signicant interest abroad in Myanmar’s mining sector. But with outdated and unfriendly investment rules, uncertainty over permit applications and a ban on exports of ore, coal, gold and gemstones, those who attended the summit said they were little more than ‘window shopping’ until the government introduces a more friendly foreign investment environment. Full coverage pages 18-19.
A PROPERTY bubble in Mandalay’s outskirts has burst, with prices declining rapidly in the final weeks of July, real estate brokers said. Prices in undeveloped areas on the outskirts of the city, particularly in its outer suburbs of Chanmyathasi and Pyigyitagun townships, doubled or even tripled in less than two months in late 2011 in. While prices remained steady following the initial sharp increase, they began to decline in July, brokers said. Prices hit K30-35 million for a 2400-square-foot 2400-square-foot plot but have since fallen by K10-15 million – only slightly higher than they were before they started rising in 2011. Experienced freelance broker U Aun g Win de scr ibe d the boo m as an “unnatural market” built on speculation. “The prices shouldn’t have doubled or tripled liked that because those areas are undeveloped – settlements are still rare there. Most brokers believe that this situation happened because some people pooled a large amount of money and played the market to make a large profit,” he said. Members of this group – who brokers said they believed were mostly Chinese – allegedly bought up large amounts of land before the boom, and sold properties to each other in a bid to heat up the market. After other buyers entered the market, they silently sold up their stake, pocketing a significant profit. But as a result of the price declines in recent weeks, many other investors have been left holding properties worth less than they paid for them – and forced to decide whether to cut their losses or hope land values will recover. Another real estate broker, U Kyaw Myint, said sales of land on the city’s outskirts had been slow since the start of the year but prices had remained steady until recently. “Most of the owners stood firmly asking for high prices but it started to come down a little in June as they couldn’t stand it any longer. In late July, the prices came down rapidly, about K10-15 million on average,” he said. While the market has declined, some owners who are yet to More page 4
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Jakarta voters are caught in a jam AsiAn Focus
InsIde cover with
Roger Mitton
IT is a typical early evening in Jakarta, and when my interview ends, darkness has fallen and it has begun to rain, lightly at first, then heavily. We call several taxi companies; none respond. After waiting in vain for half an hour, we push up our umbrellas and start trudging along the ill-lit pavement. Abo ut 20 min ut es lat er, by some kind of minor miracle, the headlights of a taxi approach out of the satanic deluge and the car stops and picks us up. When we get to my colleague’s place, he gets out and I ask the driver to continue to my downtown hotel. His expression turns sour, but he relents and sets off. Several times, we have to churn through quite deeply flooded sections of road and I fear he will refuse to continue and leave me stranded again. But he presses on and finally we arrive, a mere two hours after my suburban appointment had ended. The receptionist gazes at me and smiles. “Do if you realise what I went through to get here?” I say. Drolely, he replies: “I think I probably do, sir.” Like other Jakarta residents, it’s a given that he’s been through much worse himself many times. Raining or not, the traffic in Indonesia’s capital is horrendous.
It makes even street-clogged Ho Chi Minh City and Manila appear to have swift and stressfree vehicular movement. And it pales in comparison to once gridlocked Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, which now have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. Jakarta has no such saving grace. That is why Governor Fauzi “Fuke” Bowo faces a tough battle in the campaign, which began on June 24, to win another five-year term. The July 11 gubernatorial race involves half a dozen candidates, but in reality the fight is between Fauzi, 64, and his dynamic younger rival, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, 51. Fauzi, backed by the Democratic Party of Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, remains the favourite but that could change as fast as rising flood waters during the rainy season. Not unexpectedly, a recent poll confirmed press reports that flooding and incessant traffic jams are the key issues for most voters and that most don’t think Fauzi has done much about them in his first term. Indeed, his indecisive performance echoes that of his party boss, SBY, whose modus operandi reminds one of the old English ditty: “She didn’t say yes, she didn’t say no; she didn’t say stay, she didn’t say go.” Still, in Fauzi’s defence, around half of those polled said they feared a new governor would do no better than him in tackling the chronic traffic and flooding problems. They blame KKN: Korupsi,
A worker at a construction site for a high-rise ofce building in Jakarta on June 27. Pic: AFP
Kolusi dan Nepotisme. Widodo, however, claims he will cut through corruption, collusion and nepotism and do for the capital what he has done for Solo, his home town in central Java. There, he has been named as one of 25 leading mayors in a global competition after successfully marketing small, but culturally renowned Solo as “The Spirit of Java” and by upgrading municipal services. As wel l as bei ng bac ked by
former pres ident Megawati Sukarnoputri’s Indones i an Democratic Party of Struggle, he is supported by presidential wannabe Prabowo Subianto, the controversial former Kopassus boss. Meanwhile, much is being made of demographic loyalties, with Fauzi being half-Betawi, a local Jakarta ethnic group with 27 percent of the city’s population, while his running mate is also a local Jakarta boy.
That gives him an advantage over Solo-born Widodo, who is a generic Javanese, while his runni ng mate is a Chines e Christian, which may appeal to that demographic, but could alienate the majority Muslims. So it remains a toss-up. And that makes it a much more exciting prospect which I shall witness in Jakarta as the votes are counted. My only fear is that I shall be stuck in a traffic jam in the rain when the result is announced.
Youth, and and their votes, hold hold the key to nation’s nation’s future future By Hnin Wint Nyunt Hman
PROGRESS in Myanmar will not continue without the active participation of its youth. Making up approximately one-third of the population, this demographic will be running the country in about 15 to 20 years and also represents a large bloc of voters right now. Winning elections, therefore, will require parties and candidates to win this
youth vote, and winning emotional baggage that older the youth vote will require generations carry today. an understanding of this Such a difference in group’s voting behaviour and collective memory has an priorities. impact on voting behaviour. But something is sorely In the lead-up to the April missing in politicians’ 1 by-elections, polling understanding of young conducted by Myanmar people in Myanmar today. Affairs showed that voters That something – widely aged 20-39 were likely to known but little talked about exceed 50 percent of total – is the fact that anyone under registered voters countrywide 35 has little or no memory of and that their turnout rate the events of 1988. As a result, and voting behaviour would this post-88 generation is likely decide the outcome not weighed down by the of the elections. The major
Their top priority is likely media. Not being adequately opposition party breezed to victory in April 2012 but the to be jobs. Figures from plugged in to the rest of the rapid pace of reform means the International Labour world creates not only a that there is ample time for Organisation database show sense of isolation, but also a dramatic changes to occur a labour force participation feeling of backwardness. Let’s not forget that the to the political context over rate of around 57% in the 15the next three years. If the 24 age group – approximately post-88 generation has electoral landscape becomes 5.17 million employed out of different social values too. more inclusive, with varied, 8.95 million. The figures They are more socially and credible choices among the are better for the 25-34 age politically progressive and opposition parties, it could group, at a rate of around receptive of global cultural have significant ramifications 93% with 7.68 million trends. A growing segment for the main opposition party. employed out of 8.23 million. of this generation is also foreign-educated urban But for any party to win in Assum ing that the 15-24 foreign-educated 2015, it will have to prove age group stays out of the youth, who are tracking the its worth – in very concrete work force until completion country’s progress in great terms – to this 50pc-plus of high-school at age 16, and earnest. Additionally, the group of voters. The difference subtracting those in tertiary increasing use of social media in voting behaviour among education – about 507,660 guarantees that news will be the post-88 generation also people nationally, according disseminated within a matter means that politicians will to UNESCO – still leaves of minutes. Simply following have to respond to a different roughly four million young an online media organisation set of priorities. Myanmar unemployed. on Facebook lets one know With reforms picking Simple low-wage jobs will which bills are being debated up speed, the decades-old not do either. They want and which parliamentarians over-simplified distinction gainful employment and the are sleeping on the job. between the “good guys” purchasing power to go along Political blunders will not go unnoticed. and the “bad guys” is fading. with it. Improved higher education Efforts to create jobs, Parliamentary action is also increasingly subjected is also a priority for the revamp higher education to public scrutiny. Bills, young; improvement not and improve ICT will take draft laws, and committee only in quality, but also in years to produce concrete workings are reported by access. Better information results. But politicians the media in great detail. a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s hoping for success in 2015 Soon, we may see members technology (ICT) is another would be advised to start of the public start to keep demand. Young people including these priorities in track of which bills their are painfully aware of the their political agendas. representative has introduced embarrassing state of ICT ( Hnin Hnin Wint Wint Nyunt Nyunt Hman Hman is and how they have voted. in their country. They do Young voters of the post- not need to venture outside a research associate with the ASEAN Studies Studies Centre Centre at the 88 generation in particular Myanmar to realise that ASEAN Institute of Southeast Southeast Asian Asian will notice whether their their peers in neighbouring Institute representatives are working countries have far easier Studies, Singapore. This to meet their particular set access to modern gadgets article does not necessarily of demands. And just how such as iPhones and iPads, reflect the views of the exactly are their demands can socialise globally on the ASEAN Studies Centre or different from the rest of the internet and ravenously the Institute of Southeast consume social and mass Asian Studies.) Studies.) voters?
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Committee continues to vet the military’s VP nominee Announcement on U Myint Swe expected this week as committee investigates eligibility or VP job By Kyaw Hsu Mon
THE proposed appointment of U Myint Swe to the vacant vice president post remains in doubt, with a committee last week continuing the process of scrutinising his credentials. The elevation el ev ation of the Y a n g o n R e g i o n c h i e f minister, who was nominated by military MPs on July 10 following the resignation of Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo, was supposed to be confirmed on July 16. However, it was delayed after allegations surfaced that a famil y member holds foreign citizenship, in contravention of eligibility
‘The role o
the hluttaw is becoming more important and it has more authority.
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criteria outlined in the constitution. A dec isi on on th e vic e president post is expected this week, with a sevenmember parliamentary committee, comprising the two speakers, their deputies, two representatives from both the upper and lower houses and one military representative, tasked with vetting U Myint Swe. U Htay Oo, general secretary of the Union Solidarity and Development Party and a member of the committee, told reporters on July 24 that nominees were still being vetted and attributed the delay to “procedural” issues. “Our board is still exploring who will be suitable for the vice president post. I can’t say [who will be selected]; the board will announce it as soon as we are finished,” he said. A n a l y s t s s a i d t h e decision on Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo’s replacement comes at a critical time in the country’s
transition to democracy and lawmakers needed to ensure the nominee meets the eligibility criteria. “If the decision is incorrect, it will have to take the blame. This period is most important for the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw,” said experienced journalist and former politician Maung Wuntha. A n a l y s t s s a i d t h e current deliberations were particularly important given the same provision effectively bars Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from being nominated for president. However, nobody said they expected the hluttaw to amend the constitution to make U Myint Swe eligible if he did not meet the existing criteria. “The hluttaw will select the pers on who meets the qualification set out in the constitution. I’m of the opinion that the hluttaw is re-examining the background of U Myint Swe because they didn’t look at his qualifications in detail when the military representatives nominated his name for the post,” said U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar). “The role of the hluttaw is becoming more important and it has more authority,” he said. “In 2015, there will be someone else who is caught up by the provisions of the current constitution.” While many names were floated in the week leading up to the July 10 announcement, General Hla Htay Win is considered the frontrunner should U Myint Swe be deemed ineligible. However, the online editor of a Chiang Maibased news agency said she believed U Myint Swe was the only person in the running. Should U Myint Swe get the vice president job, he will be forced to resign as Yangon Region chief minister. Lt Gen Wai Lwin is considered his likely replacement to head the government in the country’s largest city and economic centre. – Tr an sl at ed by Thiri Min Htun
U Nay Myo Wai (right) of the Peace and Diversity Party on a tractor in Shwenanthar village, Mingalardon township, in early May. Pic: Ko Taik
Zaykabar files defamation charge against politician over land dispute By Noe Noe Aung and Win Ko Ko Latt
CONSTRUC TIO N fi rm Zaykabar last week filed defamation charges against a politician assisting farmers embroiled in a land ownership dispute with the company in Yangon’s Mingalardon township. “I applied directly to a court of law to charge U Nay Myo Wai of the Peace and Diversity Party in the third week of July because some of his words have hurt our company’s reputation,” Zaykabar manager U Myint Zaw told The Myanmar Times on July 23. “Mingalardon court has transferred this case to the township police. The police are examining it and my witnesses and I were interviewed recently,” he said.
The case, which has been widely covered in local and international media, relates to a dispute over almost 1000 acres of land in Shwenanthar village that the company allegedly acquired with the assistance of local officials, who told the farmers the land was to be acquired for a government project. Zaykabar says it always planned to use the land for an industrial zone – Yangon Industrial Zone 4 – and the project had been approved by the Yangon Region government and Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development. The dispute has been a public relations disaster for the company, which in May defied an order from local officials not to destroy embankments on the contested land. To establish its ownership rights, the company was then forced to
ruin our apply for permission to farm And his words can ruin the land, despite originally reputation,” said U Khin stating that it would be used Shwe. Peace and Diversity Party for an industrial zone. The company’s decision member U Aung Myo Oo to file defamation charges said Mingalardon township is only likely to increase police had informed U Nay scrutiny on its activities in Myo Wai of the complaint Mingalardon. and its plan to investigate Zaykabar chairman U the allegations. U Nay Myo Khin Shwe, who is also Wai was interviewed by a n A m y o t h a H l u t t a w police at 10am on July 23. representative, confirmed “I believe that the court the charge on July 24. will decide correctly. There is “Of course, we charged no problem, I think,” U Nay him at the Mingalardon Myo Wai told The Myanmar court a week ago. The court Times as he returned from will name a section or an act the township police station for him after they examine last week. “All I did was help the [the case],” U Khin Shwe farmers. I didn’t aim to insult said. He said that the company anybody with my personal only wanted to have U Nay feelings,” he added. When The Myanmar Times Myo Wai charged and the case was not related to the contacted Mingaladon police station, an official said he Peace and Diversity Party. “We charged him because had been instructed by “the his words are insulting to higher level” not to comment the company and also to me. on the case.
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Reps ignore ministry
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PRESIDENT U THEIN SEIN shares a light moment with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a press conference at Government House in Bangkok on July 23. U Thein Sein on July 22 began his rst ofcial trip to Thailand since coming to power in March 2011. Economic ties were top of the agenda, with both sides recommitting to the Dawei Special Economic Zone project. Full story page 18. Pic: AFP
Govt looks to rebuild ‘rice bowl’ By Myo Lwin
THE government is aiming for Myanmar to regain its status as the “rice bowl” of Southeast Asia, a senior official said as he pitched the country’s agriculture sector to prospective foreign investors last week. Speaking at a two-day agriculture summit in Yangon on July 25, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Dr Kan Zaw said there were “excellent opportunities” to expand the agriculture sector with foreign assistance. “We are now opening all fronts between Myanmar and its business partners from all over the world,” Dr Kan Zaw said in his opening remarks. The government was aiming to “overcome” many of the existing barriers to investment, including the banking system, exchange rate, land policy, infrastructure and lack of human resources, he said. “By taking theses steps, we have to look forward to regain the position of rice bowl in the region. We have to get growth that can reduce poverty and we must try to drop the inequality to get income security,’’ said Dr Kan Zaw. “I hope this meeting will bring more recommendations and concrete ways forward [for a] better rice economy.” In a brief interview with The Myanmar Times after his address, Dr Kan Zaw said the country was moving “in the right direction” and invited foreign investment in the agriculture sector, which directly and indirectly employs about two-thirds of the country’s workforce. The “Into Myanmar Agri Trade, Investment and Infrastructure Summit”, organised by Singapore-based Magenta Global, attracted about 200 stakeholders from the global agribusiness sector, many of whom were scouting for new opportunities in Myanmar. More than 20 presentations were made by foreign and local experts at the July 25-26 event, focusing on topics such as the rice industry, electricity, water, banking, marketing, other food crops and fertiliser. Representatives from some foreign firms at the event said t hey had already started joint ventures with Myanmar partners while many are still looking for a suitable opportunity. The spokesperson for the producer
of Tra Chang-brand ploughs said the company had seen a large increase in business, with 10,000 diesel ploughs sold in Myanmar last year. “Normally we sell a few thousand units a year, but last year was a big increase,” said Mr Issares Thumrongthunyawong of Thai firm Siam Kubota. Mr Simon Luu, country manager of Victory Capital, a Cambodia-based investment management firm that also has a presence in Vietnam, said his company was in the process of opening an office in Yangon. However, he said many prospective investors were still somewhat sceptical about the country’s political stability. “People realise that Myanmar has huge potential. Human resources and technology will be the problems here,” he said. “Business in Vietnam is slow. The market is already saturated. So, we’re interested in Myanmar.” A spokesperson for Singapore-based fertiliser producer Yara said his firm also saw a great deal of potential to expand business in Myanmar. The country produces 100,000 tonnes of fertiliser a year, importing about 700,000 tonnes to meet the rest of the demand. “But we still have no idea which crop will bring maximum income for the farmers here. Only then can we give the right solution,” said Mr Adrian Ng, market development manager for Yara, which has branches in 11 countries. A business development adviser adviser from Malaysia, Mr Hishamuddin Koh, said the summit addressed many issues related to production, financing and marketing of agricultural products in Myanmar. “Myanmar is now in the best position to act as a provider of food to a region where no other nations have similar resources,” said Mr Koh, who has been based here for 20 years. Myanmar has rich bio-diversity and can grow many horticultural and food crops, he said. Myanmar exported 844,000 tonnes of rice last year earning US$324 million, a 57 percent increase on the 536,800 tonnes exported the previous year, according to Ministry of Commerce figures. The government has targeted increasing rice exports by 20pc, to more than one million tonnes, this year.
Earlier, Thura U Shwe Mann said the proposal was “an opportunity for all of us: citizens and our union”. “We don’t need to say it is a challenge. In our country, the legislature, executive and judiciary are selected according to democratic rules. In the hluttaw, we can systematically ask or confer or decide the questions or proposals or bills freely and openly. The hluttaw has now implemented the people’s desire, the people’s opinion and the people’s needs,” he said. “The current government is going to do projects and plans that are in the interest of the people and the state by confiscating land. We should welcome and agree with those projects that are implemented equitably and with goodwill.” He said the discussion had raised a number of important issues, including the need for accurate land ownership maps and for government departments to work fairly and within the law while implementing policy or p rojects. He s aid projects that require land nationalisation needed to be worthwhile, suitable and transparent. Communities needed to have some ownership over the projects, he added. “Our representatives have conferred about U Tin Htut’s proposal with goodwill. And I wish all officials who have to implement projects according to the decision of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw do so by considering all sides so as not to harm the farmers,” the speaker said. While most representatives expressed support for the motion, not all were in favour. Among the dissenting voices was U Khin Shwe, an Amyotha Hluttaw representative representative and chairman chairman of construction firm Zaykabar, who took the opportunity to defend his company against recent allegations of land-grabbing in Yangon’s Mingalardon township. He blamed a local political party, the Peace and Diversity Party, for helping the farmers campaign to have their land returned. “Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development only paid K10,000 an acre for more than 2000 acres that make up Mingladon Park City in about 1997. My company, though, paid K300,000 for an acre of land – which was the then-market price – for the remaining 800 acres to be used as Industrial Zone 4. This was after negotiating several several times with the leaders of the farmers and agreeing to pay as they demanded,” he said. “Afterwards, the farmer relinquished their land according to the contract. The company took rent from tenant farmers as the nature of work required. Road were built for Industrial Zone 4, drainage was dug, lamp posts were put up and electricity installed. Only when 80 percent of the infrastructure was completed and the plots for the industrial zone were sold, the farmers demanded their land back through local and foreign media because of the incitement of a political party. “Because it was sold as an industrial zone, the land cannot be given back to the farmers. The permit to develop Industrial Zone 4 was already given by different levels of the government, including the State Peace and Development Council, Ministry of Construction, Construction, Yangon Region government and Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development. The things the farmers are saying via news media are not true.” – Translated by by Thiri Min Htun Htun
Clarification An article published in the July 9-16 issue of The Myanmar Times, titled “Opium fight fuels food insecurity”, stated that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) receives US$9 million funding from the German and Japanese governments for four programs in Myanmar. While these two countries do provide funds to UNODC, the European Union is the largest donor to the agency in Myanmar.
Quick boom turns to bust in Mandalay finalise contracts and ownership documentation have been rushing to the Settlement and Land Records Department office in recent days to take advantage of a tax reduction that is expected to disappear at the end of August, broker U Tin Maung said. Under the tax break, which was brought in about five years ago and renewed each year, buyers only have to pay 15 percent of the purchase price in tax, below the normal 25pc.
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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urges legislation for ethnic equality By Soe Than Lynn
DAW Aung San Suu Kyi last week urged the Pyithu Hluttaw to amend and enact laws to safeguard the rights of ethnic minorities “with the Pinlon spirit”, a reference to the historic conference overseen by her father that helped ensure Myanmar’s independence. The representative for Kawhmu, in her first address to parliament on July 25, said laws should be introduced based “on equality, mutual respect and trust”. Twenty-seven representatives applied to discuss the proposal of Union Solidarity and Development Party member U T Hkun Myat, the representative for Kutkai, who proposed that laws should be enacted to protect the rights of ethnic people. “Safeguarding the rights of ethnic people is about more than the preservation of their language and culture,” Daw Aung San Suu Kyi NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi addresses the Pyithu Hluttaw on said. “I urge dis cus s i on by all July 25 in her rst speech to parliament. Pic: AFP representatives to bring about a real necessary to safeguard the rights of 24, the 13 th day of the fourth democratic union based on equality, the ethnic peoples. I hereby second Pyithu Hluttaw session. Nine mutual respect and trust that is not the proposal of U T Hkun Myat,” representatives, including four from different from and cannot be kept she said. the National League for Democracy separate from the Pinlon spirit, Hluttaw representatives began – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Ohn and to amend and enact laws as debating the proposal on July Kyaing of Mahaaungmyay, U Kyaw
Literature experts tasked with drafting Shan textbook By Pinky
AB OU T 20 0 m em be r s of 52 Shan li literature terature organisations met last week to discuss the publication of a proposed Shan-language textbook that will be used to teach Shan in state schools. The main point discussed at the meeting, held at Shan Monastery at 9-Mile in Mingalardon township on July 22, was whether to use a translation of the current Myanmar-language textbook, or write a new Shan-language textbook, with all participants agreeing on the latter option. At an ear li er me et ing on July 15, the literature experts examined a translated textbook and found that it was inadequate for Shan students. There were many inconsistencies and problems with pronunciation, characters and spelling and they decided it would not suffice. Following the decision, the organisations last week formed a committee of seven experts to oversee the drafting of the new textbook. “We used to have our ow own n textbook that we us ed to teach in Shan monasteries or private tuition but we never had the chance to use it in government schools. Now the government will allow Shan-language teaching in schools so we must have
A monk looks at Shan-language books at Shan Monastery on July 22. Pic: Pinky
a good quality textbook. The Shan language varies from region to region but this textbook will use only one version of the Shan language,” said Dr Sai Win Myint Yin, chairman of the Yan gon Sha n Lit era tur e organisation. The July 22 gathering s tems from an earli earlier er meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, on June 15, at which the Minis try of Educati on announced it would allow ethnic minorities to teach their own languages in state schools. The ministry gave Shan delegates two months to decide on how the textbook would be compiled, said Taunggyi University teacher Dr Nan Nwet Nwet Win. “For this project we need to get help from Shan
literature organisations,” she said. While Myanmar would remain the language of instruction for most classes, U Sai Aung Tun, the head of the committee tasked with compiling the textbook, said the government’s decision was an important step forward for ethnic minority rights and would help to strengthen national unity. “Nowadays most Shan children cannot speak, read or write their own language. There will be many benefits from the government’s decision to allow ethnic groups to teach their languages in their own regions. For example, when students know their own language very well, they will be more willing to learn other languages as well,” he said.
Thiha of Pyin Oo Lwin and U Min Thu of Ottarathiri – discussed it on July 25. In her presentation, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi used figures from the Asian Development Bank to highlight the extent of poverty in areas dominated by ethnic minorities. “In our country, the places stricken with the worst poverty are states. Chin State’s poverty rate, according to Asian Development Bank statistics, is 73.3 percent, eastern Shan State’s is 46.4pc, northern Shan State is 37.2pc, southern Shan State is 25.1pc and the average in Shan State is 39.1pc. Rakhine State’s poverty rate is 43.5pc,” she said. “The poverty rate for Myanmar as a whole is 25.6pc so it is noticeable that it is higher in these states. Similarly, in Kachin State it is 28.6pc – higher than the average. In contrast, Mon, Kayah and Kayin states have lower rates … it is obvious that development of our states is not satisfactory. “Additionally, the fire of internal conflict has failed to be extinguished,” she said, adding that conflict in Shan and Kachin states and the state of emergency in Rakhine State only served to increase poverty. – Translated by Thit Lwin
President to meet 14 more parties By Naw Say Phaw Waa
PRESIDENT U Thein Sein is expected to soon meet representatives from another 14 registered political parties, following a meeting with leaders of 10 parties on July 18, sources said last week. Minister for Rail Transportation U Aung Min and Minister for Industry U Soe Thein met representatives of 14 parties on July 22 to finalise the details, U Tun Au ng Ky aw , ch ai rm an of Modern Public Party, told The Myanmar Times last week. “Their intention in meeting with these 14 parties is to negotiate for a meeting with President U Thein Sein,” said U Tun Aung Kyaw, who took part in the meeting. The two ministers instructed the politicians to frankly dis cus s difficult is s ues , such as internal peace and reconciliation, adding that party membres should not feel constrained to express their views in the current political environment. Other politicians present at the meeting included U Khun Tun Oo of the Shan National League for Democracy and U Nay Myo Wai of the Peace and Diversity Party.
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Child Law amendments complete Changes will bring 1993 law into line with Convention on the Rights o the Child By Ei Ei Toe Lwin
AMENDMENTS to the Child Law have been completed and are likely to be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for approval before the end of the year, the top official in Myanmar for the United Nations Children’s Fund, which helped draft the changes, said last week. “The child law has been already updated. I think it’s completed but we are waiting for formal endorsement in the parliament to ratify new law,” said Mr Ramesh Shrestha, UNICEF representative in Myanmar. Myanmar signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991and the Child Law was promulgated in 1993, with by-laws enacted in 2001. Following a request from the Ministry of Social Welfare in August, August, UNICEF UNICEF began began helping helping draft amendments to bring it into line with the convention, particularly in terms of protection and meeting international standards on juvenile justice. “We have been advocating for many years to fill in some gaps where the child law does not correspond to the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” said Ms Nette Wijnants, head of UNICEF’s child protection department.
“We are hoping [the amendments ] w ill go to parliament before the end of year,” Ms Wijnants said. “So it has not been enacted as a law yet. And we are also proposing to have new chapter on protection of children affected by armed conflict … we’ll have to wait until the minister has approved the amendments and it goes up to parliament.” UNICEF and other nongovernment organisations involved in the updating process proposed changing
it a stronger law.” But U Aung Tun Khaing, deputy director general of the Department of Social Welfare, said the submission of the amendments to parliament might not take place until 2013. “The draft has already been completed but we cannot say exactly when it will be discussed in the parliament. It is impossible to discuss during this session and it may not be until 2013. We still have some processes to complete before we get to that
We’ll have to wait until the minister ‘has approved the amendments and it goes up to parliament. ’ the age definition of a child stage,” he said. and the definition of criminal Experts who took part in the responsibility. amendment drafting process “Already the child law had said they were optimistic the those provisions. But in some changes would have a positive areas, they did not correspond impact. “I expect the new child law fully to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. For will increase protection of child instance, the definition of a rights because many points in child under the convention is the old law have been changed anyone up to 18, while the child to bring it into conformity with the convention,” said Dr law is up to 16,” she said. “The Child Law already had Ohnmar Khaing, manager a lot of [provisions for the] of child protection at World Vision. protection of children’s rights Vision. She said it would be but we are just trying to make
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Ratana Metta begins children’s legal aid program
complemented by the government’s decision to sign an action plan on the issue of underage recruitment in late By Yamon Phu Thit June. “We’ll continue monitoring A PROGRAM PROGRAM to provide provide a free free legal legal assistanc assistancee whether the government follows to children in Yangon Region got underway last the action plan. We particularly week, the head of implementing organisation urge them to focus on the rights Ratana Metta said. of ethnic children who live in Under the program, children involved in a remote areas,” Dr Ohnmar lawsuit are eligible for free legal assistance Khaing said. and psychological support if necessary. The “The government must control organisation will also cover their expenses. the entry of children into the “We will help children whether they are the military, particularly through plaintiff or defendant. The main purpose is the use of fake documents and to help them financially and psychologically,” citing reasons like, the army Ratana Metta president U Myint Swe said on accepted the child because they July 23. want to join up.” “If they become a defendant, we are trying World Vision data shows about to ensure they receive their rights under the 40 percent of underage soldiers law rather than protect them through unlawful were recruited within their means.” communities and she said this Though the organisation planned to introduce highlighted the need to focus on the program in more than 250 townships in community interventions. Most collaboration with the United Nations Children’s children were recruited at the Funds (UNICEF), lack of funding has meant it age of 15 to 16, she said. will initially only take place in Yangon Region. “Children do not know what “We are going to expand the program later their rights are and in many on. Now we have started it as much as we can cases even their parents lack in Yangon Region.” knowledge about child rights. The project will also see education support Children’s rights are likely to and vocational training given to children who be violated if their parents do face legal problems. not know what those rights are,” “We need to give moral education as much as said Daw Si Si Myint, a child help them to be free from legal action. If they specialist with World Vision. commit theft, we need to figure out why they “Education and awareness- committed it – for example, if they did it because raising programs about CRC they are poor or lack education,” he said. need to be conducted for parents Children in Yangon Region who are in need to protect the rights of their of legal assistance can contact Ratana Metta children,” she added. Organisation on (01) 201-480 or 09-7302-4794. 09-7302-4794.
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Newly independent Central Bank eyes monetary markets capacity within the banking network and facilitate the creation of international banking linkages. U Maung Maung Win THE Central Bank of Myanmar was last week said the bank is urging granted independence from priv private ate ins itutions to the Ministry for Finance gain experience in foreign and Revenue, leaving it banking operations from free to intervene in the regional players to prepare country’s monetary markets for the country’s integration as needed, an official said into the ASEAN Economic on July 27. Community in 2015. “The Central Bank is Deputy governor U Maung Maung Win said in the process of drawing the Central Bank was made regulations [for foreign banking] and our thinktank independent on July 25. “ W e w i l l h a v e t h e for the Ministry of Finance a p p r o v a l t o m a n a g e is discussing this,” said U monetary policy,” he told Maung Maung Win. “According to the The Myanmar Times. “In the pas t w we e had outcomes we will decide to submit any proposed which type of entry is the actions to the Ministry best,” he said. He confirmed that the for Finance and Revenue and [go through] many bank was working with steps by steps. But now our Daiwa to dev develop el op the bank’s board of directors country’s stock exchange. will handle any monetary “It’s under discussion market issues and we will [ a n d ] w e h a v e s o m e be better able to fulfill our relationships with Daiwa responsibilities,” a Central from Japan. For example, Bank spokesperson added. we signed a Memorandum He said the Central Bank of Understanding with was working to establish Daiwa and the Tokyo Stock a capital market, build Exchange to es tablis h By Aye Thidar Kyaw and Stuart Deed
a stock exchange in Myanmar,” he said. “We have an agreement between the two governments to start official development assistance from Japan [and] according to this program JICA is the focal institution. “JICA arranged to assist the financial sector and ICT development and assigned Daiwa and Fujitsu and NTT Data. “They are coming [to Myanmar] and discussing with the respective departments but they have not started work yet.” U Maung Maung Win said listings on the stock exchange would likely use the local currency. “I think we can start with our local currency [but] we need to encourage public companies … to list in the stock exchange because we have so many companies but most of them are privately owned.: With only government treasury bonds currently available, he s aid ai d the country needed to develop a secondary bond market.
An employee handles bank notes at the Central Bank of Myanmar in Yangon. Pic: AFP
U Maung Maung Win said the floating of the kyat on April 2 was the start of the process of unifying the country’s different exchange rates. “That means the Central Bank is required to intervene in the market and try to establish a foreign exchange [formal] market in the country,” he said, adding that the International Monetary Fund had provided technical assistance in the flotation. The unification aimed to align economic reforms wi with th political reforms reform s undertaken since President U Thein Sein’s government took office on March 30,
2011, he said. Since the float, the national currency has depreciated about 7 percent against the US dollar: the Central Bank’s recommended rate on July 27 was K873, compared with K818 on April 2. However, U Maung Maung Win said the bank was also monitoring comments from economists and businesspeople from key sectors, as well as watching international currency exchange rates, commodities such as gold and fuel, and trade volumes to “discover the appropriate rate”. “We will discover the
appropriate rate, which depends on monetary sector, but it has to be convenient for all sectors,” he said, adding that an exchange rate of between K870 and K900 would satisfy some. He added that the Central Bank would like private domestic banks to form joint ventures with foreign counterparts, with subsidiary offices as a second step and full branch offices as the final step. The Central Bank has about 1200 employees but U Maung Maung Win said this was insufficient for the bank’s future responsibilities responsibilities and it plans to double its workforce.
Election commission flags voting system change US to let import ban expire, at least temporarily
By Naw Say Phaw Waa
THE Union Election Commission is reviewing the electoral system and plans to submit a bill to parliament to amend the election law, officials told members of a 10-party alliance at a meeting last week. The minority alliance, a mixture of both Burmese and ethnic parties, has been lobbying to change firstpast-the-post to proportional representation for several months and met Union Election Commis s i on chairman U Tin Aye and Constitutional Tribunal member Dr Tin Aung Aye to discuss the issue on July 27. “Because the issue of proportional representation concerns only the election law, Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye will submit it to the hluttaw. He seemed impressed by this system,” said U Thar Hla Tun, secretary of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party. The parties contend that proportional representation, whereby seats are distributed according to the proportion of votes received, would be fairer as it would give minority parties and independent candidates a better chance of winning seats. U Saw Than Myint from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party told The Myanmar Times that the 17 minority party leaders urged the commission to amend the election law so the new voting
system was in place by the law, the commission will carry University democracy scholar Larry Diamond agreed the out necessary tasks for it.” 2015 general election. The report said the 10 electoral system needed “to “The benefits of the proportional representation parties had submitted a paper be looked at”. However, he said straight system are that it’s easy to the commission, titled f o r v o t e r s d u r i n g t h e “Suggestion on Improvement proportional representation might not be the best system WASHINGTON – A US ban on imports from election, no parties would be of Election System”. Last week’s meeting comes as representatives should have Myanmar is set to expire, at least temporarily, disadvantaged and it’s fairer. Another thing is th at voter s’ after representatives from the a connection to constituencies at the end of September because of a clash ballots won’t be wasted,” said parties discussed electoral and voters. between lawmakers over funding for an African “ I t i s n o t g o o d f o r trade provision. Democratic Party (Myanmar) reform and other issues with chairman U Thu Wai, who President U Thein Sein in d e m o c r a c y t o h a v e a n y The two issues are tied together in a bill that also took part in last week’s Nay Pyi Taw on July 18 in party, even one committed has the backing of the Obama administration what was the president’s to democracy, to have a and that lawmakers hope to pass before their meeting. The state-run New Ligh t first official meeting with a near-hegemonic presence. month-long August recess. You want comp eti tion , you of Myanmar published a registered political party. The White House has eased some sanctions on Aft er mee tin g the Uni on want opposition, you want Myanmar in response to economic and political detailed report of the meeting on July 28, quoting U Tin Election Commission on the pluralism. So the bottom line reforms. Aye as sayin g the elect oral morning of July 27, party is not only that is not only is Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell system should be modified leaders also held talks with proportional representation proposed separating the two measures so the ban “after systematically studying Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker intrinsically a fairer system on imports from Myanmar could be renewed. t h e v a r i o u s i m p o r t a n t Thura U Shwe Mann in the but it may be more effective at But Senate Finance Committee Chairman giving a stake in the political Max Baucus, a Democrat, objected on the afternoon. situations”. He also revealed the issue Discussions with Thura U system to a variety of forces, grounds that it would jeopardise approval of the had been forwarded to the Shwe Mann focused on the including the current ruling African trade measure, measure, which he said was vital vital Constitutional Tribunal for hluttaw, U Thu Wai said. party, if those forces don’t do to clothing industry jobs on the continent. “U Shwe Mann said their very well in the next election,” review. He rejected Mr McConnell’s charge that “As it must be assessed main intention is that all he said. Democrats were turning renewal of sanctions “At the same there is a n eed on Myanmar “into a partisan issue” after years whether the [Proportional] parties can give suggestions R e p r e s e n t a t io io n S y s t e m at any time if they are good in country like Burma that of strong support from both parties. recommended by the political for the people. He said we is still overwhelmingly-rural Mr Baucus said he hoped to work with Senat or parties is in conformity with could meet in person or write to have geographically-based Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, in the concepts of the constitution to coordinate our activities representation, in which coming days to address his concerns about or not, the suggestion was to work for the country’s there are representatives funding for the African trade provision. that people can identify, each sent to the Constitutional development.” The African Growth and Opportunity Act, The alliance includes the in their own constituency, to first passed by Congress in 2000, allows Tribunal of the union for seeking its recommendation. Democratic Party (Myanmar), represent them and speak eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa to ship The Constitutional Tribunal All Mon Regions Democracy for them, that they can have thousands of goods to the United States without of the union will give the Party, Party for Democracy access to express grievances paying import duties. best recommendation for the and Peace, Shan Nationalities and interests. A provision provision that that expires expires September September 30 waives “I think the answer is some duties on clothing from most African Growth and Democratic Party, Chin suggestion,” he said. “ T h e U n i o n E l e c t i o n N a t i o n a l P a r t y , U n i o n kind of mixed electoral system, Opportunity Act countries, even if the yarn or Commission will submit the Democratic Party, Rakhine in which there is a substantial fabric is made in a “third country” like China, outcome from the meeting Nationalities Development if not full proportionality South Korea or Vietnam. to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw P a r t y , P h a l o n - S a w a w in the distribution of votes Mr Coburn has objected to the use of US Customs after reviewing it so as to Democratic Party, National into seats but at the same Service user fees spread out over 10 years to pay make a decision. When the Democratic Force and Unity time that people can identify for the US$200 million cost of the trade bill. individual representatives representatives Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which and Peace Party. Those are the types of provisions that have In an interview with the The that speak for them.” is the highest legislature of created a huge mountain of US government debt, the state, has approved it as a Irrawaddy last week, Stanford he said. – Reuters
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UN agency to begin joint land program By Thomas Kean
A woman speaks to the media dur ing a protest in Dagon Seikkan township last week. Pic: Yadanar
Farmers protest agri zone, call for return of farmland Phoe Phyu said. He said the companies attempted to use legal FARMERS from Dagon means to assert control over Seikkan, South Dagon and the farmland. East Dagon townships “Some of the companies s taged a legal protes t made a promise to the l a s t w e e k t o d e m a n d farmers that they would redistribution of thousands do contract farming with of acres of farmland taken them but in reality it didn’t for an agriculture project happen. So if the companies take legal action against in 2008. Prominent land rights the farmers from these five legal consultant U Phoe villages who are demanding Phyu said on July 20 that the their farmland back, we farmers wanted to “demand will just take legal action back their farmland legally, against the companies,” said even though it was taken U Phoe Phyu. U Kyaw Kyaw Min from illegally”. Protesters received permission to Nyaung Pin village told The demonstrate under the Myanmar Times the firm new Peaceful Protest Law that confiscated his land in and 270 from five villages 2008 farmed some of it but gathered in front of the left most fallow. office of Pin Lel Koe Thwel “The company does some company in Dagon Seikkan farming but there are many township. acres of farmland left out “Altogether 1085 farmers there. Now some farmers in Dagon Seikkan, South cultivate 60 acres [without Dagon and East Dagon lost permission],” he said. their farmland – more than “The company does 10,000 acres – in 2008,” U farming but just on the land By Noe Noe Aung
near company buildings. They don’t farm all of the land, there are many acres left, so we told the companies to give back the farmland that they don’t farm. They said that they will report about this to hluttaw. But we have been waiting for too long. Nothing is going to happen and that’s why we decided to protest today. We want to farm on the farmland that they aren’t using,” he added. An agriculture industry source with knowledge of the case said the previous military government had created a “special agricultural zone” on the disputed land. Land in the zone, which encompassed five existing villages, was given to 16 companies to farm in 2009. U Khin Htay, a farmer who took part in the protest, said he and many other farmers received some compensation when the
land was taken in 2008. “I had 11 acres before. My family and all of our ancestors lived there and farmed on that land for the past 90 years. But in 2008, a company took my farmland and the land of some other farmers and gave us K50,000 an acre each as compensation. [Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development] also gave K20,000 to some farmers. We didn’t want to take it but they forced us to,” he said. U Maung Nyo, a farmer from Thayetpin Chaung village said that some companies promised that they would give the farmland back to the farmers after three years. “They promised contract farming after we gave the farmlands to them. But we didn’t get any contract,” U Maung Nyo said. “It has been three years now. I think it’s time to demand our land back.”
Location survey for storm radars underway By Aye Sapay Phyu
A TEAM of experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency has begun surveying possible locations for new storm radars, an official from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said last week. He said the team from the JICA head office in Japan and DMH officials had earlier in July conducted a survey in Mandalay, Yangon, Kyaukpyu and Thandwe townships in Rakhine state, Putao township in Kachin state and
Monywa in lower Sagaing Region. “The expert team will collect the data to determine which place will be best to set up the radars. It is expected two or three radars will be provided by the Japanese government. A more detailed plan will be worked out based on the results of the survey,” he said. “Weather radars are important to forecast not only storms but also precipitation and flooding.” The DMH official said detailed information on storm intensity, storm tracking, density of clouds
and precipitation could be gleaned from the weather radars, adding that the network would improve disaster preparedness. The country’s first and only weather radar was set up on Min Pyin Hill in Kyaukpyu township in 1974 and was used to forecast storm intensity and track the Gwa cyclone in 1982. According to Dr Tun Lwin, a former director general of DMH, the radar has been out of service since 1997 and the department has had no radar to watch approaching storms, including Cyclone Nargis in May 2008.
A JOINT government and United Nations program focusing on implementation of the country’s new land laws is set to get underway in August, a UN Human Settlements Program official said earlier this month. The two-year Land A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d Management Program (LAMP) is scheduled to begin August 1. Funded by the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), the countrywide program will be implemented by UNHABITAT in partnership with the Ministry of Agricultur Agriculturee and Irrigation Irrigation’s ’s Land Settlement and Records Department (SLRD). “The overall objective is to support the government as it implements the new land laws in Myanmar. You could say the sub-objective is to make sure that those laws are implemented in a way that’s inclusive of the poor majority, being smallholder farmers in rural areas,” said Mr Eben Forbes, program officer with UN-HABITAT. The program has three main components: research studies and pilot projects; expert group meetings; and technical assistance and training. While LAMP is yet to get underway, some activities are already in the pipeline. The International Labour Organisation has offered to train lawyers and officials from land management committees on dispute resolution. UN Food and Agric ultu re Organ isati on is expected to undertake a study of the likely or potential impact of the new laws on farmers, as well as a pilot of a land information system in Bago Region. “A land information system would be… right now you have separate maps and registries so this would be integrating them in a digital format so that you can click on a parcel of land and find out the owner and the dimensions,” Mr Forbes said. “There’s a lack of knowledge, a lack of research studies about the current land administration systems. We know a lot of vague things, for example that the mapping is quite sub par, whereas the registration, the list of who owns what, those records are relatively up to date,” he said. “Another component is expert group meetings and that would be exposing the relevant government officials with their counterparts in other countries, especially countries that have had success with their land management programs,” he said, adding that two threeday meetings are planned for later this year. While the initial period for LAMP is two years, Mr Forbes said there was potential for the program to not only continue but also expand in many different directions. “In the big picture these
two years are really like the launching of a larger land overhaul. In most countries … to achieve any countrywide land reform of any sort would take around 10 years or longer – it could take decades. It’s inevitable that it will take more than two years and so LAMP could expand within these two years and thereafter with LIFT or other donors. It could turn into a huge thing or another scenario is it could be swallowed up by World Bank,” he said. “It’s a huge program, it’ll touch on all aspects of UNHABITAT’s work. We’re excited about it but it’s daunting too because it’s so all-encompassing.” He said another element of LAMP was to fos foster ter partners hips “within government, within ministries, within departments in the same ministries, and of course partnerships and communication between government and civil society”. He said UN-HABITAT is also prepared to assist the government on land-related issues not directly included in the program, including the drafting of rules and regulations for the new land laws. “We’re prepared to assist the government if requested [but] we can’t just show up tomorrow at their door and say we’re going to help you with the rules and regulations. It’s on a request basis but we’re prepared to do that. We’ve got the support of our headquarters in Nairobi and they have a land unit so that’s a huge resource we can draw upon. “It’s a step by step approach, right now we’re working with SLRD from the director general level down and we have to kind of wait and see whether we can end up working at a higher level. “Also there’s no real precedent for this kind of program; with the changes in government it’s difficult to predict exactly where the program will go. We have lots of hopes, we have a proposal document and so forth, but it’s a moving target.” Mr Forbes said the passage of the two new land laws – the Farmland Law and Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law – through the parliament had created a “huge spike in interest” in land-related issues among both local and international groups. He said there was a widely held view that as Myanmar opens up land will be a “critical area”. “There’s the potential for sustainable development or there’s the potential for it to go in a really bad direction. It doesn’t depend on any one thing, it doesn’t depend solely on the text of the laws, it depends on how they’re implemented, what the rules and regulations are that cascade down from the laws and how much autonomy is given at the local level of government to administer the laws.”
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Airlines Airlines plan plan large large foreigner foreigner fare fare rise rise Air Bagan , Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Asian Wings and Yangon Airways – charge D O M E S T I C a i r l i n e s essentially the same price, insisted last week that with a variance of just $1-2 fares for foreign travellers on each route. Last week, spokespersons would rise about 10 percent for the coming high season, for three of the airlines despite figures showing an all said they planned to average 30pc increase on increase fares the same amount from October 1: the same time last year. The planned increases 10pc. mean a flight from Yangon “We will increase airfares to Myitkyina in Kachin 10pc this coming high season. State will cost US$200 We already announced to one way from October 1, all travel agencies that we while the popular Yangon- will increase airfares two Mandalay and Yangon- months ago. We can’t say Heho/Nyaung Oo routes exactly how much we will will be $128 and $120 increase each flight,” said respectively, according to a spokesperson from Air a list of fares provided to Mandalay. However, figures provided The Myanmar Times last week. The high season to The Myanmar Times runs from October to the show a rise of about 15pc on most tourist routes, with end of April. T r a v e l a g e n t s s a i d fares to increase almost t h e i n c r e a s e s w e r e 40pc between Yangon and unreasonable and warned Thandwe, the gateway to they would deter foreign Ngapali Beach. The rises are even more significant travellers. “Prices for every tourism- when compared with the r e l a t e d p r o d u c t a r e 2011-12 high season. high – it’s getting worse It is also unclear why and worse by the day. fares for local travellers Tourism officials and third are scheduled to drop about parties should conduct a 5pc from October 1, making serious analysis on this airfares on the main tourist issue and find a solution routes anywhere from to the problem as soon 24pc to 40pc cheaper for as possible,” said U Aye Myanmar nationals than Kyaw, managing director foreign travellers at last of travel company Ruby week’s exchange rates. “We don’t usually Land. While Myanmar ostensibly increase local airfares. The has competition com petiti on iin n iits ts low season and high season domestic airline industry, rates are normally about all five private carriers – the same,” an Air KBZ By Yu Yu Maw
Sky High: domestic fares set to rise Average 30 percent year-on year jump planned for high season Fares 2011 low season (May 1-Sep 30)
Route
Foreign
Local
Yangon-Mandalay
$79
K65,000
2011-12 high season (Oct 1-April 30)
Foreign $99
Local K99,000
2012-13 high season (Oct 1-April 30)*
Foreign
Local
Foreign
Local
$110
K80,000
$128
K78,000
Yangon-Nyaung Oo/Heho
$74
K53,000
$93
K93,000
$105
K69,000
$120
K65,500
Yangon-Sittwe
$99
K8 K80,000
$109
K109,000
$121
K96,000
$139
K9 K93,000
Yangon-Thandwe
$75
K65,000
$90
K90,000
$86
K75,000
$120
NA
Nyaung Oo/Heho-Mandalay
$38
K23,000
$48
K48,000
$51
K33,000
$61
K32,000
Nyaung Oo-Heho
$56
K40,000
$68
K68,000
$70
K50,000
$88
K48,000
*proposed increase based on fgures provided to travel agents
spokesperson said. “Airlines also usually charge higher fuel surcharges to foreign travellers than locals.” The spokespersons were evasive when asked why fares would increase for foreign travellers, citing aviation fuel prices of K4100 a gallon – still below international rates – and the fact fares normally rise each high season. However, this year’s increase comes following an unprecedented rise on May 1 at the end of the 2011-12 high season: while fares normally drop during low season, this year the five airlines boosted them an average 10pc. “The low season rate was higher than the last high season and now they have increased airfares again for
the coming high season,” U $100 to $200. Aye Kyaw said . Ai rA si a wa s al so la st A sp ok es pe rs on fr om w e e k s e l l i n g o n e - w a y As ia n Wi ng s sa id : “W e flights from Bangkok to will increase airfares but Chiang Mai and Phuket on this happens every year October 1 on its website for during high season. We about 1700 baht including have still not yet decided taxes, or about $60. Spokespersons for the exactly how much airfares domes tic airlines s ai d will increase.” “We will increase them AirAsia can charge lower 10pc. Fares normally rise fares because it is a budget for high season and come carrier, while they serve down during low season,” food to passengers. Daw Sabei Aung, a spokesperson from Air managing director of KBZ said. The increas es mean Nature Dream Travels airfares for flights to many and Tours, confirmed her domes tic des tinations ti nations company had received an from Yangon will not be announcement that fares s ignificantly different were set to rise. than international “The rate for all tourism services between Yangon b u s i n e s s e s , i n c l u d i n g and Bangkok, and more restaurants, guide fees and expensive than flights on hotel rooms, are up. And AirAsia, AirAsia, which charges from airfares are increasing too.
Foreign hotels meet cap as local prices take off By Zaw Win Than
MOST foreign-owned hotels in Yangon Yangon havestarted started complyin complying g with a government order to reduce prices, following a warning from Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Tint Hsan. The ministry on June 25 set a cap of US$150 for standard hotel rooms following lobbying from travel agents and fears that skyrocketing prices would damage the international image of the industry. However, hotels only began complying with the notice after the minister met hoteliers, travel agents and private tourism bodies at Inya Lake Hotel on July 17 to clarify the room rate instruction released by the ministry. “We receive contracts from Sedona and Traders Hotel with the rate announced by the ministry for the coming season, from October to March 2013. We are still waiting to get contracts from Chatrium and Parkroyal hotels. We haven’t received them yet but they say they are working on the contracts,” Ma Sabei Aung, managing director of Nature Dream Travel and Tours, said on July 26. “We really real ly appreci appreciate ate their response with the new contracts. The situation is much better than before,” she said. Ma Thiri Kyarnyo, marketing and communication manager of Parkroyal Hotel said the hotel was “delighted to comply
2012 low season (May 1-Sep 30)
Sedona Hotel in Yangon, one of several foreign-owned hotels that has started complying with a price cap. Pic: Supplied
with the rate proposal issued h a d d r o p p e d p r i c e s dramatically and offered rates by ministry for our travel dramatically for standard rooms according agent partners”. “We look forward to a healthy to the Ministry of Hotel and growth in Myanmar tourism,” Tourism’s guidelines. “My biggest concern is the Ma Thiri Kyarnyo said. “A “Att the moment m oment we’re value of the contract,” she preparing the contracts and said, referring to whether they will be ready in a week t h e c o n t r a c t s w o u l d b e time and we will be very happy honoured. to receive booking from all the But as foreign-owned hotels travel agents.” began complying with the cap, Ma Stel Stella la Kyaw Win, some locally owned hotels director of sales at Sedona responded by increasing room Hotel Yangon, s aid the rates significantly. company would comply with Ms Jung said rates at some the standard room rate cap. locally owned hotels were “I have nothing especially to three to four times higher than say about the issue between a year ago. “I’m really not sure if that is the agents and hotels. But I would like to say that we are a healthy development for the giving contracts with the price tourism sector,” she added. “Actually Yangon has mentioned by the ministry for many hotel rooms. But to the travel agents,” she said. Ms Kers tin Jung from be honest, many local hotels Gracious Myanmar Travel just don’t want to work with said Traders and Parkroyal agents and some of the hotels
are really not suitable for foreign guests. So, I really appreciate the engagement from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to safeguard the image of Myanmar as an attractive tourist destination,” Ms Jung said. “Relations with foreign hotels is now quite ok. But there is a problem with local hotels,” Ma Sabei Aung told The Myanmar Times on July 27, citing large recent room rate increases at Mya Yeik Nyo, Mingalar Garden, Summer Palace, Clover and newly opened Green Hill hotels. U Tin Soe from Joyful Jupiter Tours said he had booked rooms for group tours in October and January 2013 at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel and received confirmation confirmation from the hotel but he was later told prices would increase dramatically. Mya Yeik Nyo is owned by construction company Zaykabar, whose chairman, U Khin Shwe, is a member of the Amyotha Hluttaw. “They said they would send the contract later and the hotel staff said the room rate for a single room would be about $70 and a double room about $80. This is the normal price at all the locally owned hotels in Yangon. But on July 21 I received the room rate from Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel in which the single room rate had almost doubled to $120 and double room was $180. How can I do my business with these skyrocketing prices?” U Tin Soe said.
How can small or mediumsized travel companies survive in this situation?” she said. The Air Mandalay spokesperson conceded domestic airfares were “really high” and expressed concern that many travellers, both foreign and local, would instead take the bus between tourist destinations. Bus fares on the YangonMandalay route are about K16,000 one way – barely 15pc the cost of an air ticket for a f oreigner. “We are afraid that foreign independent travellers will not choose flights anymore and if the airfares keep rising, nobody will purchase tickets,” the spokesperson said.
Bries Youth Union holds frst press meet THE organising committee of the Myanmar Youth Union held its first press conference at the House of Media and Entertainment office on July 25 and called on the president to reduce unemployment rates and improve education standards. The group issued a seven-point statement and chair Ko Htet Pine Aung said it wanted the president to “promptly solve [these] problems encountered by young people across Myanmar”. He said the union will work with other organisations to achieve its aims and cautioned that young people will continue to travel abroad for work unless local salaries increase and vocational training standards improve. “We haven’t sent a statement to the president yet. The first step was making our demands known to the public,” Ko Htet Pine Aung said. MYU was established in December 2011 and has approximately 40 members but remains unregistered. Vice president of the Federation of Students’ Union organising committee, Ko Si Thu Maung, said: “I feel encouraged that the government now allows a variety of organisations to exist. I believe that our country is on the road to democracy.” – Naw Say Phaw Waa
Small fre at Gamone Pwint SHOPPERS were forced to evacuate from the Gamone Pwint shopping centre on Kabar Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangone township on July 26 after an LED board overheated, starting a small fire, a fire brigade official said. U Thin Htay Shwe from the Yangon Region Fire Services Department said the fire started in the ceiling of Lily Footwear at 1:32 pm and was extinguished after just 13 minutes. Despite its brevity, 164 firemen, 26 reserve firemen and fourteen engines were dispatched to the scene. Damage was estimated at K15,000. Kabar Aye Gamone Pwint Condominiums opened on December 17, 2009. The complex includes 14 storeys and 108 apartments. – Htoo Aung
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Former mayor sparks outrage with interview By Ei Ei Toe Lwin and Win Ko Ko Latt
U AUNG Thein Linn said last week a Chinese newspaper had misquoted him after his controversial comments sparked a public outcry and forced his Union Solidarity and Development Party to distance itself from the former Yangon Yangon mayo mayor’s r’s view views. s. In the interview, U Aung Thein Linn, an executive member of the USDP’s central committee, said the Myitsone Dam “must be resumed”, that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is only popular because of her father, Bogyoke Aung San, and that “there is still a group … who want to seize power … to set up a puppet regime” in Myanmar. He was also critical of both the United Nations and United States, saying that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s historic visit in December 2011 “was not for our people … but only for ‘that woman’,” a reference to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On the suspension of the Myitsone dam, he said: “That is our national policy, not a resolution by the parliament. We oppose [the president’s] decision. ... We need electrical power. The power shortage in Myanmar has been a long-running problem and a political one.” The interview was published in Chinese-language paper Southern Weekend on July 6. An English translation appeared shortly afterwards and a subsequent Myanmar translation has been widely circulated to widespread condemnation, with angry comments flooding websites
U Aung Thein Linn (left) at the opening of the Sitagu academy in Yangon in June 2011. Pic: Hein Latt Aung
and petitions being spread not respond to requests for through email. an interview last week. But However, U Aung Thein USDP secretary U Htay Oo Linn told Pop ula r New s said he did not support the he’d been misquoted. “It’s comments attributed to U Aung Thein Thein Linn Linn andstress stressed ed an incorrect translation,” he Aung said in an article published they were his personal views July 26, adding that he would and did not reflect those of contact the weekly newspaper the party. “The president [suspended to demand a correction. He said the interview was the dam] because of the conducted about one-and-a- public’s desire. We are also members of the public,” U half months ago. “I said we need to do Htay Oo told The Myanmar detailed research on the Times on July 24. Myitsone Dam issue. Nobody “At the time ti me [of the will do this project if it is sure interview] I wasn’t near U that it is not in the public Aung Thein Linn, so I do interest based on research not know exactly [what he data,” he said. “In regards said]. I asked him whether to my comments about [the interview is] right or Western countries, I don’t like wrong. He said he did not Western countries because say these things and [the interview] was [conducted] a they haven’t lifted sanctions interview] completely yet. Actually, long time ago so he does not they extended the term of the remember clearly. However, he answered in a personal sanctions.” U Aung Thein Linn did capacity,” he said.
World Bank to open Yangon office THE vice president of the World Bank’s office for East Asia and the Pacific arrived in Myanmar on July 30 to open the bank’s new office in Yangon. While the World Bank initially announced the office would open in June, Ms Pamela Cox was scheduled to do open the Yangon office on August 1. During her visit to Myanmar, she will also meet with senior officials and development partners to discuss ways to support of reforms to improve the lives of all the people of Myanmar, especially the poor
and vulnerable, a spokesperson said. This is the first visit by World Bank senior management to the country since President U Thein Sein’s government took office in March 2011. Ms Cox said in a statement in April that the World Bank office will be headed by a new country manager. Ms Karin Finkelston, the vice president for Asia Pacific of the World Bank’s private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, will also visit Myanmar with Ms Cox. – Zaw Win Than Than
U Aung Thein Linn also criticised Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the interview, saying “it was precisely because of ‘that woman’ that Myanmar has faced sanctions”, but said the USDP had always worked for the country and would win the next election “if they try”. Most politicians said last week they did not want to comment on the interview because they were unsure whether they could trust the accuracy of the Myanmarlanguage translation that has been widely circulated. “I was surprised when I read this interview because he has a high-ranking position both in his party and in the parliament. I’m not sure if this translation is accurate or not but if he really did say these things he’s going to face a lot of problems with the public,” said U Myo Nyunt, secretary of the Party for Democracy and Peace. “Myitsone was halted by the president because of the public campaigning, such as holding workshops and seminar. It’s certain that if it resumes the public will oppose it again,” he said. U Thu Wai, chairman of the DemocraticParty(Myanmar), said the interview was just “his opinion”. “Every person has freedom to say what he believes. But, in the case of Myitsone, we need to consider deeply whether we want to resume it. In my opinion, it should not restart,” he said. U Aung Thein Linn, a former brigadier general, was the mayor of Yangon from 2003 to 2011. He won the Pyithu Hluttaw seat of South Okkalapa in the 2010 election.
US ban on imports hurting people: ICG BANGKOK – A US ban on all imports from Myanmar is stifling key job-creating areas of the economy, such as the garment industry, rather than hurting the interests of the corrupt elite it targets, a report said last week. The International Crisis Group thinktank said on July 27 that Myanmar’s reform process had challenged “the dominance” of crony bus ines s men, who flourished under the previous military government, and nudged the economy towards greater openness at the expense of some key hardliners. But it warned that renewing the US import embargo, due to lapse this year, “could have a serious impact on Myanmar’s economic recovery”. The ban is skewing the nation’s economy towards “potentially problematic” extractive industries at the expense of sectors that employ large numbers of ordinary people, it said. “At this stage in the reform process, it is indeed hard to see how retention by the US of its import ban could in any way serve the interests of the Myanmar people or assist the democratisation process,” the ICG report said. Washington lifted a slew of financial and investment sanctions on Myanmar in July, including allowing finance houses to work in the former pariah nation, in response to nascent democratic reforms. But it has retained the ban on Myanmar imports – a restriction that a US Senate committee this month s aid ai d s hould be extended by three years. The United States says it will keep some
sanctions in an effort to pressure President U Thein Sein’s government to continue reforms as the country emerges from half a century of repressive military rule. The ICG report welcomed economic and political changes that undercut the dominance of cronies and the military. “Their [the cronies’] key sources of revenue are being removed, including control of monopolies as well as privileged access to permits, licences, and major government contracts. “They recognise they have much to lose in the new economic reality,”
‘The cronies’
key sources o revenue are being removed, including control o monopolies.
’
it said, adding that the tycoons appear ready to “accept a diminished role” rather than impede reform. The report also welcomed the recent resignation of a vice president widely regarded as a hardliner, Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo as a key step towards widening reform. U Myint Swe, seen as a marginally more moderate figure, has been selected by the military as the replacement, but his appointment has not yet been formally approved amid uncertainty about whether he is qualified. – AFP
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Pakistani Taliban Visa Visa on arri arrival val for Mand Mandal alay, ay, Nay Nay Pyi Pyi Taw Taw threaten Myanmar is not confirmed yet,” he said. He said the ministry plans to offer the same service at border checkpoints VISA on arri val will soon also be but the required equipment has not available at Mandalay and Nap Pyi been installed yet. The current visa on arrival system Taw international airports, Minister for Immigration and Population U is available at Yangon International Khin Yi said last week during an Ai rp or t to bu si ne ss tr av el le rs , inspection of Yangon International conference and workshop attendees. and transit visitors. Aiport. The 70-day business visa costs He said the limited visa-on-arrival system reintroduced from June 1 in US$50, while a 28-day entry visa for Yangon had been working effectively meetings, workshops and events is and the ministry is planning to expand $40. A 24-hour transit visa costs $20. the service to Mandalay and Nay Pyi Visitors must have a passport passport with Taw. at least six months validity from the U Maung Maung Than, director date of entry into Myanmar and should general of the ministry’s Immigration also bring two recent (4cm x 6cm) and National Registration Department, colour photos. told The Myanmar Times that visa on Visitors who overstay not more more than arrival would probably be available at 90 days on the visas will be required the two airports from the start of the to pay $3 a day extra, while those who peak tourist season. overstay more than 90 days will be “There is a possibility to start from required to pay $5 for each day spent coming October at Mandalay and Nay in the country with an expired visa. Applicants must also have a letter Pyi Taw international airports but it By Zaw Win Than
ISLAMABAD–ThePakistani of Burma one by one,” he Taliban last week threatened said in a statement. The Myanmar embassy to attack Myanmar to avenge crimes against the Muslim in Is lamabad was not Rohingya, unless Pakistan immediately reachable for halts all relations with the comment. The TTP frequently claims government and shuts its attacks on security forces in embassy in Islamabad. In a rare statement focused Pakistan but its ability to on the plight of Muslims wage violence in countries a b r o a d , t h e u m b r e l l a further afield has been Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) questioned. group sought to present itself But US officials say there as a defender of Muslim men is evidence the group was and women in Myanmar, behind a failed 2010 attempt saying “we will take revenge to bomb Times Square in New of your blood”. York, for which PakistaniSpokesman Ehsanullah American Faisal Shahzad Ehsan demanded on July was jailed for life. 26 that the Pakis tani TTP leader Hakimullah g o v e r n m e n t h a l t a l l Mehsud has also been relations with Myanmar charged in the United States and close down its embassy over the killings of seven CIA agents who died when a in Islamabad. “Otherwise we will not only Jordanian Al-Qaeda double attack Burmese interests agent blew himself up at a anywhere but will also US base in Afghanistan in attack the Pakistani fellows December 2009. – AFP
of invitation from the sponsoring company for their first business visit to Myanmar. They must also produce copies of company registration, a business licence or evidence of permission to do business issued by the ministries concerned if the applicant is working in Myanmar. The applicant must also state the name of their workplace, location, sponsor’s name and position they hold in the business. For entry visas, visitors must show a letter of invitation from the relevant ministry if they are going to attend a meeting, workshop, event or ceremony. Applicants are not allowed to engage in any sort of work with or without payment outside the profession mentioned on the visa application form. Applicants also need to state the name and address of the hotel or guesthouse where they will stay for the duration of their visit.
Taiwan’s EVA Air to launch Yangon flights TAIPEI – Taiwan’s EVA Airways said last week it will launch three weekly flights to Yangon from October in expectation of growing demand. The airline said on July 20 it decided to start the new route as it expects the former capital to attract more Taiwanese businessmen and tourists as the country emerges from decades of military rule. China Airlines, Taiwan’s largest international airline, also announced recently that it will expand services to Yangon to operate a total total of five weekly flights from from midSeptember, up from the current four. Myanmar’s main airport is expected to exceed passenger capacity this year, officials said. – AFP
Trade Mark CauTion NOTICE is hereby given that S.C.Jhs & S ic. a company incorporated in the state of Wisconsin, United States of America and having its principal ofce at 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403, United States of America is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: -
A man inspects a damaged vehicle on Kabar Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan township in the early hours of January 15. Pic: Yadanar
(rg: n. iV/1049/2012)
(rg: n. iV/1050/2012) The above two trademarks are in respect of:“products for cleaning and polishing footwear and all other polishing and cleaning preparations and substances; scouring and abrasive preparations; bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; dressings for footwea r, leather, canvas and cloth, stains and inks for leather; dubbin in Class: 3; Sanitary substances; disinfectants; preparations for killing weeds and destroying vermin; air fresheners and deodorants deodorants in Class: 5 ” Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for S.C.Jhs & S ic. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012
Road deaths rise in Yangon Yangon By May Sandy and Thiha Toe
THE number of deaths recorded on Yangon’s roads rose more than 30 percent in the first six months of 2012, the second significant increase in as many years. From January to the end of June 620 accidents were recorded, resulting in 152 deaths and 956 injuries, figures from the Yangon Region traffic police department show. In the first six months of 2011, 568 accidents, 92 deaths, and 850 injuries were recorded, up from 348 accidents, 82 deaths and
565 injuries over the same period in 2010. U Ba Myint, the director of Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles, better known as Ma Hta Hta Tha, said the rise was mainly due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads and drivers ignoring road rules. “There are many new cars in the city and the traffic is getting really bad. Most drivers do not obey the traffic rules,” he said. While deaths related to bus accidents continued to rise, to 67 in the first half of the year from 62 in 2011, U Ba Myint said
bus accidents overall had declined significantly, from 203 to 143. “We provide traffic education training programs for bus drivers and conductors twice a month. We have 1500 bus drivers and 90pc of them request to do the training again,” he said. Yang on resi den ts were last week divided over the reasons for the increase in accidents, deaths and injuries and what authorities should do to reduce the road toll. “More inexperienced inex perienced drivers are now driving taxis. We have to be careful of them when they are
driving,” said taxi driver U San Lwin said. Small bus driver U Win Tun said: “Taxi licences have become easier [to get] but standards should be kept high.” Businessman U Nay Win said taking measures to reduce traffic congestion would cut the number of accidents. “We should apply the system that is used in Japan whereby no one can park on the side of the road and buses should only be allowed to stop at the official bus stands. Private cars can park on side streets but not on the main road,” he said.
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Community urged to join hepatitis fight By Yamon Phu Thit
SELF-HELP groups and organisations are needed to improve awareness of hepatitis diseases and boost prevention activities, liver specialists said at a ceremony to mark World Hepatitis Day 2012 at Yangon’s Nursing University. The organisations should focus on sharing knowledge about hepatitis diseases, helping members of the public get blood tests and conducting mass vaccination programs, liver specialist Professor Than Sitt said on July 21. “There are no groups like this in our country. As everyone is vulnerable to infection by hepatitis viruses, organisations in which the public can participate need to be formed urgently,” he said. “If testing services and vaccination programs are conducted in groups, the cost will be so low that it is within the reach of everyone. This would help reduce the infection and mortality rates related to hepatitis diseases.” The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2012, which was to be marked officially on July 28, is “It’s closer than you think,” a reference to the fact that hepatitis viruses are highly infectious and infection rates are high because of the relatively low awareness. Liver specialist Professor Khin Mg Win said the hepatitis virus was 100 times more infectious than HIV. While awareness of hepatitis-related diseases and their causes has improved, it is still low, he said. Dr Than Sitt said hepatitis diseasesarenotconsideredamong the major infectious diseases in Myanmar, such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. “But we are trying to raise awareness of the diseases through local media,” he said. The WHO describes the viruses as “major global health risk” and the main hepatitis viruses
MyanMar tiMes
Participants declare debate a winner By Khin Su Wai
STUDENTS from Mandalay’s University of Medicine last week won the top prize in a three-day English-language debating contest that highlighted efforts to revitalise the education sector. The Shangri-la team from University of Medicine beat 21 other – A, B, C, D and E – can cause groups to take home the top prize in acute and chronic infection the competition, which was held at and inflammation of the liver, Mandalay Technological University possibly leading to cirrhosis and from July 21 to July 23. liver cancer. Dr Than Sitt said Shangri-la was one of three teams that while there were not exact from the University of Medicine figures for hepatitis in Myanmar, which took part, along with two an estimated one in 10 people teams from the University of Foreign suffer from chronic hepatitis B, Languages, five from Mandalay while three or four per hundred Technological University and four have hepatitis C. each from Horizon International Liver specialists said the School, Ayeyarwaddy International increasing hepatitis infection and Paung Daw Oo Monastic rates meant regular blood tests School. and vaccination were more Englis h language debates , important than ever. particularly inter-school competitions “The disease can occur with between state and private institutions, limited or no symptoms. The only are rare in Myanmar, and observers way to know for certain is to get welcomed the newfound spirit of a blood test. Therefore, I would extracurricular co-operation. like to suggest that everyone get a “We prepared for about one month blood test occasionally,” Dr Than for the debate program and it was Sitt said. held using the Karl Popper debate The head of Mandalay General format. We didn’t provide a judge for Hospital’s liver department, Dr the debate because we wanted people Naomi Khaing Than Hlaing to know that it would be fair,” said said: “There is no vaccination for Dr Aye Myint, rector of Mandalay hepatitis C virus so the best thing Technological University, adding to do is get blood test regularly,” that the intention was to improve the The hepatitis B virus is English skills of the competitors. transmitted through contact The judges were native English with blood or other body fluid speakers from Horizon International and through sexual contact School, Paung Daw Oo Monastic but not through casual contact. School, Ayeyarwaddy International Symptoms may include jaundice School and the Jefferson Center. (yellowing of the skin and eyes), A re pr es en ta ti ve fr om t he dark urine, extreme fatigue, International Debate Education nausea, vomiting and abdominal Association based in Chiang Mai pain. came to Myanmar to assist with the The common transmission modes of hepatitis C virus include contaminated blood, blood products or body fluid and through sexual contact. Those at high risk of hepatitis B and C infection are people who By Yhoon Hnin Phyu have sexual contact with people infected with the diseases, people THE Ministry of Labour earlier who inject drugs with shared this month signed a Memorandum needles, medical providers who of Understanding with Singapore have contact with the body fluid P o l y t e c h n i c a n d T e m a s e k and blood of patients suffering Foundation to train Myanmar’s from these diseases and babies senior policymakers in boosting of mothers suffering from the workforce development. disease. Singaporean experts will conduct “If every newborn was training sessions with an initial vaccinated against hepatitis group of 30 people, who are mostly B, the liver diseases caused by employed at the ministry’s National the virus would be significantly Skill Standard Authority and the reduced,” Dr Than Sitt said. privately-run TVET Skill Training
Members of the Shangri-la team receive the trophy for rst prize from U Kyin Sein, head of the English department at Mandalay Technological University, during last week’s debating competition. Pic: Khin Su Wai
debate. “All competitors were under more like a presentation. This debate 22 years of age. We made debate included other universities and invitation cards and sent them to private schools and was of a much universities and private schools two higher standard,” said Ma Aye Yin weeks before the event,” said Ko Moe Thant from Mandalay Technological Oo Kyaw, chairman of the Future University’s Hu-Hat team, which Youth Reading Club at Mandalay took out second prize. YER from Technological University. Horizon International School won Competitors were given the topics third prize. for the first and third rounds two Ma Khaing Zin Ya from the weeks before the event, but topics University of Medicine won the first for the other rounds, semi finals and prize in the individual category, final were only provided 45 minutes ahead of Ma Hsu Latt Phyu from Mandalay Technological University before the start of the debate. The debate topics included fast and Ko Soe Thet Paing from the food should be banned, single sex University of Medicine. Meanwhile, the principal of schools should be banned, poverty Ayeyarwaddy International School is a blessing, technology is a curse Ayeyarwaddy and environmental protection is won a prize for “most active guest” more important than economic and a team from Ayeyarwaddy development. International School, whose members “I often compete in debates at our are only 12 years old received the university, but it normally looks “young and outstanding” award.
Govt, Singapore Polytechnic sign agreement Centre, Mr Tan Hang Cheong from Singapore Polytechnic and Mr Benedict Cheong from Temasek Foundation said at the signing ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17. U Myo Min, chief executive officer of Professional Study Business School, a private education provider, said the agreement was timely because the government is keen to improve vocational training standards at institutions such as government technological institutes and Yangon Technological University.
“The youth of Myanmar should receive vocational training as a priority. The entrepreneurial spirit in the work environment will also be boosted if executives at the senior level undergo high quality training,” U Myo Min said. Ko Pyi Hein Htet from MIEC Group said the training would help to provide skilled workers for foreign investors. “By 2015, foreign investment in Myanmar will be much greater than it is now so signing an agreement to improve vocational training standards within a short space of time t ime is going to deliver significant benefits,” he said.
Trade Mark CauTion
Trade Mark CauTion
Trade Mark CauTion
NOTICE is hereby given that aSSa aBLoY aB a company organized under the laws of Sweden and having its principal ofce at Klarabergsviadukten 90, 10723 Stockholm, Sweden is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -
NOTICE is hereby given that Fl expss Cpt a company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America and having its principal ofce at 3620 Hacks Cross Road, Building B, 3rd Floor, Memphis, Tennessee 38125, U.S.A is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -
NOTICE is hereby given that nuTriBio a company organized and existing under the laws of France and having its principal ofce at Zone Industrielle 80600 Doullens FRANCE is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:-
FEDEX.SOLUTIONS THAT MATTER.
(rg: n. iV/12840/2011)
YaLe (rg: ns. iV/928/1986 & iV/4371/2012) in respect of : - “Locks of all kinds and their parts, key blanks, door closures, hinges, bolts, fastenings of all kinds, and all other building hardware and key cutting machines”
(rg: n. iV/12238/2011) in respect of:- “Pick-up, warehousing, transportation and delivery of documents, packages and freight by land and air”
Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.
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 aSSa aBLoY aB P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012
U Kyi Win Associates for Fl expss Cpt P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012
naCTaLia in respect of:“Foods for babies” – Cl: 5 “Milk and milk products” – Cl: 29 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 nuTriBio P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012
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UN rapporteur Quintana to visit this week GENEVA – The UN expert on human rights in Myanmar is to visit at the invitation of the government, it was announced on July 25. Special rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana will tour the country from July 30 to August 4, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said. In a statement released by OHCHR, Mr Quintana spoke of Myanmar’s “ongoing human rights challenges,
including ... recent violence in Rakhine Council, OHCHR said. State, as well as continuing armed Mr Quintana said that there had conflict, particularly in Kachin State”. been “significant progress on reforms Mr Quintana is to meet government [in Myanmar], which I hope will officials, politicians, the National culminate in the creation of a peaceful Human Rights Commission and and vibrant democracy that respects civil society in Nay Pyi Taw and human rights and upholds the rule Yango n, accor ding to the Genev a- of law”. based agency. A press confer ence is planned at He also requested visits to Rakhine Yangon International Airport at the State and Kachin State and will report end of his six-day mission on August his findings to the UN’s Human Rights 4. – AFP
Hluttaw to debate asset disclosure proposal By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Soe Than Lynn
A vendor during the 2010 Taungbyone Nat Festival in Taungbyone village, Madaya township. Pic: Christopher Davy
Vendors threaten Taungbyone boycott By Phyo Wai Kyaw and Sithu Lwin
VENDORS at the famous Taungbyone Nat Festival in Mandalay Region are fuming over massive increases in store rental fees for this year’s event, which will take place in late August. Prices for a 24-square-foot space have risen five-fold, to K400,000 from K80,000 last year, vendors said last week. “It is impossible for us to open our stalls this year as we can’t give that much. We sent a letter to the Mandalay Region chief minister on July
23 expressing our problems. We are all waiting for his reply and hopefully he will solve the situation,” U Htin Linn Oo, an unofficial leader of the vendors, said last week. The increase comes after trustees auctioned the rights to rent space to stall owners for the first time in 15 years, raising almost K250 million from two private companies. “There have been no auctions for festival operations since 1997. We just needed to pay the fees to rent a place for our stalls to the person who was in charge of organising the festival and
the in-charge worked with pagoda trustees,” vendor U Zaw Moe Tun said on July 20. “But this year, pagoda trustees held an auction sale again. The bidders competed against each other and the winning amount was huge.” A b o u t 1 0 a u c t i o n s were held altogether, for market space, electricity supply, water supply, gold leaf provision, traditional theatres and more. The winner of the auction for space in the “small market” paid K147 million, while the “big market” winner agreed to stump up K130 million.
The festival takes place in Taungbyone village, Madaya township, in the week leading up to the full moon of Wagaung and this year runs from August 25 to September 1. Held to honour the nat (animist spirit) brothers Min Gyi and Min Lay, it draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the country and typically has about 1000 stores across the two main marketplaces. However, vendors warned the festival would be smaller than normal unless the stall pricing dispute is resolved. The auction winners set a deadline of July 28 for stall owners to apply for space at the festival. “If we don’t get a reply from the chief minister or some other solution by then we won’t be able to open our stalls at the festival this year. We will request authorities to abolish the auction system in future years,” U Htin Linn Oo said. Daw San San Win, who won the auction for the “small market”, said she was willing to reduce the rent for some spaces. “I want to negotiate with the vendors. I will change some places from K400,000 to about K200,000. I will lose my investment … but I can’t change the outcome of the auction,” she said.
MyanMar tiMes
GOVERNMENT ministers should be required to publicly disclose their financial assets as part of U Thein Sein’s “clean government” drive, politicians and observers told The Myanmar Times last week. The call comes after National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Pathein, U Win Myint, submitted a proposal to the hluttaw on July 24 that would require national and regional ministers to reveal their properties, businesses and other assets. The following day, the hluttaw agreed to discuss the proposal and representatives who want to take part in the debate were told to register with the Hluttaw Office by July 26. “The president said, ‘Our government is working to realise good governance and to bring about clean government.’ The people are also hoping that this is the case. [Declaring assets] is a crucial requirement for the development of the state. It corresponds with the democratic practices,” U Win Myint told the Pyithu Hluttaw. “The government comprises those who have been entrusted by the people to exercise executive power. Transparency and accountability of government members is important for the future of a country. If there is transparency and accountability between the government and the people, the people will trust the government and collaborate in its tasks. As trust and collaboration collaboration intensify, the people will do their civic duties better and abide by the law. “The country will develop. Democratic values will increase. Our goal of building a real democratic state will be a success. That’s why I have presented this proposal.” The proposal was seconded by Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Pe Than from Myebon in Rakhine State. “To bring about clean government, it is important that there are clean government members. So I second the proposal,” U Pe Than said. Only the president and two vice presidents are required to disclose assets under the 2008 constitution, although these are not publicly released. “The president and the vice presidents shall furnish a list of family assets under his direction, namely land,
houses, buildings, businesses, savings and other valuables together with their values to the Head of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw,” section 68 states. Observers said that while transparency has increased significantly under the new political structures, most recently with the publication of draft bills in state media, broadcastingof parliamentary parliamentary discussions and government’s willingness to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. But legislation requiring assets to be declared would be another positive step and give greater credibility to the president’s anti-corruption drive. “Governments in every democratic country practice this kind of a system to show that they value transparency. The government here should also take this chance, and by doing so [ministers] will avoid raising people’s suspicions and show they are clean – at least while they’re a member of the government,” said U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar). “If we can compare their assets now with, say, 2015 we will have a pretty good idea whether they have been obtained legally,” he said. When asked about the issue in early July, Minister for Industry and Myanma Investment Commission chairman U Soe Thein told journalists that he valued transparency and would have no problem disclosing his assets. “In my opinion, it’s a good process,” he said at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on July 1. U Thiha Saw, chief editor of Open News journal, said lists of assets of government ministers had already been submitted to the cabinet when the government was formed. “But if they release details of their assets to the public, the hluttaw and people can watch what they do during their time in government more closely,” he said. “It will be a very positive step if it implemented and the government really practices it.” But U Thu Wai warned the system would only work if loopholes were eradicated. A similar law was enacted during the Burma Socialist Program Party era but not followed properly. He said it would be a good test of the commitment of members of the government to the president’s reform plans. “[Ministers] will show their assets properly if they are committed to clean government and want to set an example and show they are clean,” he said.
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MyanMar tiMes
MP calls for census during debate on Rakhine State Prison By Soe Than Lynn
HLUTTAW representatives earlier this month approved a state of emergency order in Rakhine State from President U Thein Sein following a lively debate between s even representatives. Speaker U Khin Aung Myint confirmed that the state of emergency order would remain valid “until further notice”. “Paragraph 4 of the order No 1/2012 … reads, ‘This order is valid from today until further notice,’” he said. “So if the hluttaw approv approves es the order, i t amounts to having approved the duration.” Five of the representatives who took part in the dis cus s ion on July 16 were from Rakhine State, including two Muslim MPs from northern Rakhine State, U Htay Win and U Shwe Maung. While all expressed support for the president’s state of emergency order, representatives cited a variety of supporting evidence to back up their different historical accounts on how the large Muslim community in northern Rakhine State came to develop. The points raised by U Thein Nyunt and U Khine
Maung Yi won the most support from Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives. The representative for Thingangyun argued that a census should be undertaken in Rakhine State with the help of the Tatmadaw during the state of emergency period to help resolve the communal conflict. U Thein Nyunt s ai aid d the census would help “to prevent an illegal influx of foreign foreig n immig im migrants rants from other countries” into Rakhine State and warned that if measures were not taken there could be “dominance by aliens” in other parts of the country, including Yangon, within 25 or 30 years. “The present problem of Rakhine State is an immigration problem as well as a judicial problem. When issuing national registration cards, it is required to review each and every issuance with care,” he said. “If [the census] is done according to the existing law, we can manage to deal with the international pressure on us to accept illegal immigrants. “We should begin preventing it now for the benefit benefi t of the country and the safety of future generations generati ons ,” he s aid. “Frankly speaking, we
terms for 92 Thais YANGON YANGON – Almost Almost 100 Thai nationals were sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, a Myanmar official said on July 25, after they were held for illegally crossing the border to run rubber plantations. Ten women and 82 men, who were rounded up during an army sweep in Tanintharyi Region, were given the jail terms for violating the country’s immigration and forestry acts, an official said. “They are still being interrogated at the court for cases relating to illegal drugs and weapons,” he said. The fate of the detainees was discussed between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Government workers clean up debris from a damaged quarter in the Rakhine State Shinawatra and President capital Sittwe on June 16. Pic: Boothee U Thein Sein in Bangkok on “It should just be about July 23. Thai government should not priorities human and the UNHCR will have rights when dealing with to accept them in Rakhine how to peacefully coexist spokeswoman Sansanee State and if a third country in the same land, Rakhine Nakpong said the Myanmar this issue.” H e s a i d h e s u p p o r t can accept them we will send State,” he said. leader pledged to help those President U Thein Sein’s them there are rational and “We are now Myanmar imprisoned, but because “clear-cut policies on illegal practical,” he said. citizens,” said U Htay of drug and arms charges, immigrants” as outlined to U S h w e M a u n g , Win, the Pyithu Hluttaw assistance would have to the UN High Commissioner Commissioner the Amyotha H luttaw r e p r e s e n t a t i v e f o r wait until after the cases for Refugees (UNHCR) representative for Rakhine Buthidaung. “It wasn’t had been tried. earlier in July. State constituency 7, which because we got ID cards; State media detailed “His words that illegal encompas ses northern it was because we met the weapons seized, including R o h i n g y a s c a n n o t b e Rakhine State, said the citizenship criteria.” nine assault rifles, but said accepted because of ethnic debate should not be “just – Translated by Thit no shots were fired during unrest threatening security about identification cards”. Lwin the raids. – AFP
Japan debt payment plan gets green light By Soe Than Lynn
THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw last week approved changes to Myanmar’s 500 billion yen (US$6.4 billion) debt to Japan that will result in about two-thirds of the figure being waived and the rest repaid under a new, lowinterest loan. The loans were received from the Japan International International Cooperation Agency (JICA, formerly Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund) between 1970 and 1987 for development projects. Total debt stood at 500 billion yen on March 31 on the original loans of 328 billion yen, of which about 55 billion had already been repaid. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw late on July 24 approved the government’s proposal, made under section 7 of the budget law, to change the remaining debt to a 40-year loan with 0.01 percent interest. “According to a joint
communiqué issued by the leaders of Japan and Myanmar [in March], Japan will waive a late fee of 176.1 billion yen, revoke debt of 127.4 billion yen and disburse 198.9 billion yen (US$2.5 billion) as a new long-term loan with low interest to repay the remainder of the debt,” Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun said in a message to the hluttaw from the U Thein Sein government. The loan will come via JICA from Japanese commercial banks, including Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Mitsui Sunitomo Bank and Mizuho Bank. Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi will serve as the facility agent in the loan, according to a report by the joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee. The first 10 years of the loan will be interest free, with repayments made over the subsequent 30 years at an interest rate of 0.01pc. Myanmar will also have to
pay 224 million yen ($2.8 million) in fees and bridging loan interest, the report said. “After exchange of notes and loan contracts are signed to get the low-interest loan and the bridging loan, Myanmar will have to repay 100 million yen and interest of an estimated 10 million for 2012-2013 to JICA, according to the loan contract,” a member of the bill committee said. “The Joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee found that the [low-interest] loan is of benefit to the state and the people, is conducive to the cons truction tructi on of development projects of the state, is with cheap interest and waives some of what Myanmar owes. “So the Joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee submit that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should approve the proposal for settling the JICA debt.” – Translated by Thit Lwin
Free bus rides to mark anniversary SOME Yangon buses will carry passengers free of charge on August 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Ma Ma Hta Hta Tha, the body the oversees the city’s bus network. U Win Zaw, deputy head of the Yangon Region Ma Hta Tha, also known as the Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles, said bus owners had come up with the idea themselves. “On the 50 th anniversary, some lines
under Ma Hta Tha will run without charge so bus owners can show their appreciation to passengers,” he said. “We also hope to give some memento to passengers on that day – maybe a golden jubilee t-shirt, towel or keychain.” The committee is also planning a range of other activities for August 19-20, including donation ceremonies, a staff party and awards to recognise hard-working employees. – Thiha Toe
TiMESbusiness Mineral prospecting, exploration and production: how the permit system works amount doubles in the second year. Rents are set at K100,000 THE Myanmar Mines a square kilometre for the Law defines three types first year of exploration of permits: for mineral for industrial minerals prospecting, exploration and K400,000 a square and production. kilometre for precious Mi Mineral neral pros pecting minerals. The amount permits are one-year, with doubles if exploration the possibility of a one-year permits are extended. During the feasibility extension, while mineral exploration permits run study period, K800,000 for three years, with a to K3,200,000 a square maximum of two one- kilometre is charged during year extens ions . O One ne the first year depending on year is then granted for a the mineral, while K1.2 feasibility study with the million to K3.2 million is possibility of a one-year charged during the second year. extension. During the mine Large-s cal cale e m miineral neral production permits are development period, K1.4 g r a n t e d f o r u p t o 2 5 million to K3.6 million is years depending on the charged a square kilometre investment and production for the first year, K1.6 capacity, with extensions million to K4.2 million for of up to five years at a the second year and K2 time. Permits for small- million to K4.8 million a scale mineral production square kilometre for the – defined as an area up to 1 third year. square kilometre – run for A f t e r r e a c h i n g up to five years, with the production, K2 million possibility of four one-year to K6 million is levied a square kilometre a year for extensions. Dead rent – rent for a up to 25 years. Al l ex te ns io n pe ri od s mine that does not take into account whether it are subject to approval by is profitable – starts at the ministry. The waiting K50,000 a square kilometre t i m e f o r a p p r o v a l o f f o r t h e f i r s t y e a r o f permit applications varies prospecting for industrial considerably on a case-byminerals or stones. For case basis and applicants precious metallic minerals s hould expect to pay the rent is K200,000 per additional administrative square kilometre. The and processing fees. By Juliet Shwe Gaung
PriMark (reg no. 4/5809/2012)
To be used in connection with the following description of goods: “Soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, eyewear, sunglasses, goggles, swimming goggles, precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, jewellery, horological and chronometric instruments, hair accessories, printed matter, furniture, mirrors, picture frames, small portable domestic utensils and containers, combs and sponges , brushes (other than paint brushes), instruments and materials for cleaning purposes, glassware, porcelain and earthenware, leather and imitations of leather and goods made of these materials, trunks and travelling bags, umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks, luggage, beach bags, beach umbrellas, parasols, handbags, purses, wallets, belts, bags , cases, backpacks, briefcases, satchels, suitcases, dufe bags, holdalls, rucksacks, belt bags, cases, vanity cases, briefcases, attache cases, travel bags, portfolios, cardholders, pouches, textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers, bed and table linen, towels, beach towels, piece goods, sewing accessories,
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MyanMar tiMes
Ministry targets ‘investor-friendly’ changes to law IN DEPTH with
Juliet Shwe Gaung THE Ministry of Mines is drafting a more “investorfriendly” Union of Myanmar Mines Law and is seeking submissions from outside experts, an official from the Department of Mines said earlier this month. The two main amendments w will ill s ee the law m more ore “welcoming of foreign direct investment” and also include sections on environmental conservation, the official said. The ministry recently published an announcement in state newspapers calling for suggested amendments to the law from June 1 to June 15. However, few comments were received and the ministry is still seeking suggestions, the official said. “We will amend the law by referring to laws from other countries especially those in ASEAN countries. The weak point is that we don’t have much [input] on environmental issues,” he said. Thes e changes w were ere
confirmed by Minister for Mines U Thein Htaik, who told participants at the First Myanmar Mining Summit 2012 at Sedona Hotel on July 23 that the ministry is “trying to amend the Myanmar Mines Law with the advice of experts and the public … to facilitate the environmental conservation and green mining and to encourage for the investments more easily and trustfully”. He said procedures and notifications had been streamlined and simplified “to create an inves tor friendly environment”. While Myanmar is considered to have significant mineral potential, figures from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administrati on show that jus t 6 per cen t of for eign investment since 1988 has been directed into the mining sector. Prospective investors and others with knowledge in the industry said a major deterrent was the use of production sharing contracts and inconsistent application of rules and regulations. Mr Jon North, president and chief executive officer of Canadian mining firm
Trade Mark CauTion noTiCe Notice is hereby given that our client, Primark Holdings, having a principal ofce at 47 Mary Street, Dublin, Republic of Ireland is the owner and the sole proprietor of the following trademark consists of the word and/or device of :-
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clothing, footwear, headgear, gloves, underclothing, lingerie, underwear, brassieres, swimwear, bikinis, swimming costumes, swimming shorts, swimming suits, swimming trunks, swimming caps, beachwear, beach caps, beach hats, beach dresses, beach robes, beach shorts, beach wraps, sarongs, kaftans, beach shoes, sandals, ip-ops, home furnishings, toys, games, playthings, and sporting articles.” being used, proposed to be manufactured, imported and/so sold by or on behalf of the Company in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower Ph: 255055/255407 For Hlb, Hw & C. 2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 170 Irvine, California 92606 United States of America Dated: 30th July, 2012
Northquest, told The Myanmar Times last week
that the government needed to consider tax and royalty rates relative to other countries in the region. If it continues to employ production sharing contracts, investors will shun the country, he warned. “If the government says they will take 50 percent of your production, nobody will come here,” he said, adding that investors preferred profit-sharing agreements. “Profit sharing is tax. Nobody complains about tax. In Canada, for example, the royalty rate is zero. They collect 30pc corporate tax. That is all they take.” He also expressed concern about the ministry’s inconsistent treatment of mining companies and projects in terms of taxation and royalties. “The way mining is being administered in Myanmar, as far as I know, in every case is a little bit different … I don’t know how we will be treated,” he said. But Mr North, who has been visiting central Myanmar to collect geological samples since January and has also bought geological data, said he was optimistic about the sector’s prospects. “I like the geology and there really is no developed mining industry here and that means there is an opportunity to go and do things right the first time.” One senior geologist from a private firm who previously worked at the ministerial level in the Ministry of Mines said that the application of the existing law was a major issue. “The law is itself quite okay. Just that the ministry should follow the rules and regulations stated according to the law,” he said. He cited the example of exploration: the ministry is supposed to allow a prospecting permit holder a one-year extension but there have been cases where it refused to extend the licence. Integrated permits that allow for exploration and feasibility studies to be conducted concurrently are also officially permitted, but in practice have never been issued. “Also, in some cases, the exploration exploration permit is issued but the permit does not include the phrase that if [an exploitable deposit] is found, the production permit will be granted,” he said. He said companies also needed to be given more financial incentives to invest in mining.
Trucks inside the pit at the Monywa copper mine project in Sagaing Region. Pic: Supplied/MICCL
“The Ministry of Mines uses production sharing contracts but it will be hard to attract investors with these contracts, plus other things like royalties.” While a few large mining projects have been undertaken in Myanmar, including the Monywa copper mine in Sagaing Region and Tagaungtaung nickel mine in Mandalay Region – large, internationally renowned mining firms are conspicuously absent, said U Than Maung, an advocate
‘I the ministry
says it will take 50 percent o your production, nobody will come here.
’
with Kelvin Chia Yangon, an international law firm. “Most investment has come from China … we haven’t really seen any other big firms here yet besides Ivanhoe,” he said. That could change with the planned amendments to the new law and other reforms in Myanmar, however. U Than Maung said it was important that the amended law was consistent with other pieces of relevant legislation, including the state-owned enterprises,specialeconomic zone, foreign investment and environmental conservation laws. He said that while it was useful to consider laws in other countries, the local context was more important.
speCial RepoRt
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July 30 - August 5, 2012
MyanMar tiMes
Mining summit shows international interest, lack of local capacity By Tim Mclaughlin
Because of the scrutiny given to mining projects, particularly on environmental i s s ues , he sugg s ugges es ted that the government exercise caution when approving foreign investment in the sector. “It is a sector where you have to deal with environmental watchdogs and local residents,” he said. “It is important to carefully check on the foreign investor’s capability and if it is a responsible investor.” U Zaw Naing Oo, physical resource specialist of consultancy firm Resource and Environment Myanmar, said a clause requiring inves tors to conduct an environmental impact assessment to the mining law should be the top priority. However, he also suggested having regulations on other pollution issues related to mining, such as the quality and use of water, waste, hazards, land use and noise. “The system for the use of water and the handling of the waste produced from the mining should be set as a law. Mine dumping could result in acid drainage into the groundwater and laws should be enacted to prevent these things,” he said. Consideration should also be given to possible uses for mining sites at the end of their lifespan. One option, he said, was creating tourism or recreational facilities, such as golf courses. Dr Win Naing, a consultant geologist with Geotecminex Consultants in Singapore, said it was essential that the government got the law right the first time so it did not need to be amended later. He cited the example of
Indonesia, where the mining ministry upset investors by making changes to the country’s mining laws in March that require foreign companies to sell down their stake and increase domestic ownership to at least 51pc by the 10th year of production, along with a 20pc tax on mining exports. “Is such a policy change going to be necessary in future? If so, it is better to indicate that now than make it a surprise,” Dr Win Naing said. A “sustainable development program” was the most important feature that should be included in the amended mining law, he said. “That is, while issuing mining rights, making sure that the impact on
A MINING summit held in Yangon Yangon last last week week showed showed the huge interest in the country’s mineral deposits but many delegates admitted that their visits were little more than window shopping. Held at Sedona Hotel from July 22-24, the Myanmar Mining Summit offered many of the delegates their first real look at Myanmar, which has been largely closed to foreign investors courtesy of Western sanctions. The event, the first of its kind for the country, drew roughly 300 attendees from 26 countries in the fields of mining, geology, law, and mining related finance. The turnout was a testament to the considerable interest in the largely unexplored nation, w here mining accounts for only 1 percent of gross domestic product. The summit was widely lauded as a positive step forward in the transparency the environment shall be of a key economic sector kept to a minimum and as Myanmar gradually the concession owner is warms to foreign business contractually obligated interests. to restore top soil and It marked a rare vegetation upon termination opportunity for investors of the mining operation.” to meet high-ranking In terms of making the g o v e r n m e n t o f f i c i a l s , llaw aw more inves tment- including Minis ter for friendly, he said that while Mines U Thein Htaik, who many Asian countries had addressed the summit on attractive mineral deposits, July 23. taxes, commercial laws and Mr Alisher Ali, chairman hidden costs often had a of Silk Road Finance, significant impact on the s p o k e o f M y a n m a r ’ s “transformation” in his viability of projects. H e s u g g e s t e d t h e opening address. “Myanmar is in the process production sharing or profit sharing ratio should be of a historical transformation set on a case by case basis and everyone who has made taking into account the risk an effort to come here to of the project. Yangon Yangon takes takes that historical historical “Likewi “Likewisse, e, a mining opportunity seriously,” he operation license should said. be issued based on ‘mine Notable foreign presenters life’.” included mining veteran Mr
Who’s already in Myanmar? MYANMAR’S largest mining project, the Monywa copper mine in Sagaing Region, was a joint venture between state-owned Mining Enterprise 1 and a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines of Canada. However, in March 2007 Ivanhoe announced it planned to sell its stake in the project and it was sold to a subsidiary of Chinese arms manufacturer Norinco, Myanmar Yang Tse Copper, about two years ago. Army-run Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd is also involved in the project, according to industry sources. At Tagaungtaung Tagaungtaung in northern northern Mandalay Region, Myanmar-China Non Ferrous Metal & Mining has a production sharing contract with Mining Enterprise 3 for nickel mining as part of a project worth almost US$1 billion. Other investors include Nobel Gold, which has an exploration licence for gold and associated minerals in Banmauk, Sagaing Region, and C orners tone Resources (Myanmar), which is looking for zinc in Shan State’s Mong Pan township, a spokesperson from the Myanmar
Geosciences Society said. Some companies have also received approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) to start work, he said. “North Mining Investment is going to look for ferro nickel alloy in Tiddim, Chin State. Simco Song Da joint stock company has also got MIC appr oval to look for marble at Nayputaung in Taunggok township, Rakhine State,” he said. Jogmec from Japan is exploring for antimony at Kalaw in Shan State, while Myanmar Pongpipat has a production sharing contract with Mining Enterprise 2 for a tin mine in Tanintharyi Region. Kenbo Group from China is looking for nickel in Mwetaung in Chin State, while some local companies, including Asia World, are also active. An application application by Asia Pacific Mining Mining to explore for gold, lead, copper and thorium at Kantbalu and Wuntho in Sagaing Region was recently rejected by the Ministry of Mines for undisclosed reasons. – Juliet Shwe Gaung Gaung
Owen Hegarty, chairman to sanctions. However, the biggest of Tigers Realm Group and Tigers Realm Metals; Mr stumbling block for potential Chris de Lavigne, global miners is Myanmar’s 30-70 vice president of industrial production sharing contract practices at Frost & Sullivan; (PSC) between the private and Mr Hideyuki Ueda, party and the Ministry for executive director, metals Mines. Under the Mines Law, strategy and exploration at Japan Oil, Gas and Metals e n a c t e d i n 1 9 9 4 , t h e N a t i o n a l C o r p o r a t i o n Ministry of Mines acts a non-equity partner but (Jogmec). U Win Htein, director is still entitled to 30pc of general of the Ministry minerals extracted, plus for Mines; U Kyi Htun, the relevant income tax and i n d e p e n d e n t g e o l o g y royalties owed. “Until PSCs are reworked consultant; and U Than Maung, lawyer from Kelvin or abolished, we won’t be Chia Yangon Ltd, joined doing business here,” said one Australian industry from the Myanmar side. The lack of international veteran, echoing the feelings experience in Myanmar’s of many delegates. Ye t an ot he r ar ea o f mining sector was most evident when officials concern is a rule banning from the Minis Mi ni s try for exports of ore, coal, gold Mines opened the floor to and gemstones. The lack of questions from audience access to gemstones did not m e m b e r s . I n q u i r i e s hold much of a surprise – regarding copper and gold foreign investors have long p r o d u c t i o n e s t i m a t e s , been forced to buy gems for access to geophysical data export at government gem archives and the number of expos but the regulations exploration drillings that on coal and gold were less have been done in Myanmar expected. “It did throw a lot of were largely sidestepped by people,” said Mr Damian ministry officials. The lack of straightforward Adams, partner at the law answers carried over to firm Watson, Farley and p i e c e s o f r e g u l a t o r y Williams Asia Practice. Gold and coal are framework, notably the timeframe for mining and of particular interest to exploration licences to be Myanmar’s com modity processed and approved, hungry neighbours – India and what is required to and China. India was the world’s secure a title. Mr Jon North, president largest importer of gold in and chief executive officer 2011 and in 2010 imported o f C a n a d i a n m i n e r a l 746 tonnes of the precious e x p l o r a t i o n c o m p a n y metal, nearly twice the Northquest Ltd, admitted second-largest market, that his exploration licence according to the World Gold had not yet been cleared but Council. Many citizens in remains “very optimistic the country see the metal as a safe investment and that it will be approved”. Northquest has been in it plays an essential role the country since January in traditional wedding but Mr North described ceremonies. its role as “geol “g eologi og ical cal tourists”, at that time due More page 22
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MyanMar tiMes
Employment, complaints flow from pipeline In Depth
media and to investigate and resolve complaints.
Juliet Shwe Gaung
‘Long hours, shady contractors’
with
WORK on an ambitious US$4 billion oil and gas project linking Rakhine State to China’s Yunnan Province is marching forward relentlessly but locals in project areas are reporting a number of concerns. When the project is finished in 2013, it will allow China to unload oil at a port on Made Island in Rakhine State’s Kyaukpyu township and transport it across Myanmar, minimising reliance on the Malacca Straits. Additionally, natural gas from the Shwe project in the Rakhine offshore area will be piped to Myanmar’s energy hungry northern neighbour. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is in charge of the project through its South-East Asia Pipeline Company Ltd but partnering with the Ministry of Energy through Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), while private companies from four other countries also have stakes. However, locals in project areas reported a number of serious complaints to The My an mar Tim es during a recent visit to Rakhine State. These ranged from wage disputes for workers involved in road construction, construction , non-transparent land compensation payments to farmers, and damage to farmland beyond the scope of the project. CNPC is also funding the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline, a group established by the companies involved in the pipelines to communicate with the
Workers helping to upgrade the Kyaukpyu Yangon road said they must prepare their own lunches and must care for themselves if they are injured while working, despite travelling large distances every day. “We work from 7:30am to noon and then 1:30pm to 6:30pm or 7pm,” said Ma Mya Yin Oo, who travels two hours from Tha Pyay Gwin village to work on the road. “We get paid overtime after 5pm – sometimes K500 and other times K1000,” she said on a day that the thanakha on her face was streaked with sweat and the temperature hovered above 37 Celsius in the shade. Ma Mya Yin Oo added that she is paid K2000 a day, while the men receive K2500. Before joining the road building project Ma Mya Yin Oo said she weaved fishing nets for a living. “We would be paid K1000 for each net, which would take up to two days to weave,” she said. However, the lure of higher wages had drawn many of her fellow villagers to the construction project. “There are 22 people from my village building this part of the road,” she said. U Poe San, the finance officer for the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) in Kyaukpyu, said many people had found employment on the project but added that some serious labour disputes had also arisen. “Myanmar Golden Crown Co, which was hired by
Roadworkers sift pebbles at a roadbuilding project near Kyaukpyu. Pic: Juliet Shwe Gaung
Daewoo [a subcontractor for Hyundai Heavy Industries] as a contractor to find workers, promised to pay workers K9000 a day. “But the agent told workers they would only receive K4500 and he would take the rest as his fee,” he said. “The workers agreed at that point but then the agent told them they would need to sign a contract showing that they were being paid K9000 a day,” said U Poe San. He said 125 workers had complained to the RNDP after they were presented with the contract by Myanmar Golden Crown. “I advised them to visit the government’s labour office in Kyaukpyu and said we would submit a report on the issue to the hluttaws. “In the end the workers were paid for four-and-ahalf day’s work at K9000 a day. But immediately afterward, the company fired all of them,” he said. He added that many of the workers had come from remote islands such as Myay Pone and had already paid up to K6000 as agent fees. A spok espe rson for the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline said responsibility for labour hire rested with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, not South-East Asia Pipeline Corp Corp “During the construction period, the [pipeline] owner (SEAGP) as s igns EPC contractors to construct the pi pipelines pel ines through contracts [that] stipulate that the contractor should be responsible for all aspects of the pipelines including the quality, safety and environment ... The owner shall hire a company to supervise the construction
Workers build a road near Kyaukpyu as a truck carrying pipeline passes by. Pic: Juliet Shwe Gaung
[works] of contractors and fulfil the acceptance check. Aft er the acce pta nce, all the responsibilities for the pipelines s hall be transferred back to the owner,” the spokesperson said.
‘Little support for farmers’ Farmers said insufficient information was provided by local and township authorities on compensation for land acquired for the project, with large disparities in amounts paid from region to region, said U Poe San. Farmers in Mandalay and Magwe regions have reportedly been paid K3.6 million an acre, while those in Rakhine State were only given K1.8 million or less, he added. U Poe San said most farmers did not receive with any help over the land acquisition negotiations, adding that farmers from 19 villages in Kyaukpyu township had been paid compensation. Village Villageheads heads hadroutinel routinely y failed to provide important information concerning the compensation rates paid for different crops and farmland, said U Poe San. U Poe San added that farmers had also complained about the spoiling of their farmland as a result of earthworks. “When the first rains fell in early June, loose soil and rock from the roadside washed into the surrounding fields,” he said, adding that with many parts of Rakhine State receiving 200 inches of rainfall annually, the problem could easily increase as rainy season progresses. U San Thar Kyaw, a 60year-old farmer in Pya Dae village who tills about 5 acres of land, said nearby construction work had
spoiled part of his fields. He said his land was alongside a hill where Punj Lloyd, an Indian company that is subcontracting on the gas pipeline project, was building a worksite to support the pipeline. The construction work dislodged rock and earth that fell onto his farmland. However, U San Thar Kyaw was told by the village head that he needed to provide documents showing he owned the land in order to get compensation. “But we had already paid K100,000 to clear the earth that had fallen onto the land,” he said. He added that waste water from the building on the hill also flowed onto his land. “I could not stand the smell and went to Kyaukpyu to inform the RNDP. The district doctor came
paid for land that produced 60 or 70 baskets of paddy per acre,” he said. A yield of 60-70 baskets an acre is considered a good harvest in the area. “Nobody asked us anything about our land – the land department just told us the rates. But we knew all along that we would only be paid compensation if we could prove we owned the land,” said U Maung Chan Nu. He said the compensation rates were w ere only given giv en verbally and he did not have enough time to write all the information down. No written information was provided. “We didn’t dare to ask for information,” he added. U Hla Shwe, 41, from Hnan Pae Taung village, who owns a farm and works as a primary school teacher, represented farmers from
‘In the end the workers were paid or o
But immediately aterward, the
to see and as a result of his complaints I signed a statement saying that the sewage system they [Punj Lloyd] had built was not appropriate,” he said. “The just dug a hole and never bothered to fill it back in,” he added. A spok espe rson for the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline said the pipeline project department would send a previous article published by The Myanmar Times in June to Punj Lloyd as a warning. U Maung Chan Nu, the head of Kat Tha Pyin village tract, said no open discussion on compensation had been held with the five villagers whose land was acquired for the pipeline. “Township officials said the compensation rates were set according to the productivity of the land. We had no idea how much was
his village and visited the township office to find out what compensation would be paid. “The township office had documents showing how much compensation would be paid for different types of land. I found that my land was listed as type R1 and was worth K1.8 million an acre, while R2 land was valued at K1.6 million and owners of R3 land would be paid compensation of K1.4 million,” he said. However, he said he was not paid full compensation for the 0.25 acres of his land that was affected, which would have been about K480,000. Instead, he was paid K330,750, adding that other villagers received even less. “I went to the township office and complained about the miscalculation but the official said the compensation documents
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By the numbers: MyanmarChina oil and gas pipelines Oil pipeline: 771km long, 32 inches in diameter
Construction of the oil pipeline started in September last year and is intended to finish in September, 2013. When completed, the pipeline should be able to transport 23 million tonnes of oil and will include five processing stations. South-East Asia Crude Oil Pipeline Company Limited (SEAOP)
SEAOP is owned by South-East Asia Pipeline Company (a China National Petroleum Company subsidiary based in Hong Kong) and Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise under a 50.9 percent, 49.1pc split. Gas pipeline: 793km, 40 inches in diameter
Construction of the gas pipeline started in September 2011 and is expected to be finished by July, 2013. If it performs as intended, the pipeline will transport 12 billion cubic metres of gas a year that will pass through six processing stations.
South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SEAGP )
had already been sent to Nay Pyi Taw,” he said. He added that villagers were told that construction work would begin in December last year, after harvest time. However, work began in October before the monsoon paddy was ready for harvest. “When I asked why they had started work before we’d harvested the paddy I was told that the compensation had already been paid,” he said. Si Maw village farmer U Aung San Kyaw, 53, said he had no complaints about the compensation he was paid but was annoyed that he had lost his job. “We had worked our farm for generations,” he said, adding that he had so far been unable to buy any other land in his community. Farmers were paid
temporary acquisitions. “More compensation is still ensuing,” he added. “According to our surveys, most of the farmers who have received the compensation are satisfied “One farmer we surveyed said he would use the compensation money to settle his debts and buy gold for savings. He told us he did not want to buy any more land because farming did not make him enough money,” he said. Mr Zhou Ming Quan said acquisition and compensation work had not started in the mountain areas in Rakhine State and northern Myanmar. Where both pipelines run side-by-side, a total of 30 metres has been compulsorily acquired, while in places where there is only one pipeline the
ur-and-a-hal day’s work at K9000 a day. company fred all o them.
’
compensation in two instalments of 50 percent, one in October and the second in February. Mr Zhou Ming Quan, manager of the land compensation department for the project, said payments were made in two instalments because it took from six to eight months to finalise approvals. “In consideration of the principle of ‘paying before use’, the time schedule of the pipeline project and the full utilisation of dry seasons, the land acquisition and compensation team formulated the [compensation] plan with the approval of MOGE, local authorities and villagers,” he said. He said compensation totalling K23.5 billion had been paid for land permanently acquired for the project, with a further K1.2 billion paid for
buffer is 20 metres. Other lland and acquired includes those slated for use as offices and depots for the transport and management department, pump stations and valve chambers, he said. Temporary land includes construction sites, pipe yards and material transfer stations that will only be needed for the construction phase. He said there are four land acquisition and compensation teams – one for each state or region crossed by the pipelines. “The teams comprise officials from the Ministry Of Energy, MOGE, personnel from the related departments of local governments and personnel from the South East Asia Gas Pipeline Co (SEAGP) and South East Asia Crude Oil Pipeline Co (SEAOP),” he said.
He said the grades of compensation paid to farmers was dis cus s ed “am ong the villagers, government and the companies”, based on market prices, and suggestions from farmers and the government. “The land compensation value is far higher than that in the feasibility report,” he said. He added that the teams will supervise the “full restoration” of terrain and refurbishment of the farmland temporarily acquired after the project has been completed.
‘Unintended side effects’ U Poe San said that the compensation money paid to villagers had also had some unforeseen side-effects. “One man bought a motorcycle soon after getting his compensation money and was then killed when he was driving it drunk. Others have already spent all their money and have had to set up roadside shops,” he said. However, SEAP Co Ltd is attempting to lend assistance to the communities affected by the pipelines and associated work. Starting from April 2011, CNPC has contributed $6 million for socioeconomic projects in pipeline areas. SEAOP and SEAGP will both contribute $1 million annually over the next 30 years, said Mr Zhang Ye, the supervisor of the project’s socioeconomic department. CNPC’s socioeconomic projects in Rakhine State include the building of schools in Kyaukpyu and Ann townships, both of which are about 90pc finished, and seven rural health centres, which are 75-80pc completed. The program includes similar projects in Magwe and Mandalay regions, and northern Shan State.
Companies from six nations are shareholders in the gas pipeline, including Sout-East Asia Pipeline Co with a 50.9pc share; Daewoo International – 25.041pc; ONGC Caspian E&P – 8.347pc; Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise – 7.355pc; Korea
Gas Corporation – 4.1735; and GAIL India Corporation – 4.1735pc. Where both pipelines pass there is an exclusion corridor of 30 metres, but in areas crossed by only one pipeline the corridor is 20 metres.
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Job
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watch Job Vacancy
NTT Communications is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.(ranked 31st in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2011), is seeking individuals for the following candidates are encouraged to apply.
President U Thein Sein (right) and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra review the honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at Government House in Bangkok on July 23. Pic: AFP
Position Title : Sales Engineer Staff- 1 post 1) Work experience in pre-sales pre-sales or engineer 2) Work with Telecommunications company or related 3) Good command in Japanese would b e advantage 4) BasicComputerliteracyespeciallyMSOfce software. Please submit your application letter with CV with a recent photo and copies of educational certicatesto; NTT Communications(Thailand) Co., Ltd 6thoor,DusitThaniBldg.,946RamaIVRoad, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand/ E-mail:
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Job Opportunity Opportunity with International Law Firm in Yangon Position: Ofc Ofce eLo Loca cati tion on: : Salary:
Administrative Assistant Assistant Yango angon n negotiable
Qualifcation:
good command of English English and Myanmar Myanmar (speaking and writing), multi-lingualisb multi-lingualisbenecial enecial good good compu compute ter r skil skills ls (MS (MS Ofc Ofce, e, Inte Interne rnet, t, E-mail) able to work in cross culture environment environment able to work work under pressure pressure interpersonal interpersonal skills Job Description: ofceadministrationmanagement ofceadministrationmanagem ent client administrative administrative management management reception, reception, law library, libra ry, petty cash time keeping keeping and billing Contact: Chatsuda Sukplang MyanmarLegalServicesLimited MyanmarLegalServices Limited Suite117,InyaLakeHotel Suite117,InyaLakeHotel,37KabaAyePagoda ,37KabaAyePagoda Road, Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar Tel.951657-792 www.myanmarlegalservices.com www.myanmarlegalservices.co m email:
[email protected] email:
[email protected]
UNFPA Vacancy Notice
Governments back Dawei project BANGKOK – Thailand and Myanmar pledged on July 23 to press ahead with a multi-billiondollar deep sea port project and to open new border crossings during summit talks focused on strengthening economic ties. The Dawei development on Myanmar’s southern Andaman coast is a key part of the impoverished country’s plans to transform its economy, giving neighbours such as Thailand an outlet to the Indian Ocean and markets to the West. But the project – led by Thai industrial giant Ital-Thai – has faced resistance from local villagers and there have been signs of funding troubles. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the development of a special economic zone for Dawei, with Thailand agreeing to provide assistance in areas including
security, infrastructure and logistics. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters after talks with visiting President U Thein Sein on a twicepostponed trip to Bangkok that the two nations would set up ministerial-level contacts to address related issues. “In our talks, I reaffirmed the commitment of the Thai government to push forward with this cooperation with Myanmar in regard to the development of the Dawei deep sea port to have concrete progress,” Yingluck said. The Dawei project would include a 250-square-kilometre 250-square-kilometre (100 square mile) industrial area with a steel mill, petrochemical plant and oil refinery. The Thai developer insists all is going to plan. It is among a number of
Traders sidestep restrictions to export rice to China By Myat May Zin
No.2012/007 Position Title
:
Grade Duty Station Issue Date Closing Date Duration of Appointment
: : : : :
Programme analyst (Reproductive Health) NOB (Fixed Term) Yangon, Myanmar 3 0 July 2012 13 August 2012 (5:00 pm) 1 Year, Year, (possible extentions)
Applications are invited nvited from interested Myanmar nationals for the post of Programme analyst (Reproductive Health). Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention : Operations Manager Room A07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon. Email : myanmar.of
[email protected] For details on duties and responsibilities, educational and other requirements, please see the vacancy announcement posted at UNDP billboard. No.6, Natmauk Natmauk Road, Yangon and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org) Applications will be considered only when meeting all requirements set in detailed in vacancy announcement.
ambitious foreig n-funded checkpoints. projects which started before U Thein Sein described the the long-ruling military handed talks as “friendly” and said he over power last year to a new had thanked Thailand for its civilian government whose support and “reiterated our ranks are filled with former determination to continue our generals. reforms”. But doubts about the port Thailand and other Asian d e v e l o p m e n t g r e w a f t e r nations forged close economic Myanmar’s government earlier ties with Myanmar during years this year blocked a 4000- of Western sanctions against megawatt coal-fired plant that the former pariah that are now beginning to be rolled back in was to be built at Dawei. On July 22, U Thein Sein response to dramatic political inspected the Laem Chabang reforms. U Thein Sein delayed a visit deep-sea port on Thailand’s Gulf Coast, which is to be connected to Thailand in May that clashed by road to Dawei, shortening with opposition leader Daw appearance the current sea route around Aung San Suu Kyi’s appearance at the World Economic Forum the Malay Peninsula. The two leaders also agreed to on East Asia in Bangkok, in her open three new border crossings first overseas excursion in more between the two countries – than two decades. in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong The Myanmar leader again Son and Kanchanaburi – in postponed the trip in early addition to three existing official June. – AFP
UP to 2500 tonnes of rice is being illegally exported to China through the Shan State border town of Muse every day, domestic rice traders told The Myanmar Times. Muse rice exporter U Naing Win said the Chinese government officially prohibits rice imports via border trade but officials were happy to turn a blind eye to the influx of low-grade rice. “We export rice illegally to avoid paying high taxes to the Chinese government. If we exported the rice legally through normal trade [done through shipping or air freight] we would pay commercial tax of 65 percent, which includes a 3pc export tax, plus warehousing and purification treatment costs,” he said. Corn and sugar are also taxed at 65pc, while beans and pulses are taxed at 13pc.
Rice dealers said that a wide variety of items are illegally exported from both countries through Muse. Chinese farmers living in border areas aid the illegal process by overstating the amount or rice they produce, allowing them to incorporate the smuggled rice into their harvests. “We pay these farmers [the equivalent of] 1pc tax to sell our rice through them as regional trade between Shwe Li and Kunming,” U Naing Win said. During the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) annual general meeting in Nay Pyi Taw in early June, the Myanmar Rice Industrial Association (MRIA) requested the Ministry for Commerce to discuss export terms with the Chinese government. Minister for Commerce U Win Myint said: “The Chinese government is reluctant to buy rice from Myanmar because it is
considered low quality by World Trade Organisation standards. “However, we will ask Chinese government representatives to reconsider this position and reduce export fees.” Dr Soe Tun, an MRIA central executive committee member, said: “If we want to legally sell our rice to China we have to do so through normal trade. “In April, the Myanmar government announced that rice exports would no longer be taxed to try and promote exports,” he said. “However, we cannot make a reasonable profit using illegal export channels because we have to accept low prices,” he said. According to rice traders at the border, China buys Myanmar’s exported rice for 2600 yuan (US$408) a tonne for ehmeta, which includes 25pc broken grains, and 2840 yuan ($446) if there are only 5pc broken grains.
From page 19 (Mining summit shows)
China’s ferocious appetite for coal only grew in the first half of 2012, rising 66pc with the country importing 140 million tonnes, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs in Beijing on July 10. Imports are expected to double by 2015. “Domestic demand is more than what we produce, so we cannot export it,” said Daw Mya Thu Za, an expert on foreign investment at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) in regards to the ban on coal exports. Myanmar has shown a willingness to listen to mining entities and take into inconsideration changes that would make the regulatory framework less inhibiting. Minister for Mines U Thein
Htaik said the ministry was “trying to amend the Myanmar Mines Law with the advice of experts”, but an exact date of the release of the new laws has not been announced. “Some investors are waiting for the new mining laws. They are hoping to have a new mining law within the coming months,” said Mr Adams, who reiterated that Myanmar is only beginning to test the mining waters and that given time it has the opportunity to adjust to the needs and demands of investors, while not ignoring local business interests. “It is a blank sheet of paper here,” Mr Adams said. “People are waiting to see how it [mining law] is passed and implemented to see how to move forward. The concern is when they can jump in.”
Conspicuously lacking on the list of attendees were representatives from Myanmar’s largest investor, China, which accounts for US$20 billion in foreign direct investment according to DICA. Only six China-based companies were in attendance. The limited participation was a sign that the sanction years have given China a lengthy head-start over other foreign companies not just in mining but across all sectors of Myanmar’s economy. Aerospace and defense firm Chinese North Industries Company (Norinco), through subsidiary Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper, is a partner with the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd in Sagaing Region’s Monywa copper mine, the largest mining
project in Myanmar to date. Addition Additionally ally,, Myanmar Myanmar-Chi -China na Non Ferrous Metal and Mining is working with Mining Enterprise Number 3 on a $1 billion nickel mining project in Mandalay Region. Mr Ali, however, believes that catching up will be a fast process, especially for US companies. “Very quickly, US companies will use sharp political leadership which will encourage US investment. There will be deals with large US firms like Caterpillar, Chevron and giants from the fast food industry. These names have a big weight, both financially and politically,” said Mr Ali. The three-day event was organisedbytheMinistryofMines and Centre for Management Technology.
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Policy change MFF urges farmers to set fish limits sees imports rise as exports plunge: official By Myat Nyein Aye
By Aye Thidar Kyaw
MYANMAR’S balance of trade has changed significantly this year, with the value of exports falling by 35pc, the Directorate of Trade official said. He said exports were worth $1.6 bi billi llion on by July 6, down from $2.2 billion compared with the same period last year. Policy changes relating to vehicle and fuel imports significantly boosted the value of imports, he added. The total volume of trade was about US$4.4 billion by July 6 of the 2012-13 fiscal year, including imports of about $2.8 billion, which climbed by more than $600 million over last year. “Cars, fuel and edible [palm] oil are make up about 60 percent of imports, which is a direct result of changed government policy,” he said. “However, exports from the private sector have declined but public sector exports are regular,” he added. Major public exports include natural gas, minerals and timber. He added that exports of agricultural products such as rice and beans and pulses were about the same as last year by volume but had resulted in lower earnings because prices had fallen. Rice exporter U Myo Thura Aye said the volume of rice exports had increased yearon-year, mainly through border trade, but prices were lower. Myanmar Rubber Planters
and Producers Association secretary general U Khaing Myint described a similar situation in the rubber industry – stable exports but decreased prices. He said rubber prices had fallen by about $1000 a tonne year-on-year to about $2600 a tonne in June. “Exporters and farmers are not suffering yet but if prices continue to fall they will face problems,” he said. U Win Aung, a beans and pulses trader dealing with India, said exporters were still targeting 1 million tonnes in the fiscal year. “Exports have been s atis factory this year and the foreign exchange rate has been stable, the government has cut export taxes and been more flexible than it’s been in the past,” he said. “But domestic transportation charges are still high,” he said, adding that prices would likely rise in July as demand from India increased. The Ministry of Commerce is expecting a total trade volume of about $17 bill billion ion this fiscal year, with exports tipped to reach $9.6 billion and imports expected to amount to $7.5 billion. The official said beans and pulses exports had amounted to about 40,000 tonnes by July but peak prices were $400 a tonne, compared with more than $600 at the same time in 2011. He said border trade between Sittwe, Maungdaw and Bangladesh would plunge as a result of conflict in Rakhine State.
Trade Mark CauTion F S.p.a., a company organised under the laws of Italy, of Piazzale Pietro Ferrero 1, 12051 Alba, Cuneo, Italy, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-
TIC TAC rg. n. 5037/2003 in respect of “candies”. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for F S.p.a. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail:
[email protected] Dated: 30 July 2012
MYANMAR Fisheries Federation is urging farmers to limit the number of fish they farm to prevent a glut on the market, and increase the size of fish sold in markets. U Win Kyaing, general secretary of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation, said at the weekly meeting on July 17 that farmers breeding the freshwater carp species should produce only 1000-1300 fish an acre. “Carp is popular with farmers but foreign demand for this fish has fallen continuous ly for three years, which has resulted in losses for farmers,” he said.
“Farmers were breeding between 2000 and 3000 fish an acre in recent years and lost money, so we’re suggesting a limit of 1300 fish an acre,” he added. A Mya nma r Li ves to ck and Fisheries Federation official said foreign demand for Myanmar’s carp had been static at about 100,000 tonnes a year for three years said U Win Kyaing. “If farmers produce more than this, they try to sell it on the domestic market, which makes prices crash,” he said. “We need to make farmers aware of the export market’s needs,” said U Win Kyaing. U Win Kyaing, who also owns Ayeyarwady Fish Farm said farmers who had suffered through two ,
loss-making years had scaled back production this year, which had resulted in a shortage. “We all thoug thought ht fis h farming was a great industry and expected to make plenty of profit. But in the past two years most people lost money, so we’ve all cut back on the number of fish we’re breeding,” he said. In the monsoon month freshwater fish flood into markets, especially perch (nga pyay ma in Myanmar), which sells at wholesale markets for K800 a viss (1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds), said Dr Myint Sein, vice chairman of the Livestock Breeding Department under the Ministry for Livestock and Fisheries. H He e added that many
customers prefer perch, which reduces demand and prices for carp. “We buy 6-inch-long carp fry for K120 each but it costs about K1800 to feed each fish until it’s large enough for sale. So it costs about K1920 a fish and we can only sell them for about K1925, so we lose money,” he said. U Win Kyaing urged farmers to learn how to farm other species that are presently only caught from the sea and whose catches are declining. “Fish farmers should start trying to breed species such as giant sea perch [ kaka tit ], banded snake head fish [nga yant], perch and shrimp that earn high prices internationally,” said U Win Kyaing.
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Industry welcomes proposed law amendment By Htar Htar Khin
PROPOSED legislation aimed at curbing fraudulent property leases and ensuring owners are paid compensation for damage caused by tenants has been praised by the real estate sector. The proposed Urban Home Rental Act is being drafted in parliament and aims to strengthen the ability of property owners to enforce the provisions of rental agreements. Existing property rental legislation was passed in the 1960s and is widely cons idered iineffective neffective becaus e bus iines nes s and socioeconomic conditions have changed. U Aung Naing Win, a property lawyer at Sai Khung Noung real estate and law firm in Tarmwe township, said the old law generally favours tenants. “There have been prominent court cas es allowing tenants to permanently remain in a property if the lease expired
,
A client signs an agreement at Sai Khung Noung real estate agency in Tarmwe township last week. Pic: Boothee
more than 12 years earlier,” he said. Ko Soe Wunna, the general manager of Shining Star Real Estate Agency in Ahlone township, said: “I welcome the proposed law. As I understand, it will update the provisions of the 1960s law and the changes will be widely publicised. “For renters and owners,
contractual weaknesses resulting from false information being included is too common.” Other serious problems include leases not being submitted to the Government Registration Office in Yankin township and the terms of verbal contracts not being enforced, he said. He advised parties to have
a thorough understanding of the contents of any rental agreement and emphasised the importance of having contracts witnessed by a third party. He believes that “most contracts are made flippantly”, because “some [property] owners lack the expertise to avoid being deceived by disreputable clients”.
Baghdad in need of 750,000 homes: govt BAGHDAD – Baghdad needs 750,000 new homes to make up for a massive housing shortfall, Iraq’s investment commission chief said on July 22 as he called for bidders for a new property development project. Iraq is aiming to build one million new homes in the coming years, including a vast construction project southeast of Baghdad that officials hope will provide new housing for 600,000 people. “Baghdad now needs 750,000 more homes,” Sami al-Araji told reporters. Araji called for bidders bidders for a new housing d evelopment project at a former Iraqi army military camp known as Al-Rasheed in southeast Baghdad. The area is home to a small
Ko Soe Wunna said his signing a lease to avoid being real estate agency has not cheated. U Sai Khung Noung, the been affected by rental fraud but said the level managing director of Sai of public awareness about Khung Noung real estate, existing laws is low. He also said: “I’ve encountered advised both landowners fake leases of land in the and lessees to renew rental past particularly when contracts. the property was vacant. Daw Cho Cho, a freelance Creating fake documents real estate agent in Yankin was easier in the past, with towns hip, s aid s he is land permits fairly easy to optimistic that the draft replicate.” provisions will promote Property lawyer Daw Khin fairness in the rental market, Aye Myint, from from Unity real which she described as the estate agency in Mingalar “most problematic aspect of Taung Nyunt township, said the number of legal disputes the property industry”. “I think the [proposed] law over rental agreements has would largely solve existing declined and believes that problems, particularly in lawyers would welcome terms of preventing property the passing of updated legislation. owners from being cheated. “The most common “When my friend rented out her apartment in i n legal scenario involves Tarmwe township last year, tenants refusing to pay the tenants fraudulently c o m p e n s a t i o n t o t h e sub-leased the apartment by property owner for causing pretending to be its owners damage,” she said. using a fake lease. And then She added that enforcing they ran away with the c o n t r a c t s u n d e r t h e money,” she said. 1960s law is difficult and Daw Cho Cho said it is recommends owners inspect vital to check census records, their properties regularly national identity cards and rather than waiting until other documents before the lease has expired.
The Olympic Stadium at Olympic Park in London on the eve of the games’ opening ceremony on July 26. Pic : AFP
Iraqi army base, as well as a refuse dump where poor families have built makeshift accommodation. Araj i hop es tha t up to 70,000 apartments and 5000 independent houses will eventually be built there, along with sports and entertainment facilities, s hopping and medical m edi cal services. Af te r de ca de s of wa r, sanctions and underinvestment, Iraq is experiencing a major housing shortfall, and the difficulty in finding a home was one of the reasons protesters demonstrated nationwide last year. About 57 percent percent of Iraq’s urban population lives in “slum-like conditions”, said a report published by the United Nations in 2011. – AFP
City council approves NYU expansion plans Stadium nominated for architecture prize NEW YORK – A contentious plan to expand the New York University University campus in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village won the city council’s near-unanimous go-ahead on July 25. NYU, which says it needs more space to remain a topflight institution, will be allowed to add nearly 2 million square feet (185,800 square metres) of new teaching, lab and other facilities. The expansion is sharply reduced from an initial proposal by the university in the already crowded neighbourhood. Ac ti vi st s ha d bi tt er ly opposed the construction plans, saying they would ruin a neighbourhood famed
for decades as the haunt of writers and artists. Vocal protesters attending the council vote were ejected from the chamber, NY1 television reported. The Small Bus ines s Coalition, which represents more than 100 s hops , res taurants and other businesses, welcomed the scaling back of the expansion, but said it was still not satisfied. “We appreciate the reductions in the bulk and size of the buildings,” said the coalition’s Judy Paul. “However, the 20-year timeframe of the project is still a daunting prospect for the community and small businesses alike.” – AFP
LONDON – London’s Ol ympic Stadium has been nominated for the 2012 Stirling Prize, Britain’s top architecture award, the Royal Ins titute of Britis h Architects announced on July 22. The 80,000-seat stadium in Stratford, east London, which hosted the opening ceremony of the Games on July 27, was among six buildings shortlisted for the annual award. The showpiece venue, costing £486 million (US$760 million), has a simple design, drawn up with a view to scaling it down after the games. The steel and concrete upper tier can be dismantled, leaving a 25,000seat sunken bowl. Construction was completed under budget in March 2011. Bids have been sought for a 99-year lease. It is the first time that architects Populous have been shortlisted for
the prestigious award. The stadium’s fellow nominees are the Hepworth Wakefield gallery in Wakefield, northern England; the Lyric Theatre, Belfast; Maggie’s Centre, a cancer support centre in Glasgow; New Court, a Rothschild Bank building in London; and the Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University, eastern England. The Olympic Stadium is a “world class venue seating 80,000 spectators for the main track and field events and ceremonies, which is then capable of being transformed into a smaller scale venue”, RIBA said. “The design clearly expresses the main elements of the stadium, distinguishing between the white main structural elements, the black secondary structures and the precast concrete of the seating tiers and plinth to create a striking and legible
ensemble,” RIBA said. “The demountable nature of the structures is expressed through the simple and elegant detailing of its many connections and components. “The organisation focuses very much around the ease of movement of the large numbers of people who will use the stadium during the games. “The bowl of the stadium provides for clear sightlines throughout and a surprisingly intimate relationship with the events for a venue of this scale.” Founded in 1996, the prize is worth £20,000 ($31,000). The winner will be announced at an event in Manchester, northwest England, on October 13. Bookmakers William Hill have the Hepworth Wakefield as their 3/1 favourite, with the Olympic Stadium the outsider at 5/1. – AFP
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Sun-powered plane returns home after historic flight ZURICH – The Swiss sunpowered aircraft Solar Impulse landed back home in Switzerland late on July 24 after completing the final leg of its historic transcontinental flight. The high-tech aircraft was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at Payerne airport in western Switzerland two months after it took off from there on May 24 on a journey that took it from Europe to North Africa and back. “This was an extraordinary adventure, not only because of what was achieved with this plane ... but also because of the solid team” Andre Borschberg, one of the cofounders of the project, said in a statement. Earlier on July 24 pilot Bertrand Piccard took the plane up into a cloudless sky
from an airfield near Toulouse, southern France, where it had waited for a week for the right weather conditions to complete a journey which took it to Spain, Morocco and back again to Switzerland. The high-tech aircraft, which has the wingspan of a large airliner but weighs no more than a saloon car, is fitted with 12,000 solar cells feeding four electric engines. With the final stage completed, the 6000-kilometre (3700-mile) journey became the longest to date for the aircraft after an inaugural flight to Paris and Brussels last year. The flight was transmitted live on www.solarimpulse. com, the website of the project run by Piccard, an explorer who has travelled around the world in a hot-air balloon, and fellow pilot Borschberg, who
took turns to fly the plane on its latest journey. The trip was intended as a rehearsal for a round-the-world flight planned for 2014 in an updated version of the plane. The organisers said in a statement that Solar Impulse had now demonstrated the reliability of the technology it uses as well as its energy efficiency. Solar Impulse made history in July 2010 when it became the first manned plane to fly around the clock on the sun’s energy. It holds the record for the longest flight by a manned solar-powered aeroplane after staying aloft for 26 hours, 10 minutes and 19 seconds above Switzerland, also setting a record for altitude by flying at 9235 metres (30,298 feet). – AFP
The Swiss-made Solar Impulse piloted by Bertrand Piccard in ight above Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, on July 24. Pic: AFP
NATO confronts tech-savvy Taliban fighters By Emal Haidary
KABUL – Once seen as uneducated thugs, the Taliban are producing dangerous new fighters who use the latest digital technology to plan and publicise attacks against NATO and Afghan Afghan forces, forces, analysts analysts say. The militants recently released a video of a June 1 attack on a US military base in the eastern province of Khost, on the border with Pakistan, showcasing far more developed techniques to plan the assault than previously thought. The footage shows the fighters, in military uniforms, being briefed by their commander using a model and satellite images of the target, Forward Operating Base Salerno. “First we do this operation for God’s sake, second may God accept this [attack] as revenge for the burning of the Koran in Bagram,” the commander tells the fighters. “We will do our best to avoid civilian casualties,” he says after
he explains to his men how they should enter the camp. A hu ge tr uc k bom b is se en destroying the entrance to the facility, before an assault force enters the base to carry out the second phase of the attack – wearing US military uniforms, accordi ng to the US-bas ed company IntelCenter. The blast and fighting that followed were filmed from at least three angles, showing the militants’ multiple observation points – and their desire to produce a slick video afterwards for propaganda purposes. Analy sts say such organ ised and complex attacks generate more publicity, require fewer fighters and give the insurgents the appearance of being stronger than they may actually be. “Maybe in some cases they only want the media impact. On other occasions, we say to ourselves that it looks really serious. These videos show that they have real skills and technical knowledge,”
a Western official said. mostly in remote towns. But now, the insurgents to sensationalise The film of the Khost attack 10 fighters can do an even better this action,” ISAF spokesman was first obtained by Al-Jazeera job in sophisticated attacks attacks in big Brigadier General Guenter Katz said. but later posted on the Taliban’s cities,” he said. “The Taliban also want to show “What this video really shows Voice of Jihad website. website. “Far from showing a Taliban that they are very clean, organised is the insurgents’ selfish efforts force weakened and on the ropes, and high-tech, and that comes to recruit and propagandise more the video is a clear reminder that whenever a party in conflict feels young men to needlessly die for a the Taliban maintains the ability that it has a chance to come back failed cause.” An ISAF spokesman said one to prepare and execute large-scale to power.” Af gh an wr it er an d an al ys t US soldier and an Afghan civilian attacks,” wrote IntelCenter, which Waheed Mujda, a former official working on the base were killed in monitors jihadist websites. W h e n t h e T a l i b a n r u l e d in the Taliban regime, added: “It the attack, more than 10 American Af gh an is t an be t we en 19 96 is a new generation of Taliban, soldiers were seriously wounded and 2001, almost all electronic they are very high-tech and that and about 115 were slightly products were outlawed as un- is because they face a high-tech hurt. Two buildings were damaged, Islamic. Photographs of living army as their enemy. things were illegal, and ownership “They use GPS, they use Google including the dining room, and 14 of a video player could lead to a Maps, they use cameras and almost insurgents were killed. Interior ministry spokesman public lashing. every digital age technology. They But now technology plays an can inflict more casualties on their Sediq Sediqqi dismissed the essential role in the militants’ enemy if their attacks are well video as propaganda and said it would not demoralise ordinary reshaped strategy, with carefully- planned.” planned surprise attacks in places NATO’s US-led International Afghans. But he told AFP: “It also raises that previously were spared heavy S e c u r i t y A s s i s t a n c e F o r c e assaults, said analyst Waheed (ISAF) and the Afghan interior questions where they got all that ministry dismissed the video as a training and how they obtained Wafa. about 10 tonnes of explosives.” “Five years ago, for instance, the propaganda stunt. It is “simply an attempt by – AFP Taliban would attack in hundreds,
Virtual lips for long-distance lovers SINGAPORE – Finding it hard to keep up the passion in a long-distance relationship? Help might be on the way. A robotics robotics professor in Singapore Singapore has invented a gadget equipped with motion-sensitive electronic “lips” that allow amorous but absent couples to exchange long-distance smooches via the internet. Shaped like a small head with oversize silicone lips, the “Kissenger” – short for Kiss Messenger – was unveiled in June at a scientific conference in Britain and is still being refined for commercial launch. “It can be used between humans to improve their communication,” its creator Hooman Samani said. Couples just have to connect the devices to computers via USB cables, link up online and start kissing the silicone material to trigger sensors that move the gadget on the other side. They can stare at each other on screen while exchanging kisses. “The main issue is to transmit the force and pressure, and also the shape of the lip,” Samani said. The “special silicone material” chosen for the lips offers “the best sensation and feeling”, said the scientist, who has personally tested the device. But the Kissenger is not yet ready for the market despite “a lot of offers” from interested parties because there are “ethical issues” that need to be resolved on top of the technical aspects, he said. “Kissing is very intimate so in order to have a product in market which is going to deal with this sensitive issue we have to do proper studies and
Professor Hoonam Samani, Research Fellow at the Interactive and Digital Media Institute National University of Singapore, displaying the Kissenger. Pic: AFP
investigation on the social point of view, cultural point of view,” he said. The device is still being refined at a laboratory join tly set up by the Nati onal Univ ersi ty of Singapore (NUS) and Keio University of Japan. Samani calls his field of study “lovotics” – research into the relationship between robots and humans – and the Kissenger is just one of several devices being developed by his team. – AFP
China censors coverage of deadly Beijing flooding BEIJING – Beijing’s propaganda chief for searching for their own family has ordered Chinese media to stick members,” said Wang Baoxiang, to good-news about weekend floods, whose 30-year-old nephew had been according to a report, after the death missing since going out in the rain of at least 77 people sparked fierce on July 21. The China Daily , a state-run criticism of the government. Lu Wei told media outlets to stick English-language newspaper with a to stories of “achievements worthy predominantly foreign readership, ran of praise and tears”, the Beiji ng an editorial on July 24 urging Beijing Times daily reported on July 23, as authorities to improve the drainage authorities tried to stem the tide of system, which it said “leaves much to accusations that they failed to do be desired”. enough. But much of China’s state-run media Residents of China’s rapidly steered away from critical stories, modernising capital have said some of focusing on human interest angles of the deaths could have been prevented residents helping each other out. if better warnings had been issued and Senior Beijing leaders at an the city’s ancient drainage systems emergency meeting late on July 23 urged greater efforts to find those still modernised. Many took to China’s popular missing, identify the bodies and repair microblogs, known as weibos, to flood-damaged roads. “[The storm] was an extremely large question the official death toll of 37 issued on July 22, although by July natural disaster rarely seen in Beijing 24, censors had begun deleting critical ... bringing serious losses to the lives and property of the people,” the Beijin Beijing g posts from the internet. Daily quoted mayor Guo Jinlong as Residents of the worst-hit area Daily of Fangshan, on the mountainous saying. “All areas of society are greatly southwestern outskirts of China’s sprawling capital, said the government concerned with the numbers of was doing little to help find their fatalities, [so] we must assess the missing loved-ones. causes of death,” he said, adding any “The government doesn’t help increases in the death toll should be at all, every family is responsible reported immediately. – AFP
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Romney gaffes spark transatlantic spat over Games WASHINGTON – Salt Lake City’s mayor extended a tongue-in-cheek invitation on July 26 to host British Prime Minister David Cameron, offering him a map to show him where the “middle of nowhere” is. The taunt was the latest salvo in a transatlantic heated exchange over the Olympics. It all started when US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney made some illadvised remarks about London’s Olympic preparations after arriving in Britain on the first-stop of an
international tour designed to showcase his diplomatic skills. Within hours of landing, NBC television broadcast an interview in which Romney, a Republican, said it was “hard to know just how well” the Olympics will turn out and said there were “a few things that were disconcerting.” He even questioned the British Olympic spirit, adding: “Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment? That’s something which we only find out once the
Games actually begin.” The British press poured scorn on Romney’s comments. “Mitt Romney is perhaps the only politician who could start a trip that was supposed to be a charm offensive by being utterly devoid of charm and mildly offensive,” the right-leaning Daily Daily Telegraph Telegraph said. The tabloid Daily Mail was more forthright demanding: “Who invited him?” Cameron duly responded with what was believed to be a veiled
attempt to belittle one of Romney’s crowning achievements, his rescue of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City from financial ruin. “We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world,” Cameron said. “Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere.” This brought a prickly but amusing response from Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker.
“While those of us who have had the fortune of visiting London know it is certainly a wonderful city, Prime Minister Cameron’s comments likely reflect his lack of familiarity with Salt Lake City,” he said in a statement sent to AFP. “He can stop by, any time – we’d love to have him and happy to send a map so he doesn’t run into any trouble locating the middle of nowhere,” said the statement. – AFP • Related report, P. 28.
Six share Asia’s ‘Nobel Prize’
A Syrian man mourns a friend killed in clashes between government troops and rebels in the northern city of Aleppo on July 24. Pic: AFP
UN failing civilians in Syria, says Ban Ban’s visit received a SREBRENICA, Bosnia- thousands of Muslims from Hercegovina – Ban Ki-moon surrounding villages had mixed reaction from locals. While some victims praised said last week that the UN gathered for protection. The episode caused huge it, saying they hoped it will was failing in its duty to protect Syria’s civilians as damage to the reputation keep the UN from looking he paid a landmark visit of the UN’s peacekeeping on if another genocide is to Srebrenica, the scene of operations, which were at carried out in the future, Europe’s worst massacre the time headed by Kofi others dismissed it as too Annan – Ban’s predecessor little, too late. since World War II. “The fact that Ban is Ban, the first UN chief and the man tasked by the to visit Srebrenica since UN and Arab League to coming today doesn’t really say much because the UN did blue helmet peacekeepers bring peace to Syria. Annan’s peace plan has nothing when the Srebrenica failed to prevent the killing of about 8000 Bosnian struggled to make any massacre happened,” Hajra Muslims in 1995, said it was headway, and half of a UN Catic, who lost her husband essential the international observer mission sent to and son in the slaughter, told journalists. community learned the supervise an April truce journalists. “There will be no justice lessons of history. that never took hold was “We have to do all to pulled out of Syria on July as long as... the UN hides behind its immunity,” she protect civilians and to stop 25. said, looking out over the bloodshed particularly in vast Potocari cemetery Syria now, when we have dotted with thousands of learned the message of We have to do all to white columns marking Srebrenica,” Ban said on July 26. protect civilians and to the graves of the victims. “The people who “The international international stop bloodshed… delivered my family to comm community unity mus t be the (Bosnian) Serb forces united not to see any were (UN) blue helmets,” further bloodshed in Ban acknowledged that said Hasan Nuhanovic, Syria because I do not want to see any of my successors the United Nations had let a former interpreter for after 20 years visiting Syria the people of Srebrenica the Dutch UN battalion in apologising for what we down, calling it perhaps the Srebrenica who lost both could have done now to most difficult and the most parents and his brother in protect the civilians in Syria painful place for him to visit the massacre. “There is no organisation as secretary-general. which we are not doing.” “ T h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l which is more responsible for Ban was speaking after meeting survivors at the community failed to provide what happened in Srebrenica Potocari cemetery near the necessary protection than the UN.” But he added that Srebrenica, where more to many people who were than 6500 victims are killed at the time, when Ban’s visit was important buried. they needed our support,” “because the UN must take a position... (and) recognise The massacre took place he said. i bi lity” for after Bosnian Serbs brushed “Srebrenica is holy ground its res pons ibility” aside lightly armed Dutch for the families and the Srebrenica. – AFP • Related reports, P. 29 peacekeepers in a so-called victims and also for the and 31; Analysis, P. 33. UN “s afe area” where Family of Nations.”
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MANILA – A Taiwanese Taiwanese vegetable vegetable vendor who gave away huge sums to charity and an environmental activist from Indonesia have won Asia’s Magsaysay award this year, organisers said on July 26. Chen Shu-chu, Ambrosius Ruwindrijarto and four others were cited by the Philippinesbased foundation for their work to ease poverty and empower ordinary people. In a statement announcing the winners of the annual award the foundation praised those who “can begin to change the world through seemingly ordinary acts of empathy and magnanimity.” Chen, who sleeps on the floor and eats two vegetarian meals a day, was cited for giving US$320,000 to charity. Ruwindrijarto, 40, founded Indonesian wildlife protection group Telapak, which in 1999 began undercover investigations of the lucrative illegal trade in endangered hardwood. His efforts ultimately forced the government to tighten regulations in the industry.
Hasan, 44, and her lawyers’ group are involved in a court battle to stop toxin-laden ships from entering Bangladesh, where they are dismantled as scrap in work that includes child labourers. The other winners include Romulo Davide, 74, a scientist whose discovery of wormtrapping fungi led to the development of the Philippines’ first biological pest control product. Former priest Kulandei Francis, 66, was cited for creating a $40 million fund from the savings of women in India to finance village health and sanitation, housing, and children’s education programs. Yang Saing Koma, 46, was honoured for setting up a non-government organisation in Cambodia that helps thousands of farmers improve rice yields. The awards, sometimes considered Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, are named after a Philippine president, Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a 1957 plane crash. – AFP
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Hacking charges for Murdoch eight LONDON – British police last week charged Prime Minister David Cameron’s former media chief Andy Coulson with phone hacking as a long-running press scandal lapped at the door of Downing Street. Former tabloid editor Rebekah Brooks will also be charged at a later date, police confirmed on July 24. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said eight current or former employees of Rupert Murdoch’s defunct News of the World tabloid would answer hacking charges, which carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. In total, police issued 19 separate charges of conspiring to illegally intercept the voicemails of some 600 people, including Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Angelina Angelina Jolie Jolie and Jude Law as well as politicians and crime victims.
Prosecutors said the other people targeted included England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney and former Beatle Paul McCartney. “I have concluded that a prosecution is required in the public interest in relation to each of these eight suspects,” senior prosecutor Alison Levitt said in a live televised announcement. The others charged include Stuart Kuttner, the News of the World’s former managing editor, former news editor Greg Miskiw, former head of news Ian Edmondson, former chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck, and reporter James Weatherup. The last person is private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, who was jailed for phone hacking for six months in 2007. All eight will appear in court in London on August 16, said the CPS.
Aus tra lia n-b orn med ia tycoon Murdoch, 81, closed the weekly News of the World World a year ago amid a storm of revelations that its staff hacked into the voicemail messages of a murdered schoolgirl and a slew of public figures. Coulson, 44, edited the News of the World from 2003 to 2007 and went on to become Cameron’s spokesman, but resigned from that post in January 2011 after he was questioned over the scandal. He was arrested last year. “Iwillfightthese allegations when they eventually get to court,” Coulson told reporters on July 24. Brooks, also 44, was editor of the tabloid from 2000 to 2003 and went on to edit The Sun, Murdoch’s top-selling British tabloid, before going on to become chief executive of News International, Murdoch’s British newspaper group.
hacking during the frantic last days of the News of the the World.
File images of former News of the World editor World editor and Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson and former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks. Pix: AFP
“I am not guilty of these charges,” she said in a s tatement releas ed by her lawyers. “I did not authorise, nor was I aware of, phone hacking under
my editorship.” Brooks was charged in May with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by allegedly trying to cover up evidence relating to phone
Thurlbeck also protested his innocence, saying he had “always operated under the strict guidance and advice of News International’s lawyers and... the newspaper’s editors”. The announcement came the same day the Leveson inquiry into press ethics, which was set up in the wake of the News of the World scandal, held its last scheduled hearing. Senior judge Brian Leveson said he would produce his report – which could cause a seismic shift in the way the British press is regulated – “as soon as I can”. The Guardian , which exposed much of the scandal, said the developments on July 24 highlighted the need for Leveson to ensure plurality in the media. – AFP
UK deploys more troops for Games security British boy flies to Rome LONDON – Britain will deploy an extra 1200 troops to the London Olympics, the government announced on July 24, following a last-minute recruitment meltdown at the Games’ private security contractor G4S. The extra personnel, who were already standing by on 48 hours’ notice, bring the total military deployment at the Olympics to 18,200 – 4700 of whom have been called up to fill in the G4S shortfall. The decision was taken at a cabinet committee meeting chaired by British Prime Minister David Cameron, just three days before the Games officially open with some 10,500 athletes taking part. Olympics minister Jeremy Hunt
said that while the numbers of security guards being provided by the beleaguered G4S continues to rise, “on the eve of the largest peacetime event ever staged in this country, ministers are clear that we should leave nothing to chance.” “The government continues to have every confidence that we will deliver a safe and secure Games,” he said. G4S admitted earlier this month it could not provide the total 10,000 guards it had promised for the Games. “We have made very good progress in the last few days and, in line with the revised deployment plan submitted to LOCOG, currently have around 5800 security personnel deployed at Olympic
venues,” G4S said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange last week. “Significant numbers of candidates are now reaching the final stages of the training and accreditation process each day.” G4S has pledged to bear the costs of the extra troops, telling the LSE that its overall losses on the contract would remain within its estimate of £35 million to £50 million (US$54 million to $78 million). Of the 17,000 troops already on “Operation Olympics”, about 11,800 are from the army, with the rest from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. By contrast, Britain has about 9500 troops on duty in Afghanistan. – AFP
without passport, ticket L O N D O N – B r i t a i n ’ s Air po rt , and ind eed th e M a n c h e s t e r A i r p o r t airline, exactly what l a u n c h e d a n u r g e n t happened.” Liam was scanned by investigation on July 25 after an 11-year-old boy security staff but they managed to slip through did not notice his lack of security and fly to Rome a passport and boarding without a pas s port or pass as he mingled with a ticket. family boarding the plane, Liam Corcoran walked th e Man che ste r Eve nin g through security checks News reported. Passengers w i t h o u t s h o w i n g a n y noticed halfway through the d o c u m e n t a t i o n a n d flight that the boy was alone successfully boarded a Jet2. and alerted the cabin crew. com flight to the Italian An air po rt spo kes man capital the previous day, said Liam stayed onboard the airport in north-west the plane after it landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport England admitted. “This is an unusual and and returned on the same serious breach and we plane to Manchester, where are keen to find out what he was met by his mother. The Manchester Evening has gone on,” Transport Minister Justine Greening News said he had run away from his mother during a told the BBC. “I treat security breaches shopping trip at the city’s very, very seriously indeed, Wythenshawe Civic Centre so we are now reviewing and travelled to the airport urgently with Manchester on his own. – AFP
Trade Mark CauTion NOTICE is hereby given that Jh Ply & Ss Lmt, Lmt, a company organized under the laws of Ireland and having its principal ofce at 21 Beckett Way, Park West, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, Ireland is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -
iMPeriaL (rg. ns. iV/753/2007 & iV/3795/2012) in respect of: - “Tobacco whether manufactured or unmanufactured, tobacco products; cigarette papers; cigarette tubes; lters for cigarettes; hand held machines for rolling cigarettes; tobacco substitutes, none being for medicinal or curative purposes; matches and smokers’ articles” – Int’l Class: 34 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Jh Ply & Ss Lmt P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012
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Obama abhors beetroot, no artichokes for Hollande
PARIS – Barack Obama can’t stand beetroot, artichokes are off the menu at France’s presidential palace and Vladimir Putin does not take any chances with dishes that emerge from WASHINGTON – The the Kremlin kitchens. drought in America’s Those were just a few of the breadbasket is intensifying culinary tidbits to emerge from the at an unprecedented rate, latest reunion of the select club of experts warned last week, chefs who ply their trade on behalf of adding to concern food pric- some of the most powerful men and es could soar if crops in the women on the planet. The “club des chefs des chefs”, world’s key producer are which now counts some 20 members, decimated. The US Drought Monitor was formed 35 years ago by Gilles reported a nearly threefold increase in areas of extreme drought in the week to July 26 in the nine Midwestern states where three quarters of the country’s corn and soybean crops are produced. Almost two thirds of the continental United States is suffering drought conditions, the largest area recorded since the Drought Monitor project started in 1999.
Drought worsens in United States
Bragard, who revealed that Putin Vakhtang Abushidi, and it seems continues the tradition of medieval he is not the only modern day leader monarchs who, for fear of poisoning, who harbours a fear of what they were reluctant to eat anything that may find on the plates put in front had not been tried first by someone of them. Anton Mosimann, Mosimann, a regular cook else. “Tasters still exist but only in for the British royal family, recalled the Kremlin, where a doctor checks that a visit by a former US president every dish with the chef,” Bragard resulted in him being “constantly told reporters on July 25 ahead of followed around by two FBI guys who a reception for the chefs hosted by wanted to taste absolutely everything new French President Francois I was proposing to cook.” Hollande. Bernard Vaussion, who has cooked B r a g a r d ’ s c o m m e n t s w e r e for French presidents and their confirmed by Putin’s head chef, guests for 40 years, confirmed that
Argentina criticises British war games BUENOS AIRES – Argen Argentina has accused Britain of mounting a show of force in the Falkland Islands with a military exercise that includes missile launches in the disputed South Atlantic archipelago. “Britain once again threatens Argentina and Latin America by scheduling missile launch exercises in the South Atlantic. The manouevres put at risk the safety of all vessels in the area,” said an Argentine foreign ministry statement on July 25. This year is the 30th anniversary of a brief but bloody war between the two countries over the islands.
Earhart search ends in ailure LOS ANGELES – A mission aimed at finding the plane flown by aviation legend Amelia Earhart has been unsuccessful, organisers said. “As is usually the case with field work, we’re coming home with more questions than answers,” the Earhart Project said on its website on July 23. The expedition searched the area around an island in Kiribati to test the theory that Earhart survived the apparent crash of her twinengine Lockheed Electra aircraft but it found no evidence of wreckage.
Twitter explains mystery outage WASHINGTON – A freak double failure in its data centres took Twitter down for about an hour on July 26, leaving millions without updates from friends, celebrities and news providers. Mazen Rawashdeh, Twitter’s vice president of engineering, said the blackout was caused by a data centre system and its backup system failing simultaneously. – AFP
It’s terrorism, says Russian FM MOSCOW – Russia last week lashed out at the United States for backing the armed opposition to the Syrian regime, saying Washington’s failure to condemn the July 18 blast that killed top security officials meant it i t was w as justifying terror. “This is quite an awful position, I cannot even find the words to make clear how we feel,” Russian How Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on July 25. “This is directly justif ying terror ism. How can this be understood?” Lavrov expressed bewilderment at calls on Russia to clarify its position on Syria, saying Moscow’s policy was crystal clear and it was the West whose actions were contradictory.
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A baby giraffe is nuzzled by its mother at Berlin’s Friedrichsfelde zoo on July 24. The baby giraffe, called Dorle, was born on July 2. Pic: AFP
Drug maker warned of defects, court told SYDNEY – The German makers of thalidomide were warned of birth defects years before it was withdrawn and Australian Australian distributors distributors used pregnant women as the world’s first test subjects, court papers alleged on July 27. Affid avits sworn in the lawsuit of an Australian woman born without limbs after her mother took thalidomide claimed that the drug’s maker Grunenthal ignored and covered up claims that it caused birth defects dating to 1959. Thalidomide was not withdrawn from sale until late 1961, but excerpts of internal company correspondence filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleged doctors first warned of serious deformities more than two years earlier. An es ti ma te d 10 ,0 00 children worldwide were born with defects after their mothers took thalidomide, which was marketed as a morning sickness drug and sold in nearly 50 countries. The correspondence was obtained in an Australian class action involving up to 100 thalidomide victims, sections of which were published online on July 27 in two lengthy affidavits sworn by counsel leading the case, Michael Magazanik. Magazanik said the
his new boss Hollande would gladly give artichokes a wide berth. But he is delighted that cheese is back on the Elysee menu after being banished from the table during the term of Hollande’s chocaholic predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy. Cristeta Comerford, the head chef at the White House, would not be drawn on US President Obama’s aversion to beetroot (also revealed by Bragard), perhaps anxious not to undermine Michelle Obama’s drive to get American kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. – AFP
previously secret documents partner Distillers. revealed repeated warnings In-house lawyers warned to Grunenthal from doctors the company repeatedly in and distributors from as 1961 that it had “behaved far afield as Sri Lanka and improperly in failing to provide adequate warnings Lebanon. He said the documents to doctors and consumers”, also showed thalidomide was had been negligent and never tested on gestating was at “great risk in legal animals before it went on proceedings”, it added. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e sale. Instead, the first clinical documents, Grunenthal trials in the world were misled and failed to inform conducted in Australia in distributors in Britain and 1960 and used “pregnant Germany about the extent w o m e n r a t h e r t h a n of problems and deliberately llaboratory aboratory animals as withheld that information experimental subjects”, he from the US Food and Drug Authority. alleged. The Australian case, which At that time time doctors doctors were already allegedly warning is yet to go to trial, is being led Grunenthal that its drug by wheelchair-bound Lynette had caused birth defects, Rowe, 50, who was born and throughout 1960-61 without arms and legs after hospitals and pharmacists her mother took thalidomide were returning their entire during pregnancy. Distillers, now part of thalidomide stocks or refusing Diageo, settled out of court to buy or supply it. Some six months before with Rowe earlier in July it was formally declared and agreed to negotiate with unsafe and removed from others in her class action, sale Grunenthal’s own staff but Grunenthal has denied were already refusing to wrongdoing and vowed to use thalidomide, fearing its “fully defend” any legal side-effects, Magazanik’s action. “Grunenthal maintains affidavit claimed. As many as 10 Grunenthal Grunenthal t h a t i t s a c t i o n s w e r e staff had children with consistent with the state of birth defects after taking scientific knowledge and the thalidomide between 1959- prevailing standards for pre61, it said, with a similar marketing and testing of the number of deformities pharmaceutical industry in among children born to the 1950s,” it said of Rowe’s employees at its British case. – AFP
H e c r i t i c i s e d U S made absolutely clear that ambassador to the United we condemn violence in any Nations Susan Rice, saying form inside Syria.” She added however: “Who she had argued that the Damascus attacks meant bears responsibility for the the UN Security Council preponderance of violence had to agree a sanctions in Syria? Who is the one resolution against Syria who is using now fixedon July 19 that Russia wing aircraft against their own people, helicopters, vetoed. “In other words, to say it artillery, gunships? It is the in plain Russian, this means Assad regime. “ A n d a s we’ve said, it is unfortunately not can this be understood? s urpris ing that people are trying to defend themselves ‘we (the United States) will now.” continue to support such Russia has repeatedly terrorist acts for as long as rejected accusations Moscow the UN Security Council has is backing the regime of not done what we want’,” President Bashar al-Assad in the crisis, claiming it has Lavrov said. But State Department an even-handed approach s pokes woman Victoria while rebuking the West for Nuland hit back saying that siding with the rebels. – AFP on the day of the attack “we
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ICRC criticises draft treaty on arms trade The main arms producers UNITED NATIONS – The international Red Cross has – the United States, Russia, joined opponents of a draft China, Britain, Germany arms trade treaty released and France – have haggled on July 24 that critics said through three weeks of talks contains only “ambiguities on the scope of the treaty and the criteria for how to and loopholes.” transfer. Following the release of judge an arms transfer. The US has opposed the the first draft, the 193 UN members needed to agree on inclusion of ammunition, a text to regulate the US$70 China does not want small billion a year arms trade by arms included, and both July 27, the deadline set by Russia and China have sought restrictions on references to the UN General Assembly. Civil Civi l s ociety oci ety groups humanitarian law. Syria, North Korea, Iran, condemned the draft text for not including ammunition Cuba and Algeria and other and for allowing too much countries have s ought scope for arms transfers that from the start to thwart the treaty, diplomats and would escape the treaty. T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l activists say. The draft treaty does Committee of the Red Cross rarely speaks out on m e n t i o n a m m u n i t i o n , controversial diplomatic but Isbister said it was topics as it seeks to preserve incomprehensible. “This means if you want its neutrality. But Peter Herby, head of to control ammunition, you the ICRC’s arms unit, said: can control ammunition, if “All the core provisions of you don’t want to control this draft treaty still have ammunition there is nothing major loopholes which will here to force you. And that is simply ratify the status a glaring problem.” Britain has been one of the quo, instead of setting a high international standard most outspoken of the major that will change state arms producers calling for a all-encompassing practices and save lives on binding, all-encompassing treaty. the ground.” A B r it i s h d ip lo m at , The Red Cross joined Am ne st y In te rn at io na l, speaking on condition of Oxfam and other groups anonymity, said: “The chair which have launched major has produced a text that campaigns to persuade the we should all be able to major powers to agree a work with to get the high ambition result that we tough, binding treaty. It is a text of “ambiguities need. The next 24 hours and loopholes,” said Roy will be crucial in narrowing Isbister of the Saferworld the gaps.” The treaty must be agreed lobby group. Anna Macdonald, arms control by consensus so any of the expert for Oxfam, likened the 193 countries involved could object on July 27. Even text to a “leaky bucket.” Isbister said the proposed if a treaty is concluded, treaty would have little the conference has not yet impact on most of the decided how many countries conflicts claiming civilian must ratify it to bring it into force. – AFP lives in the world.
Clinton calls for an end to ‘the evil’ of genocide WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged greater political will to stop “the evil” of genocide on July 24. Speaking at an event organised by the Holocaust Memorial Museum, Clinton said that “despite all we have learned and accomplished in the last 70 years, ‘never again’ remains an unmet, urgent goal.” Referring to such events as the killings in Rwanda, the fighting that tore apart the former Yugoslavia and more recent power struggles in Ivory Coast and Libya, Clinton said genocide and mass atrocities did not happen “spontaneously” and were always planned. There were usually “organised, targeted propaganda campaigns.” “Hatred not only becomes acceptable; it is even encouraged. It’s like stacking dry firewood before striking
the match. Then there is a moment of ignition. The permission to hate becomes permission to kill,” she added. A pol l unv eile d by the Holocaus t Mus eum on July 24 found that 55 percent of Americans think international bodies are not effective against genocide, while only 34pc believe the International Criminal Court was a deterrent. One in six Americans also said the United States should have intervened during the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed about 800,000 people, mostly ethnic Tutsis. The telephone poll of 1000 people conducted from June 30 to July 10 also found th at 78pc of Americans supported the US taking military action to stop genocide or mass atrocities, although 53pc said multilateral action was the most effective path. – AFP
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Gates issues plea to do more on AIDS WASHINGTON – AI DS cannot be halted through treatment alone, and more prevention tools, in particular a vaccine, are needed to move seriously toward ending it, philanthropist Bill Gates said last week. Whil While e the Micros oft tycoon applauded efforts to get more people worldwide on antiretroviral drugs – and said his foundation funds both research and care – he noted more is needed to stamp out the deadly disease. “No one should think that we have got the tools yet. We will get the tools but only if we stay the course in terms of the scientific investments,” Gates told the International AIDS Conference in the US capital on July 23. His Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed more than US$2.5 billion in HIV grants to organisations around the world, and has also committed more than $1.4 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AI DS, Tu ber cu los is and Malaria. Gates spoke to the conference, the world’s largest gathering of AIDS scientists and advocates, as part of a panel on how
Living with HIV In 2011 Total
34.2 million people living with HIV
Of which 23.5 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Children and youth 4.9 million of infected were aged 15 - 24 years
3.4 million children under 15 Source: UNAIDS
to improve efficiency in funding of the three-decadeold disease that has killed 30 million people. Gates s aid res earch toward a vaccine is “very exciting” but noted that even if one was introduced it would take time before the effects would be seen in the larger population.
treat everyone infected. “It is clear that even if you take the most efficient way of doing this work New infections – the number of people 2.5 million new who will eventually need infections in 2011 to be on treatment, the amount of money we have is not enough to treat those people,” he said. “The world will make a decision how much those lives matter. And we are in a period of incredible uncertainty right now,” he Of which 1.7 million were added. in SSA Singer Elton John told the conference on July 23 Receiving antiretrovirals that the world needs more Total 8 million than money to end the AIDS epidemic. “We need m more ore than money. We need more than medicine. We need love,” John said. “What we need now is more love for the living,” he said, lamenting the discrimination that With 6.2 million in SSA continues in many parts of the world. “There are some people More than eight million people in low and middle who look at the sick and look income countries were on for reasons to blame them,” antiretroviral treatment in he said, adding that fear 2011, said a UNAIDS report of isolation often prevents released the previous week, people from seeking testing making up about half of and treatment. Shame and stigma are those in need worldwide. But Gates warned that no “killing people all round amount of funding can come the world right now,” he up with enough money to said. – AFP = 100,000
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Attack Attackss mark mark new campai campaign, gn, Egyptian president names outgoing says al-Qaeda group in Iraq minister to be PM BAGHDAD – Al-Q aeda ’s Iraq front group last week claimed a wave of attacks that killed 113 people on July 23 in Iraq’s deadliest day in two and a half years, saying it marked the launch of a new campaign promised by its leader. “As part of the new military campaign aimed at recovering territory given up by the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), the war ministry has sent its sons and the mujahedeen on a sacred offensive during the month of Ramadan,” the group said in a statement posted on a jihadist website on July 25. “The operation by the ji h ad is t s ha s st u nn ed the enemy and made him lose his head. It has demonstrated the failings of the security and intelligence services,” the statement said. The attacks came days after the group warned that it would retake territory in an internet audio message purportedly left by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Iraq’s deadliest day in two years ye ars Scores are killed and many more injured as a wave of attacks across the country shatters the calm of the holy month of Ramadan Main attacks 200 km
Mosul
Dibis T i g r i s
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Tuz Khurmatu Dhuluiya Taji
BAGHDAD
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Sadr City
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is g r i s T i g 3 km
Baquba BAGHDAD
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“We are starting a new stage,” said the voice on the audio message, purportedly that of Baghdadi, who has
KUWAIT
been leader of ISI since May 2010. The ISI leader rose to his position after his
predecessor Abu Omar alBaghdadi was killed in a joint US-Iraqi raid on on a safe house in April 2010. Overall, 29 separate attacks were launched in 19 cities on July 23, shattering the relative calm that had held in the lead-up to the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and drawing widespread international condemnation. Extra police and soldiers as well as security force vehicles were deployed on July 24 at market-places in neighbourhoods of Baghdad hit by the violence, witnesses said. In the deadliest incidents – a string of roadside bombs and a car bomb followed by a suicide attack targeting emergency responders in the town of Taji, just north of Baghdad – at least 42 people were killed and 40 wounded, medical officials said. The July 23 toll was the highest since December 8, 2009, when 127 people were killed. – AFP
CAIRO – Egypt’s Islamist made up of technocrats President Mohamed Morsi and that appointments will named outgoing irrigation “not be based on (political) minister Hisham Qandil, orientations.” “Competence will wi ll be a reputed independent, as prime minister on July 24 the basis for choosing the and tasked him with forming ministers,” he said. The incoming premier also a new government. The appointment came said Morsi was in regular 25 days after Morsi was talks with the Supreme sworn in as Egypt’s first Council of the Armed Forces, civilian and freely elected which oversaw the transition head of state to replace from Mubarak’s rule, over president Hosni Mubarak, whether SCAF chief Field who was driven from office Marshal Hussein Tantawi in a popular uprising in would remain in his current post as defence minister. February 2011. Little known outside Qandil was irrigation minister in the outgoing political circles, Qandil governm government ent of Kamal describeshimselfasa religious Ganzuri, whom he replaces. man, telling reporters after “This appointment of a his appointment as water patriotic and independent minister that he had grown figure comes after much study a beard “in line with the and discussion to choose a Sunna,” the words and person able to manage the practices of the Muslim current scenario,” said Morsi Prophet Mohammed. Morsi has repeatedly vowed spokesman Yassir Ali. “ D r Q a n d i l h a d n o that his team and government affiliation to any political would be inclusive and that party before or after the he would be a “president for all Egyptians.” revolution,” said Ali. He said he would appoint Aft er talk s with Mors i at the presidency, Qandil a woman and a Christian as thanked the president and his deputies. Born in 1962, Qandil called on all forces to help achieve the goals of the graduated from Cairo University’s faculty of revolution. “I want to thank the engineering before doing president of the republic for post-graduate studies in the the trust he has placed in me United States. In 1993, he received a for this important, heavy and difficult task, and I ask God doctorate from the University of North Carolina. to help us,” Qandil said. A father of five, he held He urged “all political forces and the people of various public sector posts Egypt to support us in this in water and engineering, difficult mission ... We must as well as in finance. He exert all efforts to achieve was a senior manager at the the goals of the revolution.” African Development Development Bank Qandil stressed that before heading Egypt’s Nile his government would be Water Sector. – AFP
Amid Amid war war fears, fears, Israel Israelis is stock up on gas masks MEVASSERET TZION, Israel – “You’ve got to be prepared for anything with what’s going on in Syria,” said Benny Rahamim, one of a growing number of Israelis picking up gas masks as fears grow over Syria’s chemical weapons. Rahamim, 36, was speaking on July 25 in the dormi tory town of Mevasseret Tzion, near Jerusalem, one of many sites nationwide where the postal service runs distribution centres for gas masks. He collected gas masks for himself, his wife and four children. Syrian rebels have accused President Bashar al-Assad of moving some of his chemical weapons into border regions, prompting Israeli officials to warn that he could transfer them to the Shiite Hezbollah militia in neighbouring Lebanon or to other radical groups hostile to Israel operating in the region. Israel began the general distribution of gas mask kits in 2010 saying it was a general precaution not linked to any “precis e current threat.”
The kits contain masks, a filter, and a drinking tube to allow consumption of fluids without uncovering the face, but do not include protective all-body suits and would therefore be of little use against chemical or biological weapons that can be absorbed through the skin. Postal service spokeswoman Merav Lapidot told AF P that demand has soared. “Instead of 2000 daily requests, we have distributed nearly double during the past two days,” she said. “But people do not tell us what led them to get their gas masks.” In Mevasseret Tzion on July 25, service was brisk, with people waiting only a few minutes to receive their kits. “There were adverts in the newspaper about the distribution, so I came to take masks for the entire family,” said a young mother who gave only her first name, Yifat. “How can we not be concerned, with everything that’s going around us?” she said. – AFP
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In the heartland, a gun culture thrives AU ROR A, Col ora do – A of the tragedy as it emerged girl aged five or six tries that Holmes bought his four out a rifle in an Aurora weapons legally. But Romney said gun guns hop, oblivious obliv ious to Friday’s massacre in this laws were tough enough and Colorado town. “Honey, not the problem. “I still believe that the it’s too big for you, we will find you another,” says her Second Amendment is the right course to preserve and mother. This is a normal scene defend and don’t believe in the US heartland where that new laws are going to it takes more than a few make a difference in this mass shootings to drive a type of tragedy,” he said. “There were, of course wedge between patriotic Americans and their right very stringent laws which to bear arms, as enshrined existed in Aurora, Colorado. in the Second Amendment Our challenge is not the laws, our challenge is of the Constitution. One argument brandished people who, obviously, are by diehard supporters of distracted from reality gun rights is that if the a n d d o u n t h i n k a b l e , unimaginable, inexplicable citizenry is armed, crazed unimaginable, gunmen like alleged Aurora things.” In one of Aurora’s gun shooter James Holmes will be taken down before they stores, Oberly said buying weapons “is fairly easy, claim so many lives. “If I were there, I would if you are not a criminal; imple ple pi piece ece of have killed him,” and “Guns it’s a s im don’t kill people, people do,” paperwork.” Indeed, an AFP reporter are popular refrains. found out Speaki Speaking ng that she after a needed only gunman, Guns don’t kill a d r i v e r ’ s presumed to licence. With be Holmes, it, the seller shot dead 12 people, people do. checks the people and criminal wounded 58 others in a packed Aurora record of the buyer and, if cinema, John Oberly, 51, a there are no crimes, the sale rugby coach, told AFP it was takes about a minute. That’s why Holmes was not the right to bear arms able to assemble his arsenal: that created the problem. “If I had been there, I he had no criminal record would have stopped some apart from a speeding damage,” he s aid. “In ticket. Aurora has joined a litany fact if anybody had been carrying a gun, they may of horrific US shootings, have stopped some of the including Columbine (1999), Virgin ia Tech (2007) and damage.” President Barack Obama’s Tucson (2011). Advocates of stricter gun Republican chall enger in November elections, control measures argue merica ca is i s m ore Mitt Romney, reiterated that A meri his strong support for the prone to these kinds of Second Amendment as he mass shootings than other stressed on July 23 that now countries because the law was not the time to work on in many states is far too lenient. new gun legislation. They have been “With emotions so high right now, this is really not disappointed by Democratic a time to be talking about President Barack Obama, the politics associated with but political pragmatists see what happened in Aurora,” that he could be committing electoral suicide if he took he said. Calls for a re-examination up such an explosive issue of America’s gun laws during the presidential mounted in the aftermath election campaign. – AFP
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Images taken of James Holmes during his court appearance on July 23. 23. Pic: AFP
US rampage suspect makes a bizarre court appearance CENTENNIAL, Colorado – His hair being held in solitary confinement, provide crucial details about how he dyed orange, eyes staring wildly or with no bail allowed. He is to make a planned and executed the attack. Calls to re-examine US gun laws not at all, presumed Colorado gunman second court appearance on July 30 mounted as it emerged that in the two James Holmes made a bizarre first when he will enter a plea. Pros ecutors expect w eeks of months before his arrest, Holmes had appearance in court on July 23, after a rampage in which he allegedly shot dead consultations with families of the legally bought his four weapons, as victims before deciding whether to well as 6300 rounds of ammunition, 12 people and wounded 58 others. on the internet. The deadly shooting frenzy occurred seek the death penalty. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg “We will want to get their input just after midnigh t at a cinema in Aurora, Aurora, outside outside Denver, Denver, as as moviego moviegoers ers before we make any decision on that,” last week urged President Barack packed the first screening of the latest said Arapahoe county district attorney Obama and his Republican rival for Carol Chambers. “If the death penalty the White House Mitt Romney to make Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Wearing a maroon prison jumpsuit, is sought, that is a very long process the bid to clamp down on the rampant proliferation of firearms a talking Holmes, 24, a graduate school dropout that impacts their lives for years.” Only one person has been executed point of their respective campaigns. did not speak as lawyers read out a list of “Since 48,000 people will be murdered accusations during the short procedural in Colorado since 1976. hearing at Arapahoe County District The gunman emerged from a fire with guns in the four years, the next Court in the town of Centennial. exit on July 20 shortly after the film four-year presidential term, I would Holmes, a former PhD candidate began and threw two canisters of argue it’s a substantial problem and that they have in neuroscience, an obligation to appeared the public unable to follow …they have an obligation to tell the public beore the tell before the proceedings as public goes to his head bobbed public goes to the voting booth what they will do. the voting booth up and down and what they will he alternated do,” Bloomberg told CNN on July 23. between staring wild-eyed and closing noxious gas into the auditorium. “This is a problem we’ve had for After firing one round directly into his eyes shut as if drugged or in a the air with a pump-action shotgun, many years…and they should be daze. It was not known if he was on some he began shooting people at random answering the question,” he said. Obama paid emotional tribute to the kind of medication and there was no with a military-style assault rifle, victims and survivors of the Aurora indication when the young man accused witnesses said. Authorities Authorities said Holmes Holmes had had painted painted cinema massacre during a visit to the of one of America’s worst mass shootings shootin gs his hair reddish orange and claimed he town on July 22. might undergo psychiatric evaluation. Campaigning ahead of the November Holmes gave himself up outside the was the Joker, Batman’s sworn enemy cinema, still clad in the body armour he in the comic book series that inspired election, his rival Romney stressed wore inside the cinema. the movie. According to reports and at that now was not the time to discuss He is expected to face 12 murder least one witness, the cinema gunman new gun legislation. “Our challenge is not the laws, our charges, 58 attempted murder might have killed more people had his challenge is people who, obviously, charges for those he wounded, and assault rifle not jammed. charges related to his booby-trapped Police said on July 22 they had are distracted from reality and apartment. found Holmes’s computer inside his do unthinkable, unimaginable, Holmes was ordered to remain in booby-trapped apartment – rigged to inexplicable things,” Romney said. – AFP Arapah oe County jail, where he is kill anyone who entered – which could
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First US woman in space dies, 61 Her groundbreaking space voyage came WASHINGTON – Sally Ride, the first American woman to journey into space, two decades after the first Soviet woman died on July 23 after a 17-month battle flew into space. Valentina Tereshkova, 26, with pancreatic cancer, her foundation a textile worker, in 1963 became the first announced. She was 61. woman in space, orbiting Earth in her Ride first launched into space in 1983 Vostok VI spaceship. aboard Challenger on the seventh mission Ride, born May 26, 1951, in southern of US space shuttle program. California, earned degrees in physics and US President Barack Obama called her a English from Stanford University. “national hero and a powerful role model” She applied to be an astronaut at US who “inspired generations of young girls to space agency NASA in 1977, and was one reach for the stars.” of 35 people, including six women, chosen Tributes quickly poured in on the micro- from a pool of 8000 applicants. blogging website Twitter, including from She flew in two space missions, logging women who remembered learning as young nearly 350 hours in space. However, after the Challenger explosion that killed all girls of Ride’s pioneering flight. One wrote: “RIP Sally Ride – you inspired seven crew members, her third planned me to believe that, as a female, anything mission was grounded in 1986. Ride served on the commission to was possible. May your journey to the stars investigate the accident and was then be swift.” In an interview marking the 25th assigned to NASA headquarters. She anniversary of the 1983 mission, Ride said retired from the agency in 1987. On her foundation’s website, Ride said of she only later “came to appreciate what an honour it was to be selected to be the her historic foray into space: “The thing I’ll first (US woman) to get a chance to go into remember most about the flight is that it space.” was fun.” – AFP
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Has Syria reached its tipping point? ANALYSIS by Itamar Rabinovich TEL AVIV – During World War II, Winston Churchill famously drew a distinction between “the end of the beginning” and “the beginning of the end.” That distinction is equally applicable to the Syrian crisis. Recent events – the growing number of high-level defections from the regime’s leadership, the killing of four of President Bashar al Assad’s most senior senior officials officials in a suicide bomb attack, and the rebellion’s spread into Damascus – suggest that, after a long period of gradual decline, the Assad regime is approaching collapse or implosion. The Syrian crisis has been raging since March 2011. Af ter sev era l mon th s of mostly quiet demonstrations and brutal suppression, a pattern emerged. The political opposition – divided and ineffectual – was reinforced by a hybrid and loose military wing operating under the banner of “The Free Syrian Army,” Army,” and by hundreds of jihadis who entered Syria through porous borders and began to launch both military action and terrorist activity. The opposition, political and military, could not topple the regime, and the regime could not quash the opposition. The regime benefited from the active support of the Ala wit e com mun it y and the passive stance of other minorities, as well as of the bourgeoisie in Damascus and Aleppo, whose members
situation. In the absence of an feared the regime’s fall and effective, well organised, and its replacement by Islamists internationally recognised or other radical groups. opposition, the regime’s Externally, Russia and Iran downfall could be followed acted as the regime’s main by anarchy, all-out sectarian supporters, while Western civil war, w ar, s eces s ioni ioniss t countries, Turkey, and movements, and de facto Arab states such as Saudi partition. Arabia Arabia and Qatar extended extended Large numbers of refugees limited support to different could flee into neighbouring opposition groups. states, which could be drawn In military terms, the battle into the conflict. Chaos and was a draw, but the regime fighting could easily spill over kept losing political ground. into such weak neighboring The central government’s states as Iraq and Lebanon. machinery seemed intact, Turkey, always fearful of and life in Damascus and repercussions among its Aleppo Aleppo retained retained a semblance semblance own Kurdish population, is of normalcy, but the regime certainly a major candidate lost control over increasingly to intervene. large parts of the country. Conditions were exacerbated Anothe r looming threat by a sectarian civil war is a scenario in which the between Alawites and Sunnis, Assad regime’s stockp iles which culminated in several of missiles and chemical atrocious massacres. weapons fall into – or are The worst inter-communal actually transferred to – the fighting took place in the wrong hands. Israel has plains to the east of maintained a cautious stance the Alawites’ mountain A portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad burns in Selehattin, near Aleppo, during thus far, but has indicated strongholds, raising the ghting between government troops and rebel forces on July 23. Pic: AFP that it will not remain suspicion that Alawites were passive if such weapons end At the same time, time, serious serious back on its heels, but it is up with Hezbollah. Nor can preparing for a retreat to reinforced the opposition, and their native region in the sent a message of inevitable fighting has spread into still standing, and responded the prospect be ruled out the heart of Damascus. swiftly to the assassination that the regime would seek event of the regime’s collapse collapse. So, too, has the opposition’s Significantly, whereas the of four major figures, losing to depart in a blaze of glory and were trying to expand the area under their control. major achievement in striking regime previously sought to no time in appointing a new with a final desperate act. This pattern of steady at the heart of the security downplay the challenge posed defence minister. Most of Such risks demand erosion has ended, with establishment, killing three by the opposition, Syrian the forces that have kept far more effective and senior military and other of Bashar’s most important state television has covered the regime in place for the coordinated international officials joining last 16 months action to prevent Syria’s are still there, internal struggle from the opposition the opposition becoming a grave regional in increasing numbers. Most Deections have…sent a message o inevitable collapse. r e m a i n s and international crisis. divided, and Time is growing short. notably, the the US and its Tlas brothers – Project Project Syndicat Syndicatee – Firas, a businessman, aides: his brother-in-law Asef the fighting in Damascus Western allies are still shy (Itamar Rabinovich, a and Manaf, a general and Shawkat, former Defence extensively. The message, it of exerting full pressure on former Israeli ambassador government. t. personal friend of Assad Minister Hasan Turkmani, seems, is that a moment of Assad’s governmen to the United States But the end is approaching (1993-1996), is based at – were the first members and his successor, Daoud decision is approaching. It is still too early to predict and serious thought must Tel Aviv University, New of the regime’s inner core Rajha and fatally wounding to defect. These defections another, national security the regime’s imminent be given to several inherent York Univer sity, and the collapse. It has been knocked dangers in the Syrian Brookings Institution). have weakened the regime, chief Hisham Ikytiyar.
If you think this one’s bad, check out the campaign in 1800 COMMENT by Albert Hunt WASHINGTON – The presidential election, by some accounts, is sinking to record depths of negativity and nastiness, with unprecedented attacks on Wall Street, especially the private-equity industry. It’s enough to send the children inside. Except that it isn’t true. There are still about 100 days to go, but so far the tone and tenor of the contest between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is tame by historical standards. The Republican candidate has said the president is in over his head on the economy and displays an antipathy toward business. Obama has painted Romney as an out-of-touch elitist who, as a businessman, became rich while milking companies and destroying jobs. Sometimes the charges get a bit rawer, though not beyond normal boundaries. Within both campaigns there are excesses. The word “lies” is tossed around too freely. Obama’s deputy campaign manager,
Stephanie Cutter, raised the possibility that Romney might have committed a felony in his filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission. John Sununu, the former governor of New Hampshire and a leading Romney supporter, said he wished Obama “would learn how to be an American.” Sununu later apologised and Cutter sought to walk back her comments. Their political predecessors would chuckle over such stuff being called nasty. Let’s start with one of the first presidential elections, Thomas Jefferson against John Adams in 1800. A Jefferson hired hand wrote that Adams was a “hideous hermaphroditical hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensitivity of a woman.” In return, Jefferson was called “a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father.” You don’t have have to go back centuries to find out what really nasty is. In 1964, Lyndon Johnson’s campaign circulated a television ad featuri featuring ng an adorable adorabl e little girl and a nuclear explosion, suggesting that
Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have had sharp exchanges but they’re tame by historical standards, writes Albert Hunt. Pix: AFP
his Republican challenger, Barry Goldwater, would precipitate a thermonuclear war. The LBJ forces also crafted a colouring book in which children could fill in pictures of Goldwater wearing Ku Klux Klan robes. In 1988, the unusually honourable George H.W. Bush sanctioned a blatantly racist ad tying a furloughed convict, Willie Horton, to the Democratic presidential aspirant, Michael Dukakis. Eight years ago, a rich Texan financed ads that maliciously and falsely ques tioned the heroic military service in Vietnam of the Democratic nominee, John Kerry. Still, this time, there are widespread complaints in the business community,
and especially the financial sector, that Obama is running a demagogic campaign against them. A whi le back , Ste phe n Schwarzman, the chairman of Blackstone Group, compared Obama’s plans to raise taxes on private-equity executives to the Nazis’ designs on Europe: “It’s a war; it’s like when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.” More recently, and less over-the-top, Paul Levy, the managing director of the private-equity firm JLL Partners, said Obama had “undertaken a broadside” against his industry. “He has demonised people who are successful,” Levy said. More moderately, Jamie Dimon, the chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, has said he’s “disturbed” at
some of the Democrats’ antibusiness behaviour. It’s fortunate that these super-sensitive executives weren’t around in earlier times. Obama has not come close, in eloquence or harshness, to matching Teddy Roosevelt’s rant against “malefactors of great wealth.” Or Teddy Roosevelt cousin Franklin’s boast that he proudly welcomed and had “earned the hatred of entrenched greed.” Or John F. Kennedy’s comments, after a showdown with steel executives, that his father had warned him that businessmen were “sons of bitches.” If tycoons are upset about today’s rhetoric, they should try to imagine what the Roosevelts would have said about recent Wall Street excesses that helped bring the global economy to its knees. Likewise, the Obama camp is attacking Romney’s background as a privateequity executive at Bain Capital. The Republican nominee made this, not his one stint in government service in Massachusetts, the raison d’etre of his candidacy and exaggerated exaggerated his exploits. The merits of the Obama charges can be debated; putting the issue on the table should not be.
Similarly, it is legitimate for Romney to rail against “labour bosses” or “labour stooges.” (Romney’s assertion that a former teachers’ union president once said he did not represent the interests of school children because “they don’t pay union dues” is fiction, however.) And when Obama makes careless comments such as “if you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that,” as he did on July 13 in Virginia, the Republicans naturally will pile on. (In reality, the president was talking about infrastructure, not businesses.) The rhetoric against financial executives or oil companies is no different than that against teachers or union leaders. That’s what political campaigns are about. This contest is not alarmingly negative or unfair. But it is not edifying. One of these guys will be elected president and will immediately have to deal with a fiscal crisis that will test his political and leadership skills. What they’ve said and how they’ve behaved so far will make that task harder. – Bloomberg News (Albert Hunt is Washington editor at Bloomberg News).
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The sad battle for Borneo’s gibbons PARARAWEN, Indonesia – For 15 her murder in 1985 – Brulé, 33, years Aurélien Brulé has lived in has set up a sanctuary and a radio the Indonesian jungle, crusading station that helps listeners report against palm oil multinationals, gibbons held in captivity. Chanee arrived in Indonesia loggers and corruption in his bid to save endangered gibbons from in 1998 at the age of 18. He went to Borneo and spent the next annihilation. He admits that his is a losing three months travelling through reach the tribal lands lands of battle. The primates are being jungle to reach forced out of their natural habitat the Dayak native people, where by loggers removing the equivalent Borneo’s gibbons dwell. Aiming to build a sanctuary sanctuary in of six football fields of jungle “every minute” to make way for palm oil those tropical forests, he returned to Jakarta where he became plantations. About 100,000 gibbons remain immersed in the intricacies of a in the forests of Borneo, but Brulé Kafkaesque bureaucracy while he says there will be few left within sought permission to establish the the next 15-20 years because up to refuge. For nine months he pestered 1.5 million hectares of jungle are lost every year, despite the efforts authorities until in September 1999 he achieved his objective of conservationists. For Brulé, who has since and returned to Borneo to build changed his name to “Chanee” – the sanctuary named “Kalaweit”, meaning “Gibbon” in Thai – it is a which in the Dayak language struggle for which he was probably means “gibbon”. Since then the Kalaweit destined. As a 12 year-old, he spent so sanctuary has grown into what much time observing gibbons at he calls “the largest program for a zoo in Frejus, his hometown in the rehabilitation of gibbons in southern France, that the local the world” with more than 250 press dubbed him “the little strange animals, 50 employees and an kid who watches monkeys instead annual budget of 400,000 euros (about US$491,000) from private of playing video games.” Four years later the teenager donations. Yet, for Chane e, “thi s is not published his own encyclopaedia on the critically endangered primates, a success but a failure”. He has whose distinctive faces are framed not fully realised his boyhood dream of returning to the wild by a ring of white fur. In the media, he talked about gibbons freed that have been kept his dream of moving to Asia and in enclosures. Gibbons cannot be returned alone working to help protect endangered gibbons, which brought the to the wild because they would be attention of French actress and killed by pairs protecting their own comedian Muriel Robin who called territory. But rampant deforestation him one day and gave him the has wiped out “empty” forest sites suitable for single gibbons, meaning funds to move to Indonesia. Sometimes called the “French that most of those recovered by the Dian Fossey” – after the American sanctuary have nowhere to go. Large tracts of Indonesia’s jungle zoologist who dedicated her life to preserving African gorillas until have been cleared for palm oil
French environmentalist Aurélien Brulé at the gibbon enclosure in the Kalaweit sanctuary he established in Indonesian Borneo. Brulé has devoted most of his life to the study and preservation of gibbons, whose faces are framed by a distinctive ring of white fur (inset). Pic: AFP
plantations due to surging global demand, one of the main reasons Indonesia is the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China. Indonesia has implemented a two-year m oratorium on issuing new logging concessions on peatland and in other highconservation forests. But unsustainable logging continues with concessions still given in forests deemed not to be “high-conservation” allowing corrupt officials to draw their own
map of primary forests that should In 2009, Chanee and his be protected. Indonesian wife, Prada, were Chanee said that he soon realised attacked by loggers who, while that if he was to help save gibbons, raining blows down on them, told he would have to expand his work him “get lost boule” – meaning to fight deforestation. In 2003, “white” man in Indonesian. Kalaweit bought 100 hectares (247 A gua rd has been sta tio ned outside the house the couple share acres) for a reservation. Next month, the organisation with their two sons, Enzo, two, and since. will receive a motorised paraglider Andrew, eight, ever since. Chanee said he recognised that that will enable staff to photograph the risks from his work are real. illegal logging. But standing up to palm oil “But it’s a risk one has to take, giants is a David-and-Goliath fight because nothing comes from that is not risk free. nothing”. – AFP
Asian Asian mark market et blame blamed d for for reco record rd elep elepha hant, nt, rhino rhino de deat aths hs MANILA – China, Vietnam illegal cons umption of and Thailand are among the rhino horn is driving the worst offenders in fuelling widespread poaching of a global black market that e n d a n g e r e d r h i n o s i n is seeing record numbers of Africa,” said WWF’s global elephants and rhinos killed species program manager, in Africa, environment Elizabeth McLellan. “It mus t crack dow down n group WWF said last on the illegal rhino horn week. In a report released on trade.” WWF said Vietnam was July 23 rating countries’ efforts at stopping the the top destination for rhino t r a d e i n e n d a n g e r e d horns illegally imported s p e c i e s , W W F s a i d from South Africa. It described South Africa elephant poaching was at crisis levels in central as the “epicentre” in an Afric a while the survi val Af ri ca n rh in o po ac hi ng of rhinos was under grave c r i s i s , d e s p i t e s t r o n g threat in South Africa. government government efforts there In parts of Asia, rhino that began in 2009 to stop horns are highly prized the killings. A record 448 rhinos were for their use in traditional medicines – some believe poached in South Africa in they can cure cancer – 2011, and this year could while elephants’ ivory has be worse with 262 already for centuries been regarded killed from January to June, said WWF. as a precious decoration. The wildlife group Global efforts to stem the trade have been under accused the Vietnamese way for years, but China, government of doing little Thailand and Vietnam are to stop rhino horns from allowing black markets in being imported, describing various endangered species p e n a l t i e s i n V i e t n a m to flourish by failing to for buying them as not adequately police key areas, strong enough to act as a deterrent. said WWF. It said Vietnam was one It also said Vietnamese of the countries of most d i p l o m a t s h a d b e e n concern, giving it a worst- arrested or implicated in possible “red” score for South Africa for trying to failing to stem the trade buy rhino horns. WWF said Chinese in rhino horns as well as authorities should be tiger parts. “It is time for Vietnam recognised for their strong to face the fact that its and effective efforts to stop
the rhino horn trade within their borders. But it accused China and Thailand of being among the worst culprits in allowing the illegal trade of elephant tusks. “Tens of thousands of African elephants elephants are being being killed by poachers each
year for their tusks, and i m p o r t i n g i v o r y f r o m China and Thailand are Africa. top destinations for illegal WWF said China banned African ivory,” WWF said. the use of rhino horn in WWF urged China to traditional medicine in improve its enforcement 1993, and authorities had p r o c e d u r e s a n d w a r n followed through wi th Chinese nationals they periodic crackdowns that would face severe penalties were effective in stopping it if they were caught illegally being sold in pharmacies.
China has also made genuine efforts to stop the illegal trade of endangered species’ parts, but elephants’ ivory remained a big problem because of the huge demand in the world’s most populous country, it said. In Thailand, WWF said the main problem was a unique law that allowed the legal trade in ivory from domesticated elephants. In reality, this was a “legal loophole” that allowed indistinguishable illegal African ivory to be sold openly in upscale boutiques, it said. The conservation group said there were some bright spots around the world, with India and Nepal receiving a best-possible “green” score for their efforts to stem the trade in elephants, rhinos and tigers. WWF said significant efforts had been made globally to save tigers after a summit in Russia two years ago that attracted leaders from the 13 countries with wild populations of the endangered animal. Still, it warned more than 200 tiger carcasses were being detected each year on the global black market. “With as few as 3200 tigers remaining in the wild, every tiger poaching death is a major concern,” it said. – AFP
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Conflict possible in South China Sea, warns think-tank M A N I L A – T e n s i o n s o v e r produce a cohesive South China competing claims in the South Sea policy, a binding set of rules China Sea could escalate into on the handling of disputed claims conflict, with an arms build-up cannot be enforced.” among rival nations raising the China claims sovereignty over temperature, an international nearly all of the sea, which is think tank warned last week. believed to hold vast amounts of Prospects of solving the disputes oil and gas, is one of the region’s “seem to be diminishing” after a most important fishing grounds recent failure by the 10-nation and is home to shipping lanes that Associat ion of Southe ast Asian are vital to global trade. Nations to hammer out a “code The Philippines and fellow of conduct” aimed at avoiding A S E A N m e m b e r s B r u n e i , conflict, the International Crisis Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Group (ICG) said on July 24. Taiwan, claim parts of the sea. The rival claims have for “Without a consensus on a resolution mechanism, tensions decades made the area one of in the South China Sea can easily the region’s potential military spill over into armed conflict,” flashpoints, with Vietnam and warned Paul Quinn-Judge, the China engaging in sea conflicts in 1974 and 1988 that left dozens of ICG’s program director for Asia. “As long as ASEAN fails to military personnel dead.
Meeting host Cambodia was Tensions began to escalate again last year with Vietnam and widely seen to have backed the Philippines accusing China of China, a close ally. This derailed becoming increasingly aggressive a campaign by the Philippines for a tough ASEAN position against in staking its claims to the sea. In April, Philippine and China. The Brussels-based ICG said in Chinese vessels became engaged in a tense stand-off at the remote its report that China had “worked Scarborough Shoal. actively to exploit” the divisions in China last week triggered ASEAN by offering preferential further anger from around the treatment to members of the bloc region when it announced it that supported its position in the was planning to build a military dispute. garrison on the Paracel Islands. “A lack of unity among China’s On the diplomatic front, an rival claimants, coupled with annual meeting of ASEAN foreign the weakness of the regional ministers ended in disarray early multilateral framework, has this month when it failed to agree hampered the s earch for a on a joint statement, a first in solution,” the report said. “All of the trends are in the its 45-year history, because of divisions over the South China wrong direction, and prospects of resolutions are diminishing.” Sea.
The report also noted that China and the rival claimants had continued to expand their navies and coast guards amid the dispute, due in part to domestic political pressures and rising nationalism among its citizens. This could lead to an “escalation” of incidents, including more maritime stand-offs, it said. The ICG said the best way to ease the tensions would be for the rival claimants to agree on ways to share the natural resources on offer in the South China Sea. But it noted that the last effort to do so – a joint seismic survey by China, Vietnam and the Philippines – broke down in 2008, and the prospects of co-operation in the future were low. – AFP
Hanoi, Manila condemn garrison move HANOI – Vi et na m an d th e Philippines on July 24 criticised China’s moves to establish a military garrison in the South China Sea, amid escalating tensions in the disputed waters. Hanoi filed a formal protest with Beijing against the plan outlined by China last week to station troops in Sansha in the disputed Paracel Islands, saying it “violates international law”. Manila, which is involved in a dispute over another archipelago, the Spratly Islands, also weighed into the row, summoning the Chinese ambassador to lodge a complaint against the garrison announcement. An intensifyin g spat over the South China Sea has seen a barrage of diplomatic moves by countries with competing territorial claims. Taiwan, one of several claimants
to parts of the Spratly chain, President Benigno Aquino urged plans to boost firepower from next all Filipinos to unite in sending a month at its base on Taiping, message to China over a territorial the archipelago’s biggest island, row, insisting his country would Taipei’s coastguard said on July not give in to its more powerful neighbour. 24. In his annual “state of the nation” Longer-range artillery and mortars are to be added to existing address to parliament on July 23, government had weaponry at the site, in a move Aquino said his government that could further stoke tensions shown goodwill and forbearance in handling the months-long dispute in the region. China attracted Hanoi’s ire – and over competing claims to parts of sparked a series of rare protests in the South China Sea. the Vietnamese capital – when it “I ask for solidarity from our last month designated Sansha as people regarding this issue. Let its administrative centre for the us speak with one voice. Help me Paracels and the Spratly Islands. relay to the other side the logic of China and South Vietnam once our stand,” Aquino said. administered different parts of the “If someone entered your yard Paracels but after a brief conflict in and told you he owned it, would 1974 Beijing took control of all the you agree? Would it be right to islands. Vietnam still holds several give away that which is rightfully of the larger Spratlys. ours?” Aquino recalle d how the row Earlier last week, Philippine
began in April when Chinese government ships blocked Philippine boats from arresting Chinese fishermen in Scarborough Shoal, an outcrop claimed by both countries in the South China Sea. Aquino said the Philippine Philippiness was was looking to find a resolution that was “acceptable to all”, and made no threats. However, in a separate part of his 90-minute speech, he also stressed he was pushing through with the modernisation of the Philippine military, one of the most poorly equipped in Asia. He said his government had allocated 28 billion pesos (US$67 million) for military modernisation to acquire new hardware and repair old equipment, with new helicopters and a frigate due to arrive next year. And he said the government government was
Update puts Beijing flood toll at 77 BEIJING – The death toll from the worst rains to hit Beijing in more than 60 years has risen to 77, China’s official Xi nh ua news agency said on July 26, more than doubling previous figures. Many residents of China’s s prawl prawling ing capi capital tal had expressed doubts about the official toll of 37 that Beijing authorities announced late on July 22, believing the real figure to be much higher. The freak downpour on July 21, said to be the heaviest rain since records began in 1951, caused rivers to burst their banks and flood major highways, submerging large numbers of vehicles. In the worst-hit area of Fangshan, on the city’s mountainous southwestern outskirts, distraught residents on July 23 reported cars being swept away and said many people were still missing. M Many any people took to China’s weibos –Twitterlike microblogs – to condemn the official response to the disaster in the capital. Some said the number of deaths and s cale of destruction could have been lessened if the government had issued better warnings, including by SMS, and modernised Beijing’s ancient drainage
Philippines President Benigno Aquino addresses parliament last week. Pic: AFP
planning to spend 75 billion pesos on defence during the next five years. – AFP
Trade Mark CauTionarY noTiCe Notice is hereby given that our client, AKITA, INC. having a principal ofce at 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808, U.S.A. is the owner and the sole proprietor of the following trade mark consists of the word:
CHarTiS Reg No. 4/6526/2012 To be used in connection with the following:Class 36 - insurance and fnancial services.
being used, proposed to be used the abovementioned mark in any color or combination of c olors and claims the exclusive right of trade mark by or on behalf of the Company in the Republic of the U nion of Myanmar.
A night-time image of water surging from the Three Gorges Dam in China’s Hubei province on July 24 after downpours in the reservoir’s catchment caused the highest ood peak of the year. Torrential rain has affected large areas of China in recent weeks. Pic: AFP
systems. Authorities ordered state state media to stick to stories “worthy of praise and tears”, while censoring the nation’s voracious microblogs and threatening arrests. “From today onward, we will severely strike at those using the internet to... create and transmit political rumours and attack the (Communist) party, state leaders and the current system,” the Beijing Times quoted city
police chief Fu Zhenghua would not cover up the as saying on July 24. true number of deaths, The threat, reported widely acknowledging that the lack on July 26, did not appear to of official updates had given stifle critical comments. rise to public suspicion. “We are again living in the City authorities said last time when the emperor was week that Beijing’s mayor all powerful,” and “China’s Guo Jinlong would step leaders are all powerful down, after many weibo users under heaven, their sanctity called for his resignation. cannot be violated,” were Authorities said the move among the postings on the was unrelated to the floods and that Guo was moving to microblog. Beijing city spokeswoman become Beijing’s Communist Wang Hui insisted earlier party secretary, a more senior last week that authorities role. – AFP
Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trade mark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. Soe Win Advocate #0502/ 5, Sakura Tower Ph: 255055/ 255407 For Hlb, Hw & C. Dated: 30th July, 2012
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Australia slams MP’s ‘dumb’ Beijing speech SYDNEY – The Australian government hit back at criticism of Chinese investment in its economy by opposition leader Tony Abbott, condemning his remarks remarks as as “dangerously dumb” on July 26. Abbott, Abbott, who is strongly favoured favoured to become Australia’s next prime minister according to opinion polls, described Chinese business ownership last week as a “complicated” issue due to the prevalence of state-owned corporations. He said in a speech in Beijing that it was “rarely” in Australia’s interest to allow acquisitions by foreign governments, triggering anger from the centre-left Labor government which stressed the
“You’ve got 5000 mining jobs in importance of China, the country’s export market and its top source of imports, with two-way trade worth Austr alia dire ctly depe nden t on top trading partner. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said A$113.7 billion (US$117.5 billion) Chinese investment,” he said. Australia has emerged emerged recessionthe remarks had “put at risk our in 2011, 23.2 percent of Australia’s total. free from the global financial crisis, economic security”. “What he’s been saying over there Carr said Abbott had indicated helped by huge Chinese demand for in China is basically something that he favoured a “blanket its natural resources, but Chinese that would jeopardise Australia’s prohibition on Chinese investment takeover moves on industries from economic growth and the strength of by state-owned companies”, which telecoms to mining to agriculture our economy,” she told ABC radio. he described as “crazy” given the have caused unease. Foreign Minister Bob Carr said potential benefits for Australia of Earlier this year Australia excluded Chinese telecoms the comments “can only be seen, and the Asian giant’s economic boom. will be seen by them I think, as an “You’ve got farm communities company Huawei from tendering adversarial approach with China, of Australia that are guaranteed for broadband contracts, citing and I think that is reckless”. pros peri ty becaus e Chines e national security concerns about “I think it is really dangerously urbanisation is seeing people buy critical infrastructure. Several mining takeover bids dumb for this country’s interests,” their foodstuff from supermarkets he said. stocked with Australian produce,” have failed on similar grounds. – AFP China is Australia’s number one said Carr.
Indian troops help to quell ethnic unrest GUWAHATI, India – Large troop deployments appear to have stemmed an outburst of ethnic violence in northeast India, officials said on July 26, after a week of clashes that left at least 45 people dead. Authorit ies in the state of Assam were drawing up plans for some 200,000 displaced villagers, who fled their homes for protection in relief camps, to be escorted back under armed guard. Rival gangs from indigenous Bodo tribes and Muslim settlers have fought each other since July 20, in an eruption of anger over long-running land disputes. “The situation is returning to normal and we are taking all possible steps to ensure that no fresh outbreak of clashes takes place,” Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi told AFP. State officials say that about 200,000 people have moved to relief camps, government buildings and schools near their villages to escape the unrest and receive emergency food supplies. “We shall review the situation and see if we are abl e to s end back people sheltered in relief
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka on July 26 published a roadmap for investigating allegations that elements of the military were responsible for civilian deaths during its final battle with Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. The plan, which sets timetables for probing the charges and punishing those found guilty of excesses, follows EU and US pressure for Colombo to implement recommendations of a national commission that studied the last stages of the Tamil conflict. In its report made public last December, the governmentappointed Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
Bries Mukherjee sworn in as India’s president NEW DELHI – Former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee called for action to tackle India’s dire poverty as he was sworn in as president on July 25. The presidency is mainly a ceremonial role, but Mukherjee, 76, used his acceptance speech to appeal for India to help the hundreds of millions of poor who have been left behind by recent economic growth. Mukherjee, the official Congress party candidate, was elected president on July 22 after winning 69 percent of the votes cast by national and state lawmakers.
Boat people record set in Australia
camps to their hom homes es under tight tig ht s ecurity,” Hagrama Mohilary, chief of local government body the Bodoland Territorial C o u n c i l , t o l d A F P by telephone. But some families in the camps, which are protected by soldiers, expressed fears about being attacked by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and a woman named by state television on July marauding gangs if they 25 as his wife, Ri Sol-Ju. The announcement ended speculation about the identify return home. of a woman seen with Kim at recent public events, including in this image released “We are not going back by North Korea’s ofcial Korean Central News Agency on July 9. Meanwhile, in a unless we are sure there is report released on July 25, the International Crisis Group said Kim faced no threat adequate security in and to his rule despite the sacking of his military chief earlier this month. However, the around our villages,” said Brussels-based think-tank said Kim showed no sign of seeking economic reforms or Rahimuddin Ali, whose reducing regional friction. Pic: AFP/KCNA via KNS mother was stabbed to death in the violence. Troops have been on patrol in the west of Assam, under orders to “shoot-onsight” at mobs breaking curfew restrictions. At least 3000 extra soldiers and paramilitary personnel have been rushed to the region. A statement statement from the state BEIJING – The wife of Bo exclusive British school that would be keen to settle the government on the morning Xilai, the former political Heywood himself attended. case before then. of July 26 put the death toll leader whose downfall The younger Bo recently “The whole thing should at 41 and four more bodies sent shockwaves through graduated from Harvard. be handled before the 18th were discovered on roadsides China, has been charged Heywood’s death in a Party Congress. Everything later in the day. with murdering a British Chinese hotel room last has to be resolved – Bo Xilai, Some reports said the businessman, state-run November was initially Gu Kailai, everything,” he outbreak of violence was news agency Xinhua said blamed on excessive alcohol said. triggered when two Muslim on July 26. “They cannot leave consumption. student leaders were shot Gu and Zhang will be tried this problem for the next Gu Kailai, a former and badly injured, leading international lawyer whose at a court in the eastern leadership. It has to be to revenge attacks on Bodo husband was one of China’s Chinese city of Hefei “on a handled now.” groups. – AFP Li said the case had only most promising political day to be decided”, Xinhua been exposed because Wang leaders until his dramatic said. fall from grace this year, If convicted, Gu faces the Lijun, a senior official in will face trial for intentional death penalty, although Chongqing, had gone to a US homicide, Xinhua reported this is often commuted in consulate in southern China Commission (LLRC) had in a brief dispatch. the case of high-profile to express his suspicions about Bo and his family. noted “considerable civilian Zhang Xiaojun, previously defendants. The scandal, which came Bo, the son of a revered casualties” and the fact that described as an orderly army shells had fallen on who worked for the high- to light in February, has Communist revolutionary, civilian hospitals. flying couple, will also be sent shockwaves through the had earned a national While concluding there prosecuted on the same highest echelons of power in profile with a draconian was no military policy charge, it i t s aid, citing China and led to Bo being crackdown on criminal sacked from his post as elements in Chongqing and of deliberately targeting authorities. civilians, the commission Xinh ua said there was Communist Party leader of a “red revival” campaign marked by the mass singing urged the government to “irrefutable and substantial” the megacity of Chongqing. Analysts Analystssay it has exposed exposed of old Maoist-era songs. investigate certain incidents evidence that the pair had Many analysts saw the that might point to “wrongful poisoned Neil Heywood, a deep divisions within the conduct”. British businessman who Communist Party ahead of moves as a bid for entry to The roadmap published had commercial dealings a crucial, once-in-a-decade China’s inner circle. But the rapid unravelling last week commits the with Bo and his wife. leadership transition due security forces to complete Little is known about to take place at a party of his fortunes has exposed a harsh factional reaction ongoing “dis ciplinary” the nature of Heywood’s congress this autumn. investigations within 12 r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e Li Datong, a former editor against the charismatic months and ensure that any couple’s son, Bo Guagua, at the state-run China Youth and ambitious leader, and resulting criminal charges although he is reported Dai ly who was removed the affair has been seen as are filed in court within to have helped secure a for reporting on sensitive a huge embarrassment for another four years. – AFP place for him at Harrow, the issues, said China’s leaders the party. – AFP
Colombo sets probe timetable
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China charges fallen leader’s wife with murdering Briton
SYDNEY – The number of boatpeople coming to Australia has already exceeded the previous annual record despite scores of deaths at sea, the government said on July 25. The Department of Immigration said 92 boats carrying 6557 asylumseekers, excluding crew, had landed in Australian waters in 2012. The previous record was 6555 for the 2010 calendar year. An estimated 94 people drowned en-route in June after two boats sank in waters off Indonesia.
Court grants bail to Arroyo MANILA – A Philippin Philippinee court on July 25 granted former president Gloria Arroyo bail, saying the charge of vote fraud for which she has been detained for eight months is weak. Arroyo, 65, was released from the military hospital where she had been detained after posting bail of one million pesos (US$23,800). Arroyo has been charged charged with “electoral sabotage”, a crime punishable with life in jail, for allegedly conspiring with a feared political warlord to rig the 2007 senatorial elections.
Prosecutors charge president’s brother SEOUL – South Korean prosecutors said on July 26 they have brought graft charges against the brother of President Lee Myung-Bak. They said Lee SangDeuk, 76, would stand trial on charges of taking 600 million won (US$523,000) from two troubled savings banks and 157 million won from a textile company. It is the first time in South Korea’s history that a brother of an incumbent president has been arrested. – AFP
Time out
37 The Myanmar Times July 30 - August 5, 2012
Lead actors for Aung San film announced favourite of Daw Khin Kyi. I sang one verse and I think I did it well.” Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing added that although she felt very tired from the audition process, she was ready to start the training period. U Zaganar, a member of Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board, told The Myanmar Times that the
By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe
THE Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board on July 25 announced the actors who have been chosen to play the lead roles in an upcoming biopic about Bogyoke Aung San. Mg Kyauk Khae and Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo were named for the role of Aung San, while Ma Zarchi Lin and Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing were picked to play his wife, Daw Khin Kyi. The four actors were chosen
nalists could still lose their places
from 11 nalists, who had been
whittled down from more than 300 applicants. Two actors were picked for each role in the event that one is unable to meet the board’s expectations or to complete the lm for any reason.
The rigorous audition period, during which candidates were repeatedly vetted by members of the lm board, started in March. The nal decision was made after
the 11 finalists met the film’s producer, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, at her house on July 20. Mg Kyauk Khae, 33, said he
faced many difculties during the
application and audition period, but he was now ready to tackle the role of Aung San. “I left my wife and family in Mandalay to come to Yangon to audition for the lm, and I haven’t
earned any money for my family in that time. I met the board members for the rst time before Thingyan
[in April], and I haven’t been back home since,” he told The Myanmar Times. He said he has been staying at a monastery in Yangon, earning his keep by driving a car to take monks around the city. “I have no income, but I am close to the Dhamma [teachings of the
One of the nalists (left) for a lead role in an upcoming biopic about Bogyoke Aung San auditions in front of members of the Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board at the house of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on July 20. Pic: Supplied
“And July 24 was my 33rd birthday, so I hoped my birthday present from the board members would be the good news that I had been picked for the role.” He said that while dabbling in art and painting in the past, he noticed that he bore a resemblance to Aung San. This led him to read several books on his life before he even knew a lm was being planned.
meditate,” he said. Mg Kyauk Khae said he did not feel shaken when he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and was able to deliver a good performance. “In front of Daw Suu Kyi, I didn’t feel pressure and I was able to deliver Aung San’s speeches in both Myanmar and English. When I left her house, I felt relaxed and
“I love our Bogyoke, and I had decided that even if I wasn’t picked for the lead role I would vo lunteer as an extra or even to sweep the sets. But now that I’ve been selected, I’ll do my best to show the strong mind and great character of Aung San to the people, especially to the young generation, because I want to be a dutiful citizen,” he said. The second actor to be chosen for the Aung San role, Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo, is currently busy with his obligations as a player for the Myanmar National League’s KBZ Football Club, but he said he was happy to hear he had been selected. “As soon as I heard the news
satised that I had done well,”
from the lm board, I was so happy
Buddha] and I always nd time to
he said.
I jumped up and down. But for
now I need for focus on my work for KBZ Football Club. The season ends before September, and I’ll be able to train for the lm and satisfy both the club and the lm board,”
he said. Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo said he never realised he bore a resemblance to Aung San until his friends urged him to apply for the lm role.
“Also, when my KBZ Football Club played Vietnam, MRTV shot a closeup of each of us on the team as we sang the national anthem before the match. The next day I got calls from many people, including journalists, who urged me to apply for the role,” he said. He said he felt a little afraid to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, even though she did not ask many questions. “I did my best at the audition, and I tried very hard to speak English well because it’s difcult
to duplicate the tone of Aung San’s speeches,” he said. “I also tried to forget my stress so it wouldn’t cause me to make mistakes. I just need to do my best to help my football club become a championship team, and also to
be a great actor in the Aung San lm.”
Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing said she was extremely excited to be picked to play the role of Daw Khin Kyi. “I don’t really look like Daw Khin Kyi so my friends tried to discourage me from applying for the role, which made me feel sad. But the rst time I met the board members,
they chose me to advance to the next level,” she said. “This gave me confidence to focus on doing well in playing Daw Khin Kyi, so I started copying her mannerisms in everything I did, including speaking, reading and reading, and I also focused on staying calm like she did,” Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing said. She also read Zayya’s book Maha Siri Sudhama Daw Khin Kyi and started meditating to develop a calm demeanour. “The nal meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wasn’t very difcult,
but all the finalists were very excited,” she said. “When it was my turn, she asked me to sing a song. I chose ‘Sein Chuu Kyar Nyun g’, which I had read was a
if they failed to live up to the board’s expectations during the training period. “We chose two actors for each role so we could substitute one for another if necessary,” he said. He added that many established actors had expressed interesting in playing roles in the Aung San biopic, but the board preferred new faces. “Inexperienced actors might have weaknesses, but they can be trained the way we like according to the script,” he said. U Zaganar said the writers were expected to have a draft of the script ready by August 18. “We will start training the selected actors according to the script. … Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also asked the BBC for recordings of Aung San’s speeches and copies of his pictures, which will provide more details to help guide the training,” he said. He added that the length of the training period will depend on how quickly and competently the actors can learn their parts. U Zaganar said about 65 percent of the lm will be shot at studios in
Europe, including in Germany and England, as well as in countries that Aung San visited, such as Malaysia and Thailand. The remaining 35 percent will be shot in Myanmar, mostly in Bago Region where a local businessman has donated 100 acres as a location for the lm.
“We have been offered support from international studios that can provide whatever props we need. For example, if we want shoes from 1935, we can get them in minutes. So we can shoot indoor scenes at the studios, and we can shoot outdoor scenes, like battles that took place in the country, in Bago Region,” U Zaganar said.
Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi starts Daw Suu Kyi documentary By Nuam Bawi
DIRECTOR Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi started filming a featurelength documentary about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on July 21, at the National League for Democracy leader’s residence in Yangon. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said his main inspiration for making the lm was his desire to support
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. “Daw Suu Kyi is not only an icon for her pursuit of democracy and human rights in Myanmar, but also she’s an icon around the world,” he said. “There are three people from Myanmar who are known around the world: Bogyoke Aung San, [former UN secretary general] U Thant and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Of these, our generation only has access to Daw Suu Kyi, so I’d like to support her as much as I can,” he said. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said he has been trying since 2010 to
get permission to make the documentary.
session in Nay Pyi Taw for Martyr’s Day, Day, and we were able
“When I rst met Daw Suu
to lm for one hour,” Min Htin
Kyi the month after she was freed from house arrested on November 13, 2010, I gave her a copy of my documentary The Floating Tomatoes . I told her then that I wanted to make a documentary about her life. She agreed, but asked me to wait awhile,” he said. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was an invited guest at the 21 st International Poetry Festival of Medellin in Colombia, where he read his own work as well as a poem written by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He said that after he returned from the South American festival, he met with Daw Suu Kyi again, at which point she nally gave her consent for the
documentary to be made. “Because of her busy schedule preparing for the election, we weren’t able to s tart for a year, but on July 21 she come back to Yangon from the parliamentary
Ko Ko Gyi said. He added that he thought the documentary would take about two years to complete. “Daw Suu Kyi has a busy schedule so she can’t give me the time I want. And then I’ll need about six months for postproduction, so I guess the lm
can be screened in 2014. It all depends on how much time she can give for the lm,” he said.
He said the biggest challenge in making the film will be producing a documentary that can stand up to both domestic and international scrutiny. scrutiny. “Such a project will be acknowledged by people all around the world, so this is a big challenge for me,” he said. “I know I need to take big responsibility for this lm. Daw
Suu Kyi is one of the world’s biggest icons, so if I can’t do it properly I will open myself to
criticism by people who see the lm. There can also be criticism
from international audiences about the technical aspects of the documentary. But I’m willing to take that risk,” Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said. He said the film would probably be about 90 minutes long and would be divided into nine sections, but it was too early to talk about creative
details or how the lm might
be distributed. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi entered the Myanmar movie industry in 2003 with the lm Maung Yar Zar Nay Win (Clone) and has made ve more f eature-length lms since then.
In 2006 he made the short documentary Human Zoo , about ethnic Padaung living in Namb Swe village in Thailand. His second documentary, The Floating Tomatoes (2010), which explores agriculture on Inle Lake, has won several awards at international film festivals.
Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi (right) and his crew shoot footage for a documentary at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence in Yangon on July 21. Pic: Myo Myint Swe
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Tale of young loafers gets OK
In memory of Taw Paya Galay, a prince of a man
By Lwin Mar Htun By Ma Thanegi
ACTUALLY, he was a real prince. On July 30 the last surviving grandson of the last king of Myanmar would have been 86 years old. He passed away in 2006. It was a tradition for Asian kings to have many queens ranging from chief, to middle and even to “lesser” rank. But Myanmar’s last monarch, King Thibaw, had only one true queen, Supayalat, although for political reasons he was also married to her two sisters. King Thibaw and Queen Supayalat were sweethearts since they were 18 and 17 years old respectively, and 20 and 19 when Thibaw ascended the throne in 1878. In 1885, the British colonised the whole of Myanmar and the king, queen and two small daughters were exiled to Ratnagiri on the west coast of India. The queen was heavily pregnant at the time and gave birth to the third daughter in Madras, a few months after their arrival in India. The fourth daughter, a princess most like her mother with her strong personality, was born in Ratnagiri in 1887 and was married to Ko Ko Naing. They had a good marriage, with six children: four boys and two girls born in Myanmar, Myanmar, for Queen Supayalat and her two youngest daughters returned to their country after the king passed away in 1915. Queen Supayalat lived out her life in Yangon but the feisty fourth daughter and her husband were exiled to
Mawlamyine in 1932 after some years in Mandalay, for writing a manifesto demanding that the British return the royal gems and jewellery taken on the annexation of the country. Her words were so forceful that she was referred to as the Rebel Princess. Born in 1926, Taw Paya Galay, or Taw Taw as he was affectionately called by young and old, was the princess’s fifth child and fourth son. He later took as his name U Thant Zin although royal family members did not use the U and Daw prexes. He
and his siblings were under the supervision of the British government and could not travel freely. It was the British government that decided where the royal offspring went to school, and all six were sent to Catholic missionary schools where Taw Taw Paya Galay was called Prince Frederick. He attended St Patrick in Mawlamyine and later St Paul in Yangon. Facing the wrath of teachers and the risk of expulsion, he insisted on wearing the Burmese longyi at St Paul instead of the Western school uniform; luckily the principal was more understanding. Taw Paya Galay later left St Paul to attend the famous national school Myoma Kyaung in Yangon. Yangon. By the time he was in his late teens, he became even more political and went beyond the nationalistic views of his brothers to study the ideologies of the day. Taw Paya Galay’s three brothers were well known and much admired for their efforts to foster sports
and culture through youth clubs during the Japanese occupation during World War II. The oldest brother, Taw Paya Gyi, was mistaken for a
AFTER spending four years in limbo, a feature-length movie about youth culture in Yangon has nally been given
the green light by censors,
police ofcer and killed during
and the lm’s director hopes
an ambush by insurgents. Another brother joined the Burma Independence Army but insisted on serving among the rank and le rather than enlisting in the ofcer training
program as his college friends had done. In those times fascism was on the rise and the opposing ideology was communism. Workers around the world were not yet protected by laws and strong unions, and as with most of the patriotic gures of his time Taw Paya
Galay was a leftist. This affiliation earned him a nickname: the Red Prince. However, he was neither a member of the communist party nor a fanatic. The strongest belief he held during his life was that being of royal blood did not give him the right to be conceited or arrogant; rather, it gave him the responsibility of serving the people in any way he could. Taw Paya Galay and his brothers actively supported Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, the revered “father” of nationalism. Taw Paya Galay became an active member of the underground resistance before and during WWII, rst
against the British and then the Japanese. In 1945 he married Ma Khin May, May, a very pretty niece of a family friend. Taw Paya Galay was only 19 and Ma Khin May 18. Their only daughter Dewi was born in 1947. After independence Taw Paya Galay formed a company called Thibaw Commercial
to see it screened on MRTV-4 in the near future. Yangon Myo Hma Kyo So Par Ei (Welcome to Yangon)
Taw Paya Galay. Pic: Supplied
Syndicate, one of the few at the time that were truly owned by the Myanmar, for most companies were owned by Indian entrepreneurs with Myanmar citizens as a front. By the late 1950s TCS Ltd was exporting lacquer sap to Japan and imperial Jade to Hong Kong, with branch offices in each of those places. Taw Paya Galay often ew
to Tokyo and Hong Kong to oversee sales, and by the early 1960s his business was booming, with export contracts in rice worth K30 million. But in early 1962 General Ne Win took power in Myanmar in a coup d’état, and Taw Paya Galay’s company, along with all others, was nationalised. At that time there were many peace or friendship associations, one of which was the Chinese-Myanmar Friendship Club. Taw Paya Galay was a member, and he was also part of the World Peace Council. The president of the Chinese-Myanmar Friendship Club was arrested in 1966, just before riots broke out against the Chinese community. Taw Paya Galay went underground for nearly two years until he was caught
and sent to Insein Prison, where he remained until 1970. Taw Paya Galay’s wife and daughter were left in dire nancial circumstances, and
although he had many friends in high positions, he strictly forbade his wife from asking them for help in securing his release from prison. Eighteen years later, during the countrywide uprising against the socialist regime and the poverty it had created, Taw Paya Galay became a patron of a powerful political assembly known A Myo Thar Naing Ngan Yay Tat Paung Su, or Ma Na Ta for short As a result he was sent back to Insein Prison in 1989 at the age of 63, and was released in 1992. A great number of students were also jailed for political activities during this time. In the bare reality of life behind bars, the students got to know this man who lived his life without pretensions, arrogance or conceit, a man of strong commitment to his principles and with a sense of humour that made light of prison. They found fou nd their “Taw Taw” to be a prince of a man, as do all who knew him and continue to love and admire him.
Singer Daw Mar Mar Aye releases memoir of divorce By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe
FORMER singer Daw Mar Mar Aye marked her 70th birthday on July 25 by releasing a Myanmar-language memoir originally published as a serial in a local magazine starting in 1990. Yin Phwint Kyae Par Tha Nge Chin
(Dear Friend, Look Deeply into My Heart) originally appeared in 20 parts in Mahaythi monthly magazine. The stories were based on a diary the author started keeping in 1970 after her divorce was announced in local newspapers. Daw Mar Mar Aye has lived in the United States since 1998 and plans to return to Myanmar at the end of the year for a visit. In the meantime, a video of the author talking about her book was presented at the launch ceremony at Central Hotel in Yangon Yangon on July 25. “The diary was originally dedicated to my dearest son and daughter because I wanted them to know what happened between
my husband — their father — and me. But in November 1972 I stopped writing because I didn’t want them to know the depth of my feelings,” Daw Mar Mar Aye said in the video. “Then I thought that if I wrote for my friends instead of my children, I could write more openly. So I continued writing my story under the title Tha Nge Chin Thot (To My Friends),” she said. By the time she had finished her account, the story took up 12 handwritten diaries of 120 pages each. A friend convinced her to publish the story, and an announcement about the publication even appeared in a local newspaper on June 30, 1973. But for reasons that Daw Mar Mar Aye did not explain, the book was never released. It wasn’t until January 1990 that the diary, now edited by the author for readability, started appearing in serial form in Mahaythi magazine and continued for 20 months. “I lost some papers when I moved
to America, but I tried to collect them all for publication of the memoir. The book ends on page 258 when I return to my parents’ house [following the divorce],” she said, adding that if readers respond positively to the book she would “try to continue writing”. The book starts with Daw Mar Mar Aye’s rst days of school and tells about how she met her rst
boyfriend, and how they subsequently parted ways. According to the memoir’s account, she married her second boyfriend at the early age of 16. Although the marriage was happy at rst, after
their two children were born, her husband started casting doubts and causing problems. Daw Mar Mar Aye said she kept
quiet at rst and did not tell others
about her marital problems, but the situation became worse as her fame as a singer grew and as her husband started blaming her for traveling too much for her career. Daw Mar Mar Aye later worked at Myanmar Radio and Television’s
broadcasting department, a job from which her husband tried to force her to resign. They nally divorced,
the account of which will come as a relief to most readers following the harrowing details of the marriage’s degeneration. The book’s publisher, U Thein Lwin, said he did not have any problems releasing the memoir, but he did need to ask for permission from Daw Mar Mar Aye as well as from her daughter who lives in Yangon. Yangon. “I want let her fans know not only that she can sing very well, but also that she can write perfectly. I was a student of her singing course in the past and I appreciated all of her singing talent. And I knew that her story was published in a magazine, so I wanted to launch it as a bo ok,” U Thein Lwin said. He added that he would like to publish another book by Daw Mar Mar Aye after she returns to Myanmar in December. Yin Phwint Kyae Par Tha Nge Chin
is available for K3000 at bookstores throughout Yangon. Yangon.
was directed by Michelle Anne Latt in 2008, but the Myanmar Censorship Board under the Ministry of Information rejected nearly half the scenes. “The movie was shot with 45 scenes and at that time the censors cut 20 of them. They told me to re-shoot the whole thing. I was very upset when I heard the news,” Michelle Anne Latt said. “But then last month I was very surprised when the censors said I could screen the movie without making any changes to the original.” She said the lm shows the
lifestyles of young people in Yangon, including “where they go, what they do, what they wear and what their relationships are like”. “In the movie, girls are drinking beer, smoking and so on, but their parents don’t know that they’re doing these things. I want the movie to give the message that parents should pay attention to their children, and that they should be more open-minded and friendly in their relations with their kids,” she said. At one hour and 20 minutes long, Welcome to Yangon is Michelle Anne Latt’s first feature-length lm, but she
has directed a number of music videos and television advertisements. “This movie has some similarities to music videos in the sense that there is less dialogue than most movies. And even though it was made four years ago, I think it still
reects the lives of young
people in Yangon,” she said, adding that it was lmed on-
location in bars, at concerts and on the streets of the city. She said she used her own money to fund the movie, an effort that was boosted by the fact that most of the cast donated their acting efforts, including models A Bawk and Jenny, Jenny, and musicians Snare, Kyar Pauk and Michelle Anne Latt’s own brother J-Me. The musicians also contributed their songs to the soundtrack. Although the film has been approved by the government’s censorship board, Michelle Anne Latt is still waiting to see if any scenes will be cut by MRTV-4, which has its own system of censorship. “We’ll have to wait and see what they do before the movie is screened on television,” she said.
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Guerilla playlists for Indonesian primates By Loic Vennin
Details of Myanmar artist Aung Ko’s ‘The Sights Viewed from Boats’ on display at the ‘Riverscapes ‘Riverscapes in Flux’ exhibition in Bangkok on July 21. Pic: Douglas Long
Transformed riverscapes inspire SE Asian artists By Khin Su Wai
WHEN the organisers of the Southeast Asia Press Alliance journalism fellowship gave us the choice earlier this month between spending a day taking a tour with the UN Environment Program or visiting an art exhibition titled “Riverscapes in Flux”, I did not hesitate to choose the latter. It was denitely my passion for the
arts that led me to go there, boosted by the fact that the theme of the exhibition was the river landscapes of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Ayeyarwady and Chao Phraya. The exhibition, coordinated by the Goethe Institute Hanoi, brings together six curators and 17 artists from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. The show opened in Hanoi from April 12 to 29, then moved to Ho Chi Min City from May 12 to 26. I caught it during its tenure in Bangkok from June 22 to July 22, and from there it will move to Phnom Penh, Jakarta and Manila. The artists used installations, photographs, video and sound pieces to tackle the subject of ecological and cultural changes to major river landscapes in Southeast Asia. “Southeast Asia is characterised by major river landscapes like no other region in the world,” according to the exhibition website (blog.goethe.de/ riverscapes/). “They are lifelines and transport routes, economic roads and vital
ecosystems. The waterways secure food production and energy supply not only for the local population but often for the vast region. The resulting artworks are varied as the problems faced by the people along their respective rivers,” the website continued. I was very interested to see how Southeast Asian artists would approach these issues. We were lucky to enjoy a tour of the exhibition with Mr Apisak Sonjod, director of Tandu Contemporary Art Gallery in Bangkok, who explained the meaning behind some of the artwork. Sometimes I understood, and other times it all seemed a bit over my head. Among the more visually striking pieces was The Sights Viewed from Boats by Aung Ko from Myanmar, which consisted of three large boats hanging from the ceiling made from canvas and bearing painted designs, while on the oor sat a collection of small
wooden boats decorated by children from the artist’s native village along the Ayeyarwady River. The piece Rising Tonle Sap, a series of photographs by Lim Sokchanlina that explored how the concept of climate change is understood by people living along Tonle Sap River in Cambodia, set off a debate among me and my fellow journalists about whether the ice blocks pictured oating in muddy waterways were
real or were the result of digital enhancement of the images. I had mixed feelings about some
of the multimedia installations. With their piece Loi Krathong , Anothai Nitibhon and Jean David Ciallouet set out to explore changing attitudes towards the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. They created an eerie, dimly lit environment with toilet xtures
and strange sounds, which admittedly I had trouble appreciating. But Sutthirat Supaparinya’s video installation My Grandpa’s Route Has Been Forever Blocked brought a smile to my face, as it explored her grandparents’ changing relationship with Thailand’s Ping River, whose course has been obstructed by the Bhumibol dam. Jedsada Tangtrakulwong, meanwhile, used traditional shing tools and sound
to explore changing ways of life and the fading of traditional culture along the Chi River in northeastern Thailand. Although there was plenty to see at the exhibition, I didn’t get tired of looking at the artwork. The show made me think about commerce, transport, livelihoods and ecology along the rivers of Southeast Asia, and how these waterways can flow across borders just as good artists can create works that break down barriers and increase understanding between cultures. “Riverscapes in Flux” will visit Phnom Penh from October 5 to 28; Jakarta from December 13 to J anuary 23, 2013; and Manila from March 2 to 24, 2013. This article was written under the SEAPA Annual Journalism Fellowship 2012 Program.
Springsteen fought depression: report NEW YORK — A history of depression lies behind Bruce Springsteen’s manic, high-energy concert performances, the singer told The New Yorker in an interview. The intense rock star, who typically puts on three- or four-hour non-stop shows,
was quoted saying that at one point he was driven by “pure fear and self-loathing and self-hatred”. “My issues weren’t as obvious as drugs,” the famously health-conscious and abstemious Springsteen said in the latest issue of The New Yorker . “Mine
were different, they were quieter.” A biographer and friend, Dave Marsh, told The New Yorker that Springsteen felt suicidal in 1982 as fame swept over him. “He was on a rocket ride, from nothing to something, and now you are getting your
ass kissed day and night. You You might start to have some inner conflicts about your real self-worth.” Troubled by memories of a difcult relationship with his
father, Springsteen started seeing a psychotherapist in 1982, the magazine reported. — AFP
PALANGKARAYA, Indonesia — With Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Katy Perry on heavy rotation, there seems at first little to distinguish Indonesia’s Radio Kalaweit from any other pop station. But in the breaks between the teen ballads and angstrock from the likes of Linkin Park come darker messages that subvert those first impressions, bringing the issue of animal rights squarely into focus. In one message sounds of gunfire are punctuated by gibbon cries and a voice that says darkly: “For one baby, five gibbons are killed.” “God did not create wild animals to serve as garden decorations,” insists another jingle, between a piece of K-pop and the latest David Guetta tune. “We know that if we just preached directly about animal rights, listeners would flee,” said Aurelien Brule, a French national who founded Radio Kalaweit in 2003 and now goes by the name of Chanee, which means “gibbon” in Thai. Since he was 18 Chanee, now 32, has lived in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, where he has worked to protect endangered gibbons whose ranks have been decimated by rampant deforestation. He said he fell in love with the primates after seeing them in a zoo as a child and was moved by their sadness at being separated from parents or partners. “I wondered how we could get our message across to young people,” said Chanee. The idea behind the station was to use entertainment to educate and raise awareness of animal issues without beating listeners over the head about the plight of endangered species, he said. It has paid off, with ratings surging. “Since 2003, we have been number one,” said Willius Tinus, musical director and station organi ser. ser. “Music is as important as the message. If you create a radio station that only talks about the environment, we know we will have no listeners,” he said. Now many gibbons are discovered after tip-offs from listeners. Rescued primates are housed in a sanctuary, where Chanee and his team attempt to pair them up. Gibbons cannot be returned alone to the wild because they would be killed by pairs protecting their own territory. But rampant deforestation has wiped out “empty” forest sites suitable for single gibbons. Large tracts of Indonesia’s jungle have been cleared for palm oil plantations due to surging global
demand, one of the main reasons Indonesia is the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases behind the US and China. Indonesia has implemented a two-year moratorium on issuing new logging concessions on peatland and in other high-conservation forests. But unsustainable logging continues within companies’ existing concessions. Awareness is not all the radio station strives for. Kalaweit — meaning “gibbon” in the local dialect — is also about what it sees as justice in shaming those who disregard laws against keeping gibbons as pets. “We broadcast the names of anyone found to be holding a gibbon in a cage, even if it turns out to [be someone] as high ranking as the police chief or governor. Most times you get the animal two to three months later,” Chanee explained. The “kalaweit” sanctuary is home to more than 130 gibbons and also other animals including birds and crocodiles. More than 60 percent of the animals who have been freed and now live there came as a result of “people who listened to the radio”, Chanee said. But to publicly pillory powerful Indonesian bureaucrats carries high risks. In 2006, police raided the station’s office in a modest neighbourhood of Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province. “They wanted to confiscate the tr ansmitter,” recalled Chanee. “But the DJs locked themselves in the building and they broadcast the raid on air. Five, then 10, and then 15 villagers arrived and the situation was defused.” As he speaks, FrenchIndonesian singer Anggun, who recently represented France at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan, can be heard imploring on the airwaves: “Gibbons are not pets.” With the help of what he calls “sexy packaging”, Chanee said Radio Kalaweit targets the 15 to 22 age group — “an age when it is not yet too late to change attitudes”. Broadcasting over the Palangkaraya area, the station’s audience varies “from 10,000 to 15,000 listeners a day” and commercial advertising ensures it is self-financing, according to Chanee. “Kalaweit? It’s cool,” said Rabyatul Adawiyah who goes by the name Zebi, a 17-year-old schoolgirl who comes from time to time after school to do some volunteer work in the tiny, tiny, barely air-conditioned station. “Many people at school listen to it,” she said, adding: “Even if it’s the music that gets your attention, the environmental message is not far behind.” — AFP
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City Mart Mother Day Donation
D aw aw Th Th an an Th Th an an Ay Ay e
Bogyoke Aung San Market Waso Robe Offering Ceremony
Acer Lucky Draw Awards Ceremony
U Mi Mi n M in a nd nd Da Da w W in Wi Wi n T in t
Ko Thura Aung and Ko Zaw Min Htay
U Soe Win
Daw Win Win Tint
U Tun Lin
MyanMar tiMes
U Soe Win Aung and U Zaw Min Aung
Ko Aung Thura
U San Naing
U Ohn
Ko Aung Thura, Ma Lwin Zaw May M aw, Ma Nyein Nyein, Ma Nway Nway, Ma The Su and Ko Si Thu
U Ngwe
Sony Broadcast and Professional Products Launch
Mr Katsuhiro Masaoko, Mr Masahiro(Matt) Soga, Mr Norihisa Mizuno and Mr Ryuji Kato
Mr Chris Grey and Mr Kozo Tetsuya
Mr Chris Grey and Mr Kelvin Tan
Ko Wunna Kyaw
Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi
U Aung Ko Latt
Dr Win Min Thit, U Wai Lwin and Ma Khine Thit Lwin
UMG 14th Anniversary
Tourism Networking Event 2012
Mr Phonthept
Tina, Me Mee Mee, Kyaw Ko, Th Thin Yee and Hnin Ei
Mr Adimax
Ma Su Su Khaing and Ma May Thu Zaw Ma Nay Chi, Ko Ko Kaung Ht Htet and Ma My Myint
Mr Kiwi and Daw Marlar Win Ko Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Treza, Treza, Ma Mon and Ko Steven
Me N Ma Girls
Ko Kyaw Kyaw Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Htoo, Ma Mon, Mon, Ko Ko Kya Kyaw w Zay Zaya a Tin Tin and and Ko Ko Wai Wai Lin Aun Aung g
Ma Thuz Thuzar ar Lwin Lwin and and Ma YaMon aMon Pho Phoo o
U Kyaw Thu
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Myanmar Thiha Travel & Tour Company Opening
Win and San Pwint Aung Myin Company Car Showroom Opening
SOCIALITE WITH NYEIN EI EI HTWE
U Tint Oo
SOCIALITE launched her week by attending the Sony Broadcast and Proessional Products launch event at the Strand Hotel on July 17. The next day she made her way to MDG Company’s Euro 2012 lucky draw prize ceremony, and on July 19 she dropped by the Myanmar Thiha Travels and Tours opening at Ocean Super Centre. On the ollowing day, Socialite went to the Acer lucky draw program at City Star Hotel, ollowed by the opening o the Blanco menswear shop in Kandawlay township. On July 21 Socialite joined new shopkeepers at Bogyoke Market as they held a ceremony to donate robes to monks or Waso. Other estivities on that day included the 14th anniversary party or UMG at Sedona Hotel, and the Mother Day donation ceremony at City Mart’s head ofce.
Ko Zaw Paing, Ma Mee Mee and Ko Thaung Naing Soe U Aye Saung, U Kyaw Min Oo, U Min Thein and U Kyaw Kyaw Myint
Ma Wut Yee Khine, Ma Cho Thar Min Oo, Ko Chan Myae Aung and Ma Chan Kywe Kywe
MDG Euro 2012 Prize Ceremony
U Zaw Lwin
Ma Thandar and Gold Roast staff
Ko Ronald
Blanco Fashion Shop Opening
Ko Aung Lwin, Ma Cho Nge and May Thazin Lwin
Ko Zaw Lin, Ko Nyan Lin Aung and Ko Htoo Ye Latt
U Aye Lwin
Ko Maung, Ko Zaw Paing, Ko Thaung Naing Soe, Ko Thar Min Tun and Ko Aung Thura Tun
42
tRavel
www.mmtimes.com/2012/ight/ight.pd
DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES Das Flight Dep Arr YANGON TO MANDALAY
MON
Das Flight Dep Arr
Das Flight Dep Arr
Das Flight Dep Arr
Das Flight Dep Arr
WED
SAT
WED
SUN
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0 AW911 911 06:30 06:30 07:5 07:55 5 K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 40 40
W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 55 55 W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 25 25 6 T 8 01 01
1 2: 2: 00 00 1 4: 4: 05 05
TUE
WED
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
YJ 2 01 01
1 1: 00 00 1 2: 25
Y H 9 09 09
0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 55 55
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
W 9 10 10 9 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 25 25
YJ 8 92 92
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
6 T 4 01 01
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
AW791 14:30 3 0 15:40 40
Y H 9 17 17
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
6 T 5 01 01
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
6 T4 02 02
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
YJ 8 91 91
0 6: 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
Y H 7 31 31
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 25 25
K 7 2 23 23
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
YJ 7 51 51
1 1: 1: 00 1 2: 2:1 0
K 7 8 27 27
1 1: 1: 35 35 1 2: 2: 50 50
K 7 8 26 26
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 4: 4: 45 45
1 6: 6: 40 40 1 8: 8: 05 05
Y H 7 38 38
1 7: 7: 10 10 1 8: 8: 35 35
6 T 8 01 01
1 0: 0: 30 30 1 1: 1: 50 50
YJ 7 52 52
1 7: 50 1 9: 9: 15
K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
THUR SUN
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
AW902 08:5 08:50 0 10:15 15
6 T 4 01 01
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
AW901 901 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
Y H 8 12 12
1 3: 3: 10 10 1 4: 4: 35 35
Y H 9 17 17
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
W 9 2 51 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 55 55
YJ 2 02 02
1 6: 00 1 7: 7: 25
K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 15 15
W 9 0 21 1 4: 4: 10 10 1 5: 5: 10 10
6 T 8 01 01
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
AW202 16:0 16:00 0 17:25 25
Y H 7 29 29
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 2: 2: 40 40
K 7 2 23 23
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
AW761 761 11:00 11:00 12:5 12:55 5
Y H 7 30 30
1 7: 7: 15 15 1 8: 8: 45 45
AW792 17:50 5 0 19:10 10
K 7 2 26 26
0 7: 7: 00 00 0 8: 8: 25 25
K 7 2 27 27
1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 15 15
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
K 7 6 22 22
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
K 7 6 23 23
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 45 45
6 T 8 02 02
1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 50 50
MON
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 10 10
K 7 8 24 24
1 2: 2: 00 00 1 4: 4: 05 05
K 7 6 22 22
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
W 9 00 00 9 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
6 T 5 02 02
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
YJ 7 62 62
1 6: 6: 45 1 8: 8: 05
Y H 9 09 09
SAT
W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 55 55 W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 15 15 Y H 7 29 29
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 7: 50 1 9: 9: 15
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 10 10
K 7 2 23 23
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
AW792 17:25 2 5 18:45 45 6 T 5 02 02
FRI
1 0: 0: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
K 7 2 22 22
1 7: 7: 10 10 1 9: 9: 25 25
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 6: 6: 40 40 1 8: 8: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 10 10
W 9 2 32 1 7: 7: 35 35 1 9: 9: 00 00
AW792 17:25 2 5 18:45 45
THUR
Y H 7 32 32
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 15 15
W 9 0 11 0 9: 9: 25 25 1 1: 1: 10 10
6 T 5 02 02
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
K 7 2 22 22
0 8: 8: 40 40 1 1: 1: 45 45
Y H 8 12 12
1 3: 3: 10 10 1 4: 4: 35 35
FRI
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
Y H 7 30 30
1 7: 7: 15 15 1 8: 8: 45 45
SUN
Y H 7 32 32
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 15 15
6 T 5 02 02
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
AW751 751 11:00 11:00 12:2 12:25 5
Y H 9 10 10
AW211 211 11:00 11:00 12:5 12:55 5
AW892 08:3 08:35 5 10:30 30
6 T 8 01 01
W 9 0 11 0 9: 9: 25 25 1 1: 1: 10 10
Y H 7 32 32
W 9 1 09 1 6: 6: 35 35 1 8: 8: 10 10
6 T 5 02 02
1 0: 0: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30 1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
AW601 601 11:30 11:30 12:5 12:55 5 K 7 6 22 22
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
K 7 8 27 27
1 0: 0: 45 45 1 2: 2: 50 50
K 7 6 23 23
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
W 9 2 56 1 1: 1: 20 20 1 2: 2: 45 45 Y H 8 12 12
1 3: 3: 10 10 1 4: 4: 35 35
6 T 8 02 02
1 6: 6: 40 40 1 8: 8: 05 05
Y H 7 38 38
1 7: 7: 10 10 1 8: 8: 35 35
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 10 10 W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
AW891 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35
0 6: 6: 15 15 0 8: 8: 30 30
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0 W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 55 55
FRI
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
TUE
K 7 6 22 22
MANDALAY TO YANGON 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 00 00
YJ 8 91 91
0 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
AW892 892 08:35 08:35 10:3 10:30 0 K 7 2 23 23
WED
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 05 05 AW891 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35
1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 50 50
6 T 4 01 01
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
6 T 8 02 02
K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
W 9 2 62 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 45 45 Y H 7 28 28
Y H 9 17 17
1 6: 6: 30 30 1 7: 7: 55 55
YJ 8 91 91
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
THUR
AW891 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 10 10
6 T6 12 12
0 9: 9: 15 15 1 0: 0: 40 40
W 9 31 31 0 1 3: 3: 40 40 1 5: 5: 05 05
WED
6 T6 12 12
0 9: 9: 15 15 1 0: 0: 40 40
W 9 31 31 0 1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 45 45
THUR
6 T6 12 12
0 9: 9: 15 15 1 0: 0: 40 40
FRI
6 T6 08 08
1 2: 2: 55 55 1 4: 4: 55 55
W 9 31 31 0 1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 45 45
SAT
6 T6 12 12
0 9: 9: 15 15 1 0: 0: 40 40
W 9 31 31 0 1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 45 45
SUN
6 T6 12 12
0 9: 9: 15 15 1 0: 0: 40 40
K 7 4 27 27
1 7: 7: 05 05 1 8: 8: 25 25
YANGON TO MYEIK
MON
K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
6 T7 07 07
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
W 9 33 33 3 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
TUE
AW301 07:00 0 0 09:05 05 K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
6 T7 07 07
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
K 7 2 23 23
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
K 7 8 27 27
1 7: 7: 30 30 1 8: 8: 45 45
WED
K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
6 T7 07 07
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
W 9 33 33 3 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
K 7 2 23 23
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
K 7 8 25 25
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 10 10
6 T7 07 07
0 8: 8: 00 00 1 0: 0: 00 00
K 7 6 22 22
WED
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 6: 6: 30 30
AW211 06:00 0 0 08:50 50
THUR
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
THUR
1 6: 6: 50 50 1 9: 9: 50 50
K 7 6 23 23
1 6: 6: 50 50 1 9: 9: 50 50
FRI
AW202 09:35 3 5 12:25 25
FRI
W 9 2 52 1 2: 2: 05 05 1 5: 5: 00 00
SAT
K 7 6 23 23
1 6: 6: 50 50 1 9: 9: 50 50
W 9 2 56 1 4: 4: 15 15 1 7: 7: 10 10 W 9 2 56 0 9: 9: 45 45 1 2: 2: 40 40 K 7 6 23 23
1 6: 6: 50 50 1 9: 9: 50 50
YANGON TO HEHO K 7 8 24 24
1 2: 2: 00 00 1 3: 3: 15 15
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
AW761 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
Y H 9 10 10
0 9: 9: 25 25 1 0: 0: 50 50
Y H 7 27 27
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 25 25
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
Y H 9 17 17
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
6 T 5 01 01
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
Y H 8 12 12
1 3: 3: 25 25 1 4: 4: 50 50
YJ 8 91 91
0 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
K 7 8 26 26
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 4: 4: 45 45
6 T 8 02 02
1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 50 50
K 7 2 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
6 T 8 01 01
0 8: 8: 00 00 1 0: 0: 20 20
SAT
K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
6 T7 07 07
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
SAT
AW301 07:00 0 0 09:05 05
W 9 33 33 3 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
SUN
K 7 3 19 19
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
6 T7 07 07
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
Y H 9 18 18
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
AW301 12:45 4 5 14:50 50
YJ 8 92 92
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
6 T 4 02 02
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
K 7 2 23 23
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
K 7 8 27 27
1 7: 7: 30 30 1 8: 8: 45 45
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
MYEIK TO YANGON
MON
K 7 3 20 20
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
6 T7 08 08
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
W 9 33 33 4 1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 55 55
TUE
K 7 3 20 20
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
6 T7 08 08
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
AW302 17:15 1 5 19:20 20
Y H 9 18 18
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
YJ 8 92 92
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
6 T 4 02 02
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
K 7 2 23 23
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
K 7 8 25 25
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 10 10
WED
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
K 7 3 20 20
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
6 T7 08 08
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
W 9 33 33 4 1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 55 55
THUR
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
6 T7 08 08
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
FRI
K 7 3 20 20
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
6 T7 08 08
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
SAT
K 7 3 20 20
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
YJ 8 92 92
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
6 T 4 02 02
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
K 7 8 27 27
1 1: 1: 35 35 1 2: 2: 50 50
6 T7 08 08
1 2: 2: 25 25 1 4: 4: 25 25
SUN
Domestic
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
W 9 1 15 1 1: 1: 00 00 1 2: 2: 10 10
W9 = Air Bagan
K 7 2 23 23
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
6 T 4 01 01
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
AW761 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
AW = Asian Wings
Y H 7 30 30
1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 45 45
Y H 9 17 17
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
6 T 5 01 01
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
K 7 2 27 27
1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 15 15
YJ 8 91 91
0 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
Y H 7 31 31
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 25 25
YJ 7 61 61
1 1: 1: 00 1 2: 2: 10
K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways
Domestic Airlines
Air KBZ (K7)
AW302 17:15 1 5 19:20 20
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 25 25
The Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC), the marketing arm o Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board, aims to market and promote Myanmar as a destination to deelop the Myanmar tourism industry. For more inormation and reerence please contact Khine Wai Thwe or isit our website www.myanmar-tourism.com www.myanmar-tourism.com or contact MMC Ofce at Traders Hotel, Leel 3, Business Center, #22 3 Sule Pagoda Road, G.P.O Box 888, Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar. Tel: +951 242 828 Fax: +951 242 800 Email:
[email protected]
W 9 33 33 4 1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 55 55
K 7 2 23 23
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
New appointment MMC is pleased to announce the appointment o Honey @
Te Ei Nway Nway as its its new new publi publicc relations ocer. She will be responsible or supporting the Public Relations Committee to promote Myanmar as a travel destination, and the Fundraising Committee to carry out various undraising activities. Honey has been working in the hospitality industry or fve years, most recently as sales manager at Hotel Amara in Nay Pyi aw .
166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.
1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 10 10
All Asia Exclusive relocates All Asia Exclusive ravels ravels and our our has changed location to 232 Gant Gaw Myaing Lane (2), Tuwunna , Yangon. Yangon. Te new oce can be reached by telephone on 01-569-658. 01571-393 and 09-730-13182.
Yangon Airways(YH)
1 5: 5: 55 55 1 7: 7: 55 55
AW762 762 16:35 16:35 18:4 18:40 0
MMC meeting Te Myanmar Marketing Marketing Committee held its 10th annual general meeting at Chatrium Hotel on July 14. Members voted or Executive Committee members or 2012-2013. Among those elected were U Phyoe Wai Yarzar as chairman and U Myint un Oo as vice chairman.
146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488 (Head Ofce) 720309, 652753, 652754 (Airport Ofce), Fax: 525 937
6 T7 08 08
6T = Air Mandalay
Tourism Myanmar Update
Air Mandalay (6T)
K 7 3 20 20
W 9 1 50 1 6: 6: 20 20 1 7: 7: 45 45
saturation. We began our recent voyage at the suburban outpost of Yeading, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of London. The London Ring, as the route we were going to follow is known, covers 70 kilometres (44 miles) along the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the Regent’s Canal, Limehouse Basin and a short stretch of the Thames. Luckily, I’d just finished stocking the boat’s galley and was standing on deck when we sailed over our first point of interest, the North Circular Aqueduct, where boats float high above a sea of red brake lights flashing on the interstate below. From that point, the excitement built as we continued to drive our version of Willy Wonka’s boat through the chocolatecoloured waterway, where empty cans of Red Bull bobbed like metal marshmallows and the smell of Indian curry wafted through the air. Once we hit the fringe of
56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
AW752 17:15 1 5 18:25 25 0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
Few London sightseeing experien in a narrow boat.
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30 Y H 9 18 18
THIRTY kilometres, 12 locks and two pints into our boat trip through central London, we needed a cosy place to moor for the night. We were motoring through the murky waters of Limehouse Cut, a small section of the vast canal network that striates the city, a metropolitan wasteland stretching before us. Foreboding brick warehouses, barbed-wire fences and graffiti murals lined the banks of the canal. The runners and bikers who had populated the bustling towpath throughout our weekend voyage had disappeared, and the landscape had taken a grittier turn. “Are you sure we’re going the right way?” I asked my husband, Brian, who was at the helm of our 18-metre (58foot) narrow boat, Carli. “No,” he said, shooing away the map I was waving in his face. We’d decided to venture into territory that was slightly off the map we’d been given at the marina, but we expected to reconnect with familiar waters at any minute. Slightly worried, I scanned the badlands, pockmarked with decommissionedsmokestacks and abandoned buildings, for familiar landmarks: a bridge marker, a signpost, a spraypainted clue as to where we were headed. Nothing. Then, from among the wreckage, a roller coaster appeared. Well, at first it llooked ooked li like ke s omething plucked straight off the New Jersey boardwalk. But as we rounded the bend, we recognised the towering red jumble of metal, with a space-age observation deck held tight in its grip, as
the controversial centrepiece of London’s Olympic park: Orbit Tower. After Orbit, the sparkling tiara points of the Olympic Stadium came into view, and the rush of discovery invigorated my inner sailor. Over three days of urban canal cruising, my family and I were experiencing something intoxicating: liquid London, an underworld of waterways, tunnels and locks coursing through some of the city’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, from the quaint boathouses of Little Veni ce to US$5 0 mill ion mansions in Regent’s Park, through the hipster haven of Shoreditch and on to the Olympic zone in un-selfconsciously cool Hackney Wick. Few London sightseeing experiences are as unspoiled by crowds and commercialism as a ride in your own rented narrow boat. From the canals, you can hardly see any of the city’s iconic sights, such as Big Ben. Yes, you could could arrang arrangee for a pilot to navigate the River Thames for a drive-by of London’s main attractions. But we enjoyed hiding away from the typical chaos associated with Big Bus Tours and delving deeper into London’s core. The long, skinny boat we rented was the perfect vessel for navigating centuries-old locks still operated by hand, allowing us to disembark at weekend markets, canalside pubs and lush parks. My husband and I, with our five- and one-year-old daughters, had taken narrow boat trips through the British countryside before for a freshair-infused escape from the city. This time, however, we decided to splash down in the centre of London for a weekend of urban
AW302 11:30 3 0 13:35 35 K 7 3 20 20
AW911 08:55 5 5 11:05 05 W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
By Jamie Rich
AW301 12:45 4 5 14:50 50
FRI
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55 W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 6: 6: 30 30
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
TUE
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 35 35
6 T 4 01 01
K 7 2 22 22
0 9: 9: 55 55 1 1: 1: 20 20
1 1: 1: 30 30 1 3: 3: 30 30
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 40 40
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
6 T6 08 08
W 9 31 31 0 1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 45 45
6 T7 07 07
AW901 06:3 06:30 0 07:50 50
K 7 6 23 23
MON
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
W 9 2 56 0 9: 9: 45 45 1 2: 2: 40 40
TUE
1 5: 5: 30 30 1 6: 6: 50 50
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
AW891 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35
K 7 4 26 26
SITTWE TO YANGON
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
6 T 4 02 02
W 9 2 56 1 4: 4: 15 15 1 7: 7: 10 10
MON
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
6 T 4 02 02
AW892 892 08:35 08:35 10:3 10:30 0
FRI
6 T6 11 11
W 9 30 30 9 1 3: 3: 00 00 1 4: 4: 45 45
K 7 3 19 19
AW902 902 08:35 08:35 10:0 10:00 0
W 9 2 51 1 3: 3: 35 35 1 5: 5: 00 00
SUN
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
K 7 6 23 23
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 10 10
W 9 1 09 1 6: 6: 35 35 1 8: 8: 10 10
W 9 30 30 9 1 3: 3: 00 00 1 4: 4: 45 45
YJ 8 92 92
W 9 2 52 1 2: 2: 05 05 1 5: 5: 00 00
0 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
AW201 06:30 3 0 09:20 20
TUE
SUN
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 20 20
6 T6 11 11
W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 9: 9: 25 25
W 9 2 56 0 9: 9: 45 45 1 2: 2: 40 40
AW781 15:0 15:00 0 17:10 10
AW762 762 16:35 16:35 18:0 18:00 0 K 7 6 23 23
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
TUE
MYITKYINA TO YANGON
THUR
K 7 4 26 26
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
MON
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
W 9 2 62 1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 15 15
SAT
Y H 9 18 18
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
1 6: 00 00 1 7: 25
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
K 7 6 22 22
YJ 2 02 02
6 T6 07 07
W 9 30 30 9 1 3: 3: 00 00 1 4: 4: 45 45
W 9 2 55 1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 55 55
W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 9: 9: 25 25
Y H 6 34 34
FRI
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
WED
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 6: 6: 30 30
0 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 10 10
6 T6 11 11
W 9 30 30 9 1 2: 2: 00 00 1 3: 3: 25 25
K 7 6 22 22
YJ 8 91 91
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
THRU
W 9 2 55 1 1: 1: 00 00 1 3: 3: 55 55
SUN
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
1 3: 3: 30 30 1 6: 6: 30 30
K 7 2 22 22
Y H 9 17 17
6 T6 11 11
W 9 30 30 9 1 3: 3: 00 00 1 4: 4: 45 45
K 7 6 22 22
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 05 05
6 T 4 01 01
AW792 16:55 5 5 19:10 10
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
Y H 9 17 17
AW891 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 1: 1: 00 00
YJ 8 92 92
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 50 50
AW901 06:1 06:15 5 07:35 35 AW751 751 11:00 11:00 12:2 12:25 5
K 7 2 23 23
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
6 T 4 01 01
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 35 35
AW211 211 11:00 11:00 12:2 12:25 5
0 9: 9: 45 45 1 0: 0: 55 55
K 7 8 25 25
W 9 2 51 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 9: 9: 25 25
SAT
6 T 4 02 02
1 8: 8: 25 25 1 9: 9: 45 45
W 9 2 51 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 9: 9: 25 25
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 15 15 6 T 8 01 01
W 9 00 00 9 0 9: 9: 20 20 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
TUE
THUR
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
W 9 2 55 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 9: 9: 25 25
YANGON TO NYAUNG U
MON
HEHO TO YANGON
MON
YANGON TO MYITKYINA
WED
1 5: 5: 30 30 1 6: 6: 55 55
Y H 9 18 18
MON
0 7: 7: 30 30 0 8: 8: 55 55
W 9 31 31 0 1 3: 3: 40 40 1 5: 5: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 10 10
AW212 16:0 16:00 0 17:25 25
AW891 891 16:15 16:15 08:2 08:20 0 Y H 9 09 09
K 7 2 23 23
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
Y H 7 31 31
0 8: 8: 45 45 1 0: 0: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 10 10
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
6 T 5 01 01
6 T 4 04 04
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
WED
W 9 11 11 5 1 1: 1: 00 00 1 2: 2: 10 10
0 9: 9: 35 35 1 0: 0: 45 45
K 7 6 23 23
0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 00 00
W 9 10 10 9 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 25 25
0 9: 9: 20 1 0: 0:3 0
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
Y H 7 29 29
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 45 45
YJ 8 92 92
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
SAT
6 T6 11 11
AWSPL SPL 07:30 3 0 08:40 40
Y H 9 18 18
1 0: 0: 45 45 1 2: 2: 50 50
6 T 8 01 01
1 1: 1: 00 1 2: 2:1 0
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 15 15
0 8: 8: 55 55 1 1: 1: 00 00
AW911 911 06:30 06:30 07:5 07:50 0
YJ 7 61 61 K 7 8 26 26
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
K 7 8 27 27
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 25 25
Y H 7 32 32
AW602 16:4 16:40 0 18:05 05
0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 55 55
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
Y H 7 31 31
6 T 5 02 02
K 7 2 23 23
Y H 9 09 09
SUN
6 T 5 01 01
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 45 45
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 8: 8: 20 20
W 9 10 10 9 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 25 25
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 7: 7: 10 10
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 15 15
W 9 00 00 9 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
W 9 1 09 1 7: 7: 20 20 1 8: 8: 10 10
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
1 1: 1: 15 15 1 2: 2: 40 40
W 9 30 30 9 1 2: 2: 00 00 1 3: 3: 25 25
AW751 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
W 9 0 09 0 7: 7: 50 50 1 0: 0: 30 30
Y H 7 31 31
1 4: 4: 00 00 1 5: 5: 25 25
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 45 45
1 8: 8: 35 35 2 0: 0: 05 05
K 7 6 22 22
K 7 6 22 22
1 5: 5: 00 1 6: 6:2 5
K 7 6 23 23
1 7: 7: 25 25 1 8: 8: 50 50
W 9 2 71 0 6: 6: 00 00 0 7: 7: 25 25
YJ 6 01 01 K 7 8 26 26
AW751 10:30 3 0 11:40 40
1 6: 10 1 7: 7: 35
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 7: 7: 10 10
1 1: 1: 00 1 2: 2:1 0
W 9 00 00 9 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
YJ 6 02 02
Y H 7 31 31
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
YJ 7 51 51
1 7: 7: 55 55 1 9: 9: 15 15
6 T 8 02 02
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
SAT
6 T 5 01 01
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
AW892 08:3 08:35 5 10:30 30
TUE
W 9 10 10 9 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 40 40
Y H 7 32 32
0 7: 7: 00 00 0 8: 8: 25 25
SUN
1 2: 2: 00 00 1 3: 3: 15 15
6 T 5 02 02
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
0 6: 6: 30 30 0 8: 8: 50 50
1 1: 1: 00 1 2: 2:1 0
19:15 15
6 T 8 01 01
Y H 9 17 17
YJ 2 01 01 K 7 8 24 24
1 7: 7: 45 45 1 9: 9: 10 10
K 7 2 26 26
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 25 25
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 25 25
Y H 7 28 28
W 9 2 62 1 0: 0: 50 50 1 2: 2: 15 15
W 9 2 51 0 6: 6: 30 30 0 7: 7: 55 55
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 6: 6: 10 10
Y H 7 31 31
6 T6 11 11
W 9 30 30 9 1 3: 3: 00 00 1 4: 4: 45 45
AW211 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
0 8: 8: 40 40 1 1: 1: 45 45
Y H 7 31 31
W 9 1 09 1 6: 6: 35 35 1 8: 8: 10 10
AW201 201 11:00 11:00 12:5 12:55 5
WED
6 T 5 01 01
W 9 00 00 9 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
1 8: 8: 05 05 1 9: 9: 25 25
6 T 8 02 02
W9 7752 17:5 17:50 0
0 6: 6: 15 15 0 7: 7: 55 55
AW901 901 06:30 06:30 08:3 08:35 5
0 8: 8: 50 50 1 0: 0: 45 45
YJ 7 52 52
AW212 16:3 16:30 0 17:55 55
1 5: 5: 00 00 1 7: 7: 10 10
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
Y H 9 18 18
MON
W 9 10 10 9 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 5: 5: 25 25
0 8: 8: 40 40 1 1: 1: 45 45
AW762 17:20 2 0 18:40 40
W 9 2 51 1 3: 3: 35 35 1 5: 5: 00 00
AW791 791 14:30 14:30 16:2 16:25 5 Y H 7 31 31
TUE
AW892 08:3 08:35 5 10:30 30
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
W 9 0 09 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 8: 8: 20 20
TUE
K 7 2 22 22
W 9 11 11 6 1 6: 6: 45 45 1 7: 7: 55 55
YANGON TO SITTWE
AW201 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
0 6: 6: 15 0 7: 7: 35
NYAUNG U TO YANGON
AW752 16:45 4 5 17:55 55
AW761 11:00 0 0 12:10 10
AW891 891 06:15 06:15 08:2 08:20 0
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 6: 6: 15 15
MON
W 9 1 43 0 6: 6: 00 00 0 7: 7: 20 20
Exploring Londo
AW892 09:20 2 0 10:30 30
6 T 8 02 02
AW892 08:3 08:35 5 10:30 30
FRI
1 2: 2: 00 00 1 3: 3: 15 15
W 9 0 21 1 4: 4: 10 10 1 5: 5: 10 10
YJ 8 91 91
W 9 2 61 1 3: 3: 30 30 1 4: 4: 55 55
SUN
Y H9 18 18
K 7 2 23 23
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 15 15
Y H 7 37 37
SAT
W 9 00 00 9 0 6: 6: 15 15 0 9: 9: 05 05
AW891 06:15 1 5 07:35 35
AW751 751 11:00 11:00 12:1 12:10 0
FRI
0 6: 6: 15 15 0 8: 8: 30 30
W 9 1 09 1 6: 6: 35 35 1 8: 8: 10 10
6 T 8 01 01
THUR
K 7 8 24 24
6 T 4 03 03
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
AW911 911 06:30 06:30 07:5 07:50 0
AWSPL SPL 08:55 5 5 10:05 05
W 9 1 09 1 4: 4: 30 30 1 7: 7: 10 10
K 7 6 23 23
THUR
AW911 06:30 3 0 08:40 40
AW892 08:3 08:35 5 10:30 30
AW752 17:5 17:50 0 19:15 15
AW791 791 14:30 14:30 15:5 15:55 5 K 7 6 22 22
AW891 06:15 1 5 07:35 35
W 9 1 09 1 6: 6: 35 35 1 8: 8: 10 10
AW792 16:4 16:40 0 18:45 45
1 1: 1: 45 45 1 3: 3: 10 10
AW761 761 11:00 11:00 12:5 12:55 5 K 7 8 24 24
W 9 0 09 0 8: 8: 35 35 1 0: 0: 30 30
July 30 - August 5, 2012
Subject to change without notice
33-49,Corner o Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport) Fax: 372983
Asian Wings (AW) No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar. Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-73135991~3.Fax: 951 532333
Advertising HOTLINE
392676 392928
43
n by narrow boat
ces are as unspoiled by crowds and commercialism commercialism as a ride Pic: The Washington Post/Jamie Rich
London at Kensal Green Cemetery, Freddie Mercury’s final resting place, the scenery sweetened. Peaceful straightaways hedged by leafy vegetation gave way to bursts of culture. Sleek modern buildings clashed with old-world masonry, and clusters of colourful boats crowded the water’s edge. Three hours after shoving off, we found ourselves giddy as we approached romantic Little Venice. Venice. “Is that a spot?” Brian said, motoring past the only mooring left in the quaint pocket of waterfront restaurants. Five minutes later, we were leaving Little Ven ice . But not bef ore I could snap some pictures of the adorable houseboats, flower boxes and bridges that give the neighbourhood its name. “We’ll hit it on the way back,” we agreed. Rather than sleep beneath the weeping willows in the Veneti Venetian-i an-inspi nspired red setting setting,, we tied up at Paddington Basin, tucked between gleaming towers of glass and steel just outside Paddington Central, a multiuse work-live-play complex. Considering our laid-back accommodations, I opted for my Adidas, a lamb burger and a glass of Malbec at Smith’s Bar & Grill, a oneminute walk from where our boat was moored. Two long, low boats parked in front of Smith’s showcased the traditional, austere narrow boat aesthetic, which hasn’t changed much since the early days of canal commerce. Narrow boats first emerged in the 18 th century as the primary method of transporting goods such as coal and flour throughout
Britain. They were designed with a narrow hull to squeeze through 2-metre-wide locks, which control the elevation and slope of the canals. Today, these lanky leisure barges mostly carry a cargo of boating enthusiasts and rule more than 3565 kilometres (2200 miles) of British waterways through such historic areas as Stratfordupon-Avon, Dover and London. One of the best scenes for narrow-boat watching in London is Hampstead Road Lock in Camden Town, which was the first of 13 locks we hit on day two of our canal camping trip. Camden Town has a decidedly punk vibe; every third bloke sports a mohawk, and neon-flashing tattoo and piercing parlours line the main drag. The Hampstead Road Lock sits amid a throng of ethnic food stalls, with open grills filling the air with the smell of barbecued meat and Asian spices. Crowds of onlookers gather around the lock, watching the boats rise and fall in the wooden hold and shouting words of encouragement to the crews, who sometimes struggle to open the heavy gates and exit the lock smoothly. All it tak es to dri ve a narrow boat is desire – that and an hour of practice before setting off. There will be bumps along the way, but the pace is slow and the dangers are few. On this trip, Brian opened the gates of a lock while I drove the boat in and out of the hold. Ab ou t an ho ur do wn the Regent’s Canal from Camden, the Islington tunnel makes for a spooky 10-minute stretch of total darkness. Just before arriving at the
960-metre black hole, we’d picked up three local friends and their three kids at the London Canal Museum for a joy ride and lunch. lunch. I usually love the eeriness of long tunnels, but between the kids shouting with excitement and a couple of run-ins with the wall, we were all ready for a pint of British ale when the sunlight finally hit our faces. Relaxing on the balcony of the Narrow Boat, a waterfront gastropub overlooking the canal, we indulged in a proper pub lunch of fishcakes and sausages. People, dogs, bicycles and boats moved jauntily along this trendy stretch of water, vibrant with graffiti art, modern architecture and Old World charm. Pubs and cafes all along the London Ring invite boaters to moor up and stay a while. From Little Venice’s Summerhouse to Camden and Broadway Markets to the Olympic zone’s Hackney Pearl, some of London’s most festive summer watering holes and eateries line the canals. Back at the Narrow Boat pub, we set our sights on conquering the next seven locks leading to Limehouse Basin while we still had willing friends and happy children. On the way out, we shared a laugh over a sign perched on the bar, offering plastic “go cups” for those finishing their drink on the canal. I thought I’d better not, so I chugged the remaining halfpint of pale ale in my glass and headed aboard Carli. We dropped off our friends a few locks later, at Mile End Road, and continued south to Limehouse Basin, a massive ju nc ti on wh er e na rr ow boaters have the option of picking up a pilot and connecting to the Thames, returning the way they came or heading farther east on a new canal. When we arrived at Limehouse, the air had chilled and a misty rain was falling. We didn’t know exactly what was ahead, but we agreed to stay on the canals. As our boat idled in the congested marina, Brian worked out a new course that would take us slightly off the map and eventually bring us back to our original track near Islington or Shoreditch. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked, putting the boat in gear. “Absolutely,” I said. “What do we have to lose?” – The Washington Post
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES DAyS Flight
33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9) 56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102
Air China (CA) Building (2), corner o Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon, 8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 666112, 655882.
Air India 75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175
Bangkok Airways (PG)
Silk Air(MI)
#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119
339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290
Malaysia Airlines (MH)
Thai Airways (TG)
335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124
Myanmar Airways International(8M) 08-02, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305
Dep Arr
YANGON TO BANGKOK
MON 8M 33 335
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
8M 33 331
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
TUE
FD 37 377 1
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 304
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
Dep Arr 07:55 12:25
8M 233
13:20 17:50
M I 511
1 0:10 1 4:4 5
M I 517
1 6:40 2 1:1 5
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0 10 :5 5 12 :5 0
SAT
1 9:15 2 0:00
FD 37 3772
16:50 17:35
8M 33 332
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
M H 7 41
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
AK 851
00:15 12:15
8M 50 501
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
18:50 20:20
M I 51 2
0 7:55 0 9:20
M I 51 8
1 4:20 1 5:45
3K 58 585
09:10 10:40 09:10 10:40
1 9:15 2 0:00
M I 52 0
1 5:20 1 6:40
FD 37 37 70
0 7:10 0 7:55
SAT MI 512
0 7:55 0 9:20
0 9:00 1 3:0 0
TG 305
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
M I 51 8
1 4:20 1 5:45
M H 7 41
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
TG 303
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
3K 58 585
09:10 10:40
AK 851
00:15 12:15
PG 70 1
0 9:15 1 0:05
8M 6231
09:10 10:40
15:00 15:50
8M 23 232
1 3:25 1 4:55
TUE
PG 702
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
WED 8M 50 501
0 9:00 1 3:0 0 1 2:15 1 6:3 0
8M 33 336
1 0:40 1 1:25
15:20 16:40
16:40 18:35
M H 7 41
MI 520
PG 704
AK 851
00:15 12:15
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
SUN MI 512
0 7:55 0 9:20
16:50 17:35
1 4:20 1 5:45
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
FD 37 3772
M I 51 8
THU MH 741
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
8M 23 232
1 3:25 1 4:55
WED FD 37 37 70
0 7:10 0 7:55
18:05 19:55 07 :3 5 09 :2 0
8M 33 331
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
FD 37 377 1
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 304
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
PG 702
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
PG 704
16:40 18:35
FD 37 3773
18:05 19:55
FRI
SAT
AK 851
00:15 12:15
8M 50 501
0 9:00 1 3:0 0
M H 7 41
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
TG 305
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
AK 851
00:15 12:15
TG 303
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
8M 50 501
0 9:00 1 3:0 0
M H 7 41
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
AK 851
00:15 12:15
SUN MH 741
1 2:15 1 6:3 0
AK 851
00:15 12:15
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
FD 37 377 1
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 304
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
WED CZ 30 30 56
1 1:20 1 5:5 0
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
THUR 8M 711
08:40 13:15
PG 702
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
PG 704
16:40 18:35
FD 37 3773
18:05 19:55
YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU
CZ 30 30 56
1 1:20 1 5:5 0
SUN 8M 711
08:40 13:15
SAT
8M 33 335
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
8M 33 331
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
MON CI 7916
1 1:10 0 4:35
CI 7 916
1 1:10 0 4:35
TUE
FD 37 377 1
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 304
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
WED CI 7916
1 1:10 0 4:35
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
FRI
CI 7 916
1 1:10 0 4:35
PG 702
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
PG 704
16:40 18:35
FD 37 3773
18:05 19:55
8M 33 335
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
8M 33 331
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
FD 37 377 1
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 304
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
TG 306
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
PG 702
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
PG 704
16:40 18:35
FD 37 3773
18:05 19:55
SUN 8M 33 335
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
8M 33 331
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
TUE
M U 20 2032
1 4:15 1 7:35 0 9:40 1 2:50
YANGON TO KOLKATA
THUR W9 9607
1 4:35 1 6:05
SUN W9 9607
1 4:35 1 6:05
YANGON TO HANOI
MON VN 95 956
1 9:10 2 1:30
VN 95 956
1 9:10 2 1:30
WED VN 95 956
1 9:10 2 1:30
WED 8M 23 231
07:55 12:25
07:55 12:25 11:30 16:05
3K 58 586
11:30 16:05
MI 511
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
MI 517
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
0 7:15 1 0:10
8M 33 336
1 0:40 1 1:25
CI 7915
0 7:15 1 0:10
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
FRI
KUNMING TO YANGON
FD 37 3772
16:50 17:35
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
MON MU 20 203 1
0 7:10 0 7:55
TUE
TG 305
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
TG 303
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
PG 70 1
0 9:15 1 0:05
PG 703
15:00 15:50
8M 33 336
1 0:40 1 1:25
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
FD 37 3772
16:50 17:35
8M 33 332
1 9:15 2 0:00
CA 90 5 M U 20 203 1
WED CA 905 M U 20 203 1
THUR CA 905 M U 20 203 1
SAT CA 905 M U 20 203 1
SUN CA 905
SINGAPORE TO YANGON
M U 20 203 1
0 7:55 0 9:20
0 8:40 0 9:00 1 2:40 1 3:15 0 8:40 0 9:00 1 2:40 1 3:15 0 8:40 0 9:00 1 2:40 1 3:15 0 8:40 0 9:00 1 2:40 1 3:15 0 8:40 0 9:00 1 2:40 1 3:15 0 8:40 0 9:00
KOLKATA TO YANGON
1 4:20 1 5:45 09:10 10:40
8M 6231
09:10 10:40
8M 23 232
1 3:25 1 4:55
M I 51 2
0 7:55 0 9:20
THUR W9 9608
1 7:20 1 7:50
1 4:25 1 7:10
M I 51 8
1 4:20 1 5:45
SUN W9 9608
1 7:20 1 7:50
1 4:35 1 6:05
8M 23 232
1 3:25 1 4:55
THUR VN 94 942
1 4:25 1 7:10 1 4:35 1 6:05
YANGON TO PHNOM PENH
WED 8M 40 401
1 5:15 1 7:40
8M 40 401
1 5:15 1 7:40
YANGON TO GAYA
MON A1 23 4
WED CI 7915
3K 58 585
1 4:25 1 7:10
W 9 9607
15:00 15:50
M I 51 8
VN 94 942
SUN VN 94 942
0 9:15 1 0:05
PG 703
MON MI 512
YANGON TO HO CHI MINH
W 9 9607
PG 70 1
TUE
SUN FD 37 37 70
YANGON TO CHIANG MAI
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
8M 6232
TAIPEITOYANGON
0 7:15 1 0:10
0 9:40 1 2:50
MI 517
8M 23 231
0 8:40 1 0:30
0 7:15 1 0:10
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
18:10 19:20
CI 7915
13:20 17:50
MI 517
AK 850
GUANGZHOU TO YANGON
MON CI 7915
MI 511
Vietnam Airlines (VN)
1 0:05 1 1:15
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
07:55 12:25
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
18:10 19:20
SUN MH 740
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
8M 23 233
MI 511
1 4:00 1 5:00
AK 850
TG 303
8M 23 231
11:30 16:05
8M 50 502
TG 305
1 9:10 2 1:30
3K 58 586
1 0:05 1 1:15
0 9:40 1 2:50
1 9:10 2 1:30
11:30 16:05
18:10 19:20
SAT MH 740
1 4:15 1 7:35
VN 95 956
8M 6232
0 9:15 1 0:05
1 4:00 1 5:00
AK 850
M U 20 2032
VN 95 956
07:55 12:25
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
PG 70 1
1 0:05 1 1:15
CA 906
FRI
8M 23 231
TG 303
M H 740 8M 50 502
14:15 15:50
SAT
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
1 9:15 2 0:00
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
MI 517
TG 305
0 7:10 0 7:55
MI 517
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
0 7:10 0 7:55
8M 33 332
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
MI 511
FD 37 37 70
FRI
SUN 8M 712
SUN CA 906
SAT
16:50 17:35 1 9:15 2 0:00
SAT FD 37 37 70
MI 511
13:20 17:50
FD 37 3772 8M 33 332
0 9:40 1 2:50
18:05 19:55
07:55 12:25
1 9:15 2 0:00
1 4:15 1 7:35
FD 37 3773
8M 23 233
8M 33 332
14:15 15:50
16:40 18:35
THUR 8M 23 231
15:00 15:50 1 0:40 1 1:25
18:10 19:20
0 8:40 1 0:30
PG 704
16 :4 0 21 :1 5
PG 703 8M 33 336
10:05 11:15
AK 850
SAT CZ 30 3055
10 :5 5 12 :5 0
10 :1 0 14 :4 5
0 9:15 1 0:05
18:10 19:20
THU MH 740
16:50 17:35
PG 702
MI 517
PG 70 1
1 4:00 1 5:00
AK 850
FD 37 3772
1 5:50 1 6:45
MI 511
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
8M 50 502
1 4:15 1 7:35
A1 22 8
11:30 16:05
TG 303
18:10 19:20 1 0:05 1 1:15
THUR 8M 712
FRI
3K 58 586
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
AK 850
WED MH 740
WED CZ 30 3055
07 :4 5 09 :4 0
11:30 16:05
0 7:10 0 7:55
TG 305
1 4:00 1 5:00
1 9:15 2 0:00
TG 306
8M 6232
1 9:15 2 0:00
10:05 11:15
8M 50 502
8M 33 332
M U 20 2032
TUE
8M 33 332
MH 740
0 9:40 1 2:50
M U 20 2032
TUE
16:50 17:35
18:10 19:20
TUE
M U 20 2032
1 5:50 1 6:45
11:30 16:05
1 9:15 2 0:00
FD 37 3772
1 4:00 1 5:00
AK 850
15:00 15:50
MON A1 228
11:30 16:05
8M 33 332
1 0:05 1 1:15
8M 50 502
1 0:40 1 1:25
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
3K 58 586
1 0:40 1 1:25
KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON
MON MH 740
PG 703
09 :5 0 11 :4 5
8M 6232
8M 33 336
18:50 20:20
8M 33 336
TG 304
07:55 12:25
15:00 15:50
1 5:20 1 6:40
8M 234
1 4:15 1 7:35
THUR CA 906
YANGON TO SINGAPORE
0 9:15 1 0:05
M I 52 0
CA 906
WED CA 906
SAT
0 9:40 1 2:50
FD 37 377 1
MON 8M 23 231
FRI
YANGON TO KUNMING
MON MU 20 2032
PG 70 1 PG 703
THUR FD 37 37 70
YANGON TO TAIPEI
SAT
15:20 16:40
8M 234
1 3:25 1 4:55
8M 33 331
FRI
MI 520
8M 6231
07 :3 5 09 :2 0
TUE
1 4:20 1 5:45 1 3:25 1 4:55
8M 23 232
THUR 8M 33 335
SAT
FRI
M I 51 8 8M 23 232
PG 703
WED 8M 33 335
FRI
0 9:15 1 0:05
8M 33 332
8M 33 335
TG 304
07:55 07:55 08:50 08:50
PG 70 1
15:00 15:50
YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR
TUE
TG 303
1 0:40 1 1:25
0 9:00 1 3:0 0
Dep Arr 0 7:55 0 9:20
0 7:10 0 7:55
PG 703
MON 8M 50 501
DAyS Flight THUR MI 512
17:55 17:55 18:45 18:45
8M 33 336
18:05 19:55
08 :3 0 10 :1 5
TG 305
08:50 11:25
16:40 18:35
FD 37 377 1
MON FD 37 37 70
8M 401
FD 37 3773
16 :3 0 18 :1 5
Dep Arr
BANGKOK TO YANGON
08:50 11:25
PG 704
8M 33 331
DAyS Flight
YANGON TO SIEM REAP
PG 702
Room No. 1101, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255491~6 Fax : 255223 #1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 2550 66/ 255088/ 255068.
DAyS Flight SUN 8M 231
WED 8M 401
FD 37 3773
International Airlines Air Asia (FD)
tRavel
www.mmtimes.com/2012/ight/ight.pd
July 30 - August 5, 2012
1 3:30 1 4:15
TUE
MON A1 227
1 0:00 1 2:45
A1 22 7
1 0:00 1 2:45
FRI
CHIANG MAI TO YANGON
HANOI TO YANGON
8M 234
18:50 20:20
MON VN 95 95 7
1 6:35 1 8:10
WED MI 512
0 7:55 0 9:20
TUE
VN 95 95 7
1 6:35 1 8:10
M I 51 8
1 4:20 1 5:45
WED VN 95 95 7
1 6:35 1 8:10
3K 58 585
09:10 10:40
8M 6231
09:10 10:40
FRI
VN 95 95 7
1 6:35 1 8:10
8M 23 232
1 3:25 1 4:55
SAT VN 95 95 7
1 6:35 1 8:10
HO CHI MINH TO YANGON
International
VN 94 94 3
1 1:40 1 3:25
THUR VN 94 94 3
1 1:40 1 3:25
SUN VN 94 94 3
1 1:40 1 3:25
TUE
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star
Subject to change without notice
PHNOM PENH TO YANGON
402 WED 8M 40
1 8:40 2 0:05
8M 40 402
1 8:40 2 0:05
SAT
GAYA TO YANGON
MON A1 233
1 1:45 1 4:45
tea BReak
44
July 30 - August 5, 2012
the
MyanMar tiMes
Chardonnay shines bright as How much gold can you safely eat? Stony Hill marks 60 years By L V Anderson
By Elin McCoy
NEW YORK — When Peter McCrea’s parents paid US$7500 in 1943 for an old goat farm on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, Valley, California, it came with a house, a barn, a cottage and three chicken coops. The chardonnay vines arrived four years later. The rest, as they say, is history. Their Stony Hill Vineyard is one of California’s California’s oldest great wineries. At a 60th anniversary of the winery’s first vintage, held at New York’s Corkbuzz Wine Studio, a dozen chardonnay bottlings spanning four decades quash any lingering doubts about their quality and ageability. In contrast to the buttery, oaky, alcoholic style that has largely defined California chardonnay, Stony Hill’s wines are delicate and tightly wound, almost Chablis-like when young. That can fool you, because the wines gain weight and complexity with age. The 1973 (then labelled pinot chardonnay), is amazingly alive, pure, vibrant, stunning. Over the past 30 years, as other wineries kept cranking up an over-the-top chardonnay formula, Stony Hill’s modus operandi was all about saying no: no to new oak barrels, no to the latest technique, no to a fancy winery, no to an updated label. After all, why mess up a good thing? “Terroir and balance are what it’s really all about,” said McCrea, a former vice president of Chevron who, with his wife Willinda, took over after his mother’s death in 1991. As bottles chill on ice behind the bar, the bespectacled McCrea, his daughter Sarah and Mike Chelini, winemaker
Peter McCrea and daughter Sarah, proprietors of Napa Valley’s Stony Hill Vineyards, at a 60th anniversary tasting in New York. Pic: Bloomberg News/Elin McCoy
since 1973, settle on stools to reminisce. It’s hard to picture a more bucolic Napa Valley, with only 10 wineries and no Ferraris, as it was when Fred and Eleanor McCrea bought the 160-acre property as a weekend retreat. Only 200 acres of chardonnay existed in the entire state. The number now is nearly 100,000. Viticultural experts at the University of California at Davis warned that planting disease-prone chardonnay was risky, so Fred McCrea put in riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot blanc, too. But he kept 25 of the 40 acres of rocky volcanic soil, at elevations up to 364 metres (1200 feet), for chardonnay. “My dad was inspired by great white Burgundy,” McCrea recalled. The McCreas cut budwood from the Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley. Valley. The so-called Wente clone, imported from France in 1912, populated the state’s early vineyards. Stony Hill’s first vintage, 1952, sold via letters to friends for $23.40 a case, including
YOUR STARS By Astrologer Aung Myin Kyaw Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
You have a great capacity or dealing successully with any opposition you might encounter. Learn more about the basic resources available or the implementation o your plan, and share them with people who can help you ulfl y our sincere desires. Build your own perect garden, and make it cool and pleasant or a long-term stay. Make decisions that will help you fnd true love.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
A sense o dedication is a good quality to possess while building a strong social oundation. Dedication is also essential or the development o a system o social interrelation and interdependence while on the road to democracy. Engage in programs that are organised by young, bright people who are motivated to change the world. You will soon be asked to t ake on increased responsibility. Finding love is the surest way to reach paradise.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Now is the best time to develop a long-term lie strategy, and to build a oundation upon which you can launch into the rest o your lie. Learn the right way to stand up or yoursel and to stand up to your lover. Use your inherent skills and hard-won wisdom to orge a new path. Love will change you or the better.
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
Creating your own experience means making a statement to the world through your attitude and appearance, which will elicit the response you want rom other people. Conduct yoursel and control the way you act
delivery. Today, half of its annual production of 2500 cases of chardonnay ($40 a bottle) is still sold the same way. America’s chardonnay boom only started after the 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting, in which Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena beat out famous French white Burgundies. Vintners scrambled to plant. Now the most popular varietal in the United States, Chardonnay accounts for a quarter of all California wine sold. Over the years, styles have been a work in progress. The long disaster era of oaky, plumped-up, buttered popcorn-and vanilla-tasting chardonnay eventually drew a backlash. What followed were unoaked, “naked” chardonnays aged in stainless steel, many so boring they are indistinguishable from one another. Happily, in a recent redemptive turn, thoughtful producers have come back to the kind of balance Stony Hill had all along. As we sampled the wines,
Chelini ticksed off why they taste the way they do. Location counts, of course. “Ours is an unforgiving style,” he said. “You have to pick at the right time and have perfect grapes.” Unlike at most wineries he avoids malolactic fermentation, a winemaking step that softens acids, makes wines round at the expense of crispness, and imparts a fat, buttery character. At Corkbuzz, we tasted from youngest to oldest to see how the floral, stony character unfolded at 10 years with notes of earth, citrus and baked apple and at 20 to deeper flavors of nuts, caramel and orange. High points included the ripe 1999, with its tangy lemon custard and dusty earth flavour. Long, citrusy 1984 is perfect right now, while 1981, one of my favourites, has stunning complexity. The 1977, from a drought year, is burnished, mellow, rich. The fruit-lled 2007, the current
release ($40), already shows depth and minerality. Luckily, older vintages can be had both at auction and retail. At a May Bonhams sale in New York, lots of 12 vintages sold for $654 to $1785 ($43 to $150 a bottle). In comparison
rst cabernet, a lean, smoky
red with olive and cherry notes ($60) just debuted. And the vines are only ve years old. — Bloomberg News
May 21 - June 20
June 22 - July 22
Transer Transer your attention to personal interests, but never attempt to take away another person’s independence or your own gain. Don’t be araid to indulge yoursel, but at the same time be sure to behave according to society’s expectations. Taking an aggressive attitude in riendships will not do much to set you on the path to greatness. The love within you needs to be purifed at all times.
Leo
July 23 - Aug 22
Set goals that can endure the test o time. Love others as you would have them love you, and don’t neglect to share your good ortune with close riends. Enrich others as they beneft you, and the very best o both worlds will soon be realised. Never orget that giving is an investment in receiving. Emotional love will soon overwhelm you.
Virgo
Europeans have been adding gold leaf to food and liquor (like Danziger Goldwasser) since the Renaissance, and gold leaf can also be found adorning certain Japanese candies and South Asian pastries. Homeopaths have prescribed gold as a treatment for heart disease, arthritis, depression and other ailments for hundreds of years, but gold’s usefulness as a medicine has not been demonstrated. Edible gold leaf has no taste, texture, calories or expiration date. It can cost $120 to $160 per gram. A gram of edible gold would add a dash of glitter to 150 to 200 champagne flutes, or wrap about four Douche Burgers. — Slate
current cult cabernets, these seem amazingly modest. I asked McCrea how Stony Hill has resisted fashion for all these years. He chuckled. “It’s fabulous discipline to have a mailing list of a couple of thousand people who want you to keep making wine exactly the same way.” But the McCreas, and winemaker Chelini, aren’t totally stuck in the past. Their
It is time to get going and lead a lie ull o challenges, aspirations, excitement and happiness. In other words, start enjoying your short time on earth. Your orgiveness is not a mere eeling but an intellectual choice, which will help ree you rom an emotional prison. Help yoursel by allowing your heart to eel ree and to ocus on creating a new image by ollowing its own rules.
Cancer
gold — whether leaf, akes, or
dust — also contains a little bit of silver, which is also inert. Non-edible gold leaf, which is used for gilding, sometimes contains copper, which can be toxic in high doses. Consuming impure gold preparations such as colloidal gold or gold salts can lead to a change in skin pigmentation and other adverse health effects. Eating too much pure gold might give you a stomach ache, just like eating too much of anything else might, but it won’t have any more dire effects unless you’re among the minority of people who are allergic to gold.
leaf are also certied kosher.
to the inated prices of Napa’s
according to the responses and replies o those in your social circle. Learn more about how to engage with the world. When an old love drits away, it opens space or a new love to appear.
Gemini
NEW YORK — A New York City food truck is selling a US$666 hamburger dubbed the Douche Burger, which contains lobster, caviar, truffles and a beef patty wrapped in six sheets of gold leaf. How much gold leaf can you safely consume? Theoretically, you could eat your fill of 24-karat gold without falling ill. Pure gold is chemically inert and passes through the human digestive system without being absorbed into the body. Since 24-karat gold is very soft and fragile, most edible
The United States federal Drug Administration hasn’t evaluated edible gold leaf for safety, but the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substance s and Disease Registry doesn’t consider gold a toxic substance. Gold is an approved food additive in the European Union, and an independent European food-safety certification agency, TÜV Rheinland, has deemed 23-karat gold leaf safe for consumption. Gold and silver
Aug 23 - Sept 22
Forgiveness is not a git or the person who has hurt you, but rather a git to yoursel to help puriy your soul. You may not be responsible or the bad things that happen to you, but you are responsible or handling such situations in ways that will be benefcial. You can help create your own good luck by perorming good deeds as part o your daily routine. Let your heart roam reely.
The US$666 Douche Burger contains six sheets of gold leaf. Pic: Mackenzie Keegan
Libra
Sept 23 - Oct 22
Displeasure will disappear rom your lie and pleasure will be on the rise because the advantageous position o Saturn wil l enrich you with cosmic power. Treat Treat yoursel well and others will be motivated to treat you well too. Remember the principle o reciprocity, which also means adhering to the rules o social communication. Strong love will stay with you.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Take a chance by letting new people enter your lie without over-thinking about whether they will treat you with dignity and respect. It is not air to ask o others what you are not willing to do yoursel. Everyone in your lie is watching to see how you deal with your own shortcomings. Cosmic orces will soon come to your aid, and you will suddenly fnd that you can stand up or yoursel in ways you had never imagined.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
You have a lusty outlook on lie and an unailing expectation that you will always succeed in whatever you do. You have a high success actor in your avour, but with your rich tastes you will have to be more responsible in how to manage your gains. Build international communication slowly and through personal experience. Tap cosmic energy to ulfl emotional desires.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
Checking yoursel requently and maintaining balance are essential to ensuring that your lie is travelling in the right direction. Not wanting to let go o the past, and having a conservative attitude about not wanting to lose gains already made, might result in your missing a golden opportunity. Remain in touch with those close to you or risk losing someone in whom you have placed your trust and belie. Love is hot but nourishing like chicken soup. For a personal reading contact Aung Myin Kyaw, 4th Floor, 113 Thamain Bayan Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: 0973135632, Email:
[email protected]
FOOD LAND MANUFACTURING Co., Ltd, a FMCG company Offers Exciting Career Opportunities to Highly-Motivated and Forward-Looking Individuals (1) SALES MANAGER / SALES SUPERVISOR S Key Responsibilities
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• •
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• •
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• • •
SalesMan SalesManag agers ers :Posses :Possess6 s6 years yearssales sales mana manager gerial ial experience in a FMCG company. Sa le le s Su pe per v vii so so rs rs : 4 y ea ears s al al es es s up up er erv is isor y experience. Graduat Graduatesi esinBu nBusine sinessA ssAdmin dministr istratio ationor norEcon Economic omic.. Procien Procientin tinwritt writtena enands ndspoke pokenEn nEnglis glish. h.
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OrganizeBrandPlan BrandPlanbased basedon onBrand BrandStrategy Strategy&B &Budget udget tomeetBrandKPIs. Followupexec Followupexecutiono utionofSales fSales&Brand &BrandTeam Teamseffec seffectively tively and within approved budget. Strate Strategis gise e adver advertis tising ing, , prom promoti otion, on, sponso sponsorsh rship, ip, PR campaigns.
Qualication & Experience • • • •
Gooduni Goodunivers versityd itydegre egreein einBus Busines inessAd sAdmini ministra stration tion, , Marketing, Economics. Know Knowle ledg dge e of prof profes essi sion onal al adve advert rtis isin ing, g, medi media, a,.. sociology. Atleast5 Atleast5years yearsbrand brandmanageme managementex ntexperience perienceworking working in a FMCG environment. Procien Procientin tinwrit written tenand andspok spokenE enEngli nglish. sh.
(3) ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE
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BRAND
• • •
Develo Developeffe peffecti ctivePOS vePOSMfor Mfor outle outletmer tmercha chandi ndisin sing g to improvebrand&prod improvebrand&productvisibility. uctvisibility. Conc Concep eptu tual alis ise e trad trade e & cons consum umer er prom promot otio ions ns and and produce communication materials. Evalua Evaluateperf teperform ormanc ance e ofsponsor ofsponsorsh shipandprom ipandpromot otion ion activities.
Experience & Qualication • • •
Universitydegree degreeinBusiness inBusinessAdministration, Administration,Marketing Marketing, , Economics. Atleast Atleast 3yearsworki 3yearsworking ng experi experienc encein ein Marke Marketin tingor gor Media consultant agencies. Procien Procientin tinwrit written tenand andspok spokenE enEngli nglish. sh.
(4) CONFIDENTIAL MANAGER
SECRETARY
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Key Responsibilities • • • •
Prepareagendas,conduct agendas,conductresearch, research,compile compileinformation information and prepare reports. Serveasliaiso Serveasliaisonbetwe nbetweenGene enGeneralMan ralManager agerandother andother departments. Processva Processvariou riousadm sadminist inistrativ rativereco erecords, rds,organ organizes izesand and maintainsofceles. Maint Maintain ain alingsyst alingsystemfor emfor genera generalreco lrecords rds,repo ,reports rts, , complaints, correspondences.
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Good Good unive universi rsity ty degre degree e in Busine Business ss Admini Administr strati ation on, , Economics. Mini Minimu mum m 3 year years s simi simila lar r expe experi rien ence ce in a fore foreig ign n company. Highly Highly proci procienc ency y inMicroso inMicrosoftWord ftWord, , Excel, Excel, Access Access, , Outlook, and PowerPoint. Knowledg Knowledgeoftra eoftradeand deandinvest investment mentpolici policieswill eswillbean bean advantage. Procien Procientin tinwrit written tenand andspok spokenE enEngli nglish. sh.
(5) SALES ANALYST ANALYST Key Responsibilities • •
Prepares Preparesales alesrepor reports&tra ts&tracksal cksalestre estrendsfo ndsforGen rGeneral eral Manager Upda Update te & eval evalua uate te sale sales s volu volume me, , inve invent ntor ory y and and
(9) HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER / ASSISTANT Key Responsibilities • • •
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Good Good unive universi rsity ty degree degree in Busine Business ss Admini Administr strati ation, on, Economics. 3 yearsexpe yearsexperie rience nce ina salesanal salesanalyti ytica cal l role. role. Sales Sales operations experience is an advantage. Highly Highly proc procien iencyin cyin Micros Microsoft oft Word, Word, Excel, Excel, Access Access, , Outlook, and PowerPoint. Abilit Abilitytomee ytomeetdea tdeadli dline nesand sandtoconc toconcent entrat rateand eandpay pay attention to detail. Procien Procientin tinwritt writtena enands ndspoke pokenEn nEnglis glish. h.
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(6) CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
Higherd Higherdiplom iplomain ainHR HRMan Managem agement entore orequiv quivalen alent. t. 3yearsexpe 3yearsexperien rienceinare ceinareleva levantpos ntposition itioninamanu inamanufafacturing company. Must Mustbe becom compu puter terli liter terate ate.. Procien Procientin tinwrit written tenand andspok spokenE enEngli nglish. sh.
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• • • • • •
(11)
•
• • •
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• • •
• • • •
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• • • • (12)
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Co-or Co-ordin dinat ate e on manpo manpower wer plann planning ing and recru recruitm itmen ent t activities. Proces Process s month monthlypayr lypayroll oll and and ensure ensure all transa transacti ctions ons are processed accurately. Responsibleinmon Responsibleinmonthlyincom thlyincometaxco etaxcontributions ntributions,ensu,ensuring compliance to the law. Monitoran Monitorandupda dupdateatt teattenda endancere ncerecord cord,over ,overtime timeclaim claim and leave administration. Handle Handle suppo supportserv rtservice ices s includ including ing securi security, ty, transp transpor ort t management, cleaning services.
Experience & Qualications • • • • •
Knowledg KnowledgeofLab eofLabourLa ourLawandg wandgoodun ooduniver iversityde sitydegree gree in HR Management Atleast6years Atleast6yearsworking workingexperience experienceina inamanufa manufacturing cturing environ-ment. Excellen Excellentdi tdiscip sciplinar linaryan yandpe dperfor rforman mancet cetrack rackrec record ord.. Maintainhighleve Maintainhighlevelofcon lofcondentiality dentialityinperfo inperformingtas rmingtasks ks given. Good Good interp interpers ersona onal l skills skills, , dynam dynamicandable icandable towork
Prep Prepar are e mont monthl hly y repo report rts s on vehi vehicl cle e mile mileag age, e, fuel fuel consumption, repairs and maintenance. DealwithIns DealwithInsuran urancemat cematters tersrelati relatingtomot ngtomotorveh orvehicles icles and follow up on any accidents. Prep Prepar are e moto motor r vehi vehicl cle e valu valuat atio ion n and/ and/or or insp inspec ecti tion on reports. Ensu Ensure re vehi vehicl cles es are are in good good work workin ing g cond condit itio ion n and and supervise their maintenance and cleanliness Maintain Maintainmot motorv orvehic ehiclel lelesf esfora orallth lltheve evehicle hicles. s. Gooduniver Gooduniversityde sitydegree greeorhighe orhigherdiplo rdiplomainBus mainBusines iness s Management. Atleast4ye Atleast4yearse arsexper xperienc ienceinp einprocu rocurem remento entorlogi rlogistics stics in a manufacturing company. Honesta Honestandh ndhard ardwor working king,wit ,withhi hhighe ghethic thicals alstand tandards ards.. Procien Procientin tinwri written ttenand andspo spoken kenEngl English. ish. WAREHOUSE KEEPER
Key Responsibilities
• (8) HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Experience & Qualication
Qualication & Experience •
Superv Supervise ise and contro control l of store stores s plus plus all outsou outsource rced d contracts. Ensu Ensure re the the avai availa labi bili lity ty of stoc stock k item items s by main mainta tain in effective reorder levels. Checkallpu Checkallpurcha rchasere serequis quisitio itionsbo nsbothloc thlocalan alandinte dinternarnational purchase orders. Ensureeffectiveand Ensureeffectiveandtimelydeliv timelydeliveryofpur eryofpurchaseord chaseorders ers to suppliers. Coor Coordi dina nate te purc purcha hasi sing ng, , ship shippi ping ng and and clea cleara ranc nce e of imports and exports. Evalua Evaluateall teall quotat quotation ions s to ensur ensure e that that the comp company any procures quality items at the best price.
Key Responsibilities •
Key Responsibilities •
PURCHASING MANAGER
Key Responsibilities
Qualication & Experience
(7) ACCOUNTANTS
Key Responsibilities
independently. Goodcom Goodcommand mandof ofspok spokena enandw ndwritt rittenE enEngli nglish. sh.
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Key Responsibilities •
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Experience & Qualication
Qualication & Experience •
throughput by distributors. Trackmonth Trackmonthlysales&market lysales&marketingexpe ingexpendit nditureagai ureagainst nst budget. Administ Administers ersales ales-rel -related atedinc incenti entivep veprog rograms rams..
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Respon Responsib siblefor lefor the inbou inboundand ndand outbo outbound und receiv receiving ing goods. Respon Responsib sible le for prepa preparin ring, g, collec collectin ting g and checki checking ng documentation and invoices. Ensure Ensure good good house housekee keepin ping,safet g,safety y and and accura accuracy cy of inventory. Issuema Issuemateri terials als&n &nishe ishedgo dgoods odsbase basedon donFIF FIFO. O.
Experience & Qualication • • •
Gooduniv Gooduniversi ersityde tydegree greeorhig orhigherd herdiplo iplomaor maorcerti certicat cate e in Warehouse Management. At leas least t 2 year years s of work workin ing g expe experi rien ence ce in same same capacity. Procien Procientin tinwri written ttenand andspo spoken kenEngl English. ish.
================================ ============================================ ============ Competitive salary package will commensurate with experience and qualication. Interested individuals, pls send your detailed CV, Resume, NRC card, residence card and a recent photograph to : Food Land Manufacturing Co., Ltd Address : No. 23-28, Upper Pansodan Street, Mingalar Taungnyunt Township, Yangon. Email :
[email protected] Closing Date : 31 August 2012
Employment INGO Position MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking (2) Site Coordinator 1 post: Preferably MBBS (with valid medical registrat-ion: Sama). 2 years experiences in mana-gement of a large team working in HIV eld.FluentinEnglish. eld.FluentinEnglish. Background with HIV medi medicin cine e & Beha Behavi vior or change activities , among high risk population. Computer literacy (2) Field Administrator 1 Post: University diploma inaccounting&general administration. 2 years experience as administrator strator with signicant signicant nanc nancial ial and and human human resources responsibilities (minimum of 30 staffs). Fluent English Pls submit applications by email. Pls submit CV &acoverlettertoMDM Country Coordination Ofce: Ofce: 47-B, 47-B, Po Sein Sein St, Bahan. Ph: 542830. Email: hr. mdm myanmar @gmail.com MEDECINS sans Frontieres-Switzerland (MSF-CH) is seeking Field Coordinator Assistant - MSF-CH Project in Yangon: Certicateordiplomain business or HR, Admin Management or similar education. University degree in: Human Relations, Relations, Law or Int'l relations. Diploma or professionalqualication on public health. Bachelor withstronghumanitarian experiences. Pls submit application (motivation letter, CV and copy of professional diplo-mas) to HROfcer: HROfcer: 101, 101, DhamazediRd,Kamar- yut, Email: msfchrangoon-web@geneva. msf. msf.org org Ph: Ph: 502509 502509, , 526194. 526194. Closing Closing date: 1st August 2012. MYANMAR Red Cross Society is looking for Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Ofcer 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw : University degree holder. 3 years experience in technical activities such as community based activities, DRR, community preparedness, etc. Computer liter literat ate e in MS Ofc Ofce e pack. Strong reporting skills (activities report inMyanmar&English). Intermediate English languages skills (written & oral). oral). Knowle Knowledge dge of Red Cross Movement. Pls submit a letter of application, relevant documents&CV,Copy of recommendation letter from Police Station, Copy of labor registration card &Goodhealthcerticate , 1 passport photo (Cover
letter& letter& CVdocuments CVdocuments only need to be send v ia ia e -m -m ai ai l t o U K hi hi n Maung Hla, Executive Director, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Nay Pyi Taw mrcshrrecruitment @gmail.com)before8 th August 2012. MALTESER Int'l is seeking Construction Engineer in Kyaing Tong and Tarchileik, Shan State : AGTI (Civil) or B.Tech (Civil) or B.E. (Civil). Very strong ability in civil engineering design and drawings using AutoCad. 5 years experience in design, project preparation, estimate,& estimate,& implemenimplementation, site supervision of construction or water supply, sanitation projects. Very strong written&spokenEnglish (Report writing, inter personnel relation and presentation skills). Strong capability in other computer applications (word, excel, power point, internet, emailetc.) Willing to work within humanitarian program-mes&totravel to remote areas. Pls submit application incl. CV,2photos&copiesof educational educational certicate, certicate, NationalID,&references to : 14-15 (6F), Pyi Taw Aye YeikThar St, Yankin. Yankin. Email:hr.co.malteser@ gmail.com Closing date : 2nd August 2012 SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) seeking (1) Administrative & Finance Manager inKanpelet,ChinState: University level or equivalent in accounting/ manage-ment/ administration. 2 years experience in a similar position with NGO. (2) Deputy Administrative & Finance Manager in Bhamo, Bhamo, Kachin Kachin State: State: University level or equivalent in account ing/ management/ administration. 1 years experience in a similar position with NGO. For all posts excellent knowledge ofword& excel, excel, knowledge of accounting softwa software re SAGA SAGA & HR software HOMERE is a plus. Fluent spoken & w riri tt tt en en E ng ng lili sh sh & Myanmar. (3) Data Management Ofcer inKanpetletbase,Chin State: Previous 2 years experience in similar position with INGO, INGO or UN in Myanmar is preferable. Experience in Chin State will be an added value. Any University Degree or Diploma Or related proven experience in similar area. Fluent spoken and written Myanmar, basic 4 skills of English. Good writing &communi-cationskills. GoodMSOfce(Excel,
Word, Power Point) Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, re ferences) by email:hr.solidarites. mm@gmai
[email protected] l.com, m, sol. ygn.
[email protected],hr. solidarites.chin.mm@ gmail.com. Closing date : 31st July 2012.
Overseas A WELL-ESTABLISHED company from Singapore specialising in the marketing and distribution of specialty chemical raw materials tothe coatings& coatings& inks, plastic compounding &processingand &processingand food & beverage beverage industries industries is looking for: Sales Engineer Job Responsibilities: Manage and ensure success of existing business assigned. Identify and develop new accounts and business in support of company business plan and goals. Perform market research, competitive analysis and generate monthly marketing reports. Requirements: Degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or related discipline. Good product development, analytical &problem-solvingskills. 1 ~ 2 years’ experience in a technical sales position in the plastics, coatings and inks industry. industry. Fresh graduates may also apply.Matureteamplayer with the ability to work independently. Please send your full resume t o: o: Em Em ai ai l:l: r ec ec ru ru itit @ hexachem.com.sg hexachem.com.sg Only shortlisted candidates willbenotied
Local Position FRITZ WERNER Industrie-Ausrüstungen GmbH (Yangon Branch) is seeking for a Secretary (Female), must have the following skills: Any University Degree, Fluent English Reading / Writing / Speaking, Excellent skills with internet and Microsoft application, Age between 30 – 45 years, Minimum 5 years working experiences as a Secretary. Interested person should submit the application with CV, Certicates Certicates andrecent photo at #A 05-01 Dagon Centre, 262-264 Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tel. 514225 not later than th 06 August 2012. JUNIOR JAVADeveloper JAVA Developer - 2 Posts: J2EE, Spring Frame-work, Web Java, J2ME or Android Salary 70000 + Bonus. Add : 256/266, Rm-5D, Seikkan-thar St (Upper) Kyauktada,Yangon,Ph: 245643,398077 NEWLY ESTABLISHED
Embassies, INGOs, o th th er er O rg rg an an iz iz at at io io ns ns based in Yangon servicesofSr.Liaison/ servicesofSr.Liaison/ TravelOfcer available to head 2 - 3 person Travel Operations Unit. Served with UNICEF MCO for a quarter century&with2airlines plus English language service of State Radio. Salary Salary, , allowanc allowances es & benetsinUSDorMMK negotiable. Also able to Orientate newcomers on different aspects of Life Life in Myan Myanma marr. Pls Pls contact Email: 10win17 @gmail.com,Available for personal interview on prior arrangement. LIFE HEALTH CARE Services Co., Ltd. Business Develop-ment Manager -M/F1Post:Any Graduate with BBA (or) MBA. Age: 35-45 years. Computer literate. 2 years experience in commercialelds.(Export,Import documentation). Ph: 09-400-456714, 09-73111294. KEMBANGAN Group of Medical Centres: (1) Doctor (M/F)- M.B.,B.S, Experienceisprefer-able, Able to to work work full time. (2) Staff Nurse (M/F)- B.Sc Nursing (or) Diploma in Nursing, Experience is prefer-able, Able to work full time. Submit CV form, recent photo, Docu-ments Copies (Sa Ma)(Certicate&Nursing Liscence)not Liscence)not laterthan (31.8.12) to 365/367, Bo AungKyaw St(Upper), I HB HBC , Ky au au kt kta da da , Yangon.Ph:392955 (1) SECRETARY - F 1 Post : Any Graduate. Must have good communi-cation in English (oral& written). written). 2 years experience. Can use (Microsoft Word, Excel, Page Maker & Outloo Outlook). k). Excel Excellen lent t in 4 skills English. (2) Sale Executive - M/F1 Post: Diploma/ Degree of any discipline. Plan and and mana manage ge sale sales s & marketing strategies. Supervise all sales activitiesincludingproduct pricing and costing. 4 years experience in relatedeld.Competent relatedeld.Competent computer skills (ie. excel, power point). Pls submit CV, references, 2 color passport photos, C er er titi fifi ca ca te te & ot he he r necessary documents tohanwha.ygn.recruit@ gmail.com OPPORTUNITY for early childhood Teachers: Teachers: English /Chinese (Male or female)Preschool.ygn@ gmail.comContactto:09505-7367 WE ARE well known Intern Internati ationa onal l law rm rm looking for Office AssistantAssistant- F : Age 25~30, Any graduate, preferred preferred Business management, Must have 3 years
Hexa Chemicals is an established company specialising in the marketing and distribution of specialty chemicalrawmaterialstothecoatings&inks,plasticcompounding&processingandfood&beverage industriesinSingapore.Wearesettingupanofce industriesinSingapore.W earesettingupanofceinYang inYangonandwenow onandwenowhaveavacancyfor: haveavacancyfor:
SALES ENGINEER Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Manage and ensure success of existing business assigned. Identify and develop new accounts and business in support of company business plan and goals. Perform market research, competitive analysis and generate monthly marketing reports. • • •
Requirements: Diploma or degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or related discipline. Good product development, analytical and problem-solving skills. 1 – 2 years’ experience in a technical sales position in the plastics, coatings and inks industry. Fresh graduates may also apply. Mature team player with the ability to work independently. • •
experience in related eld(Admin/ofce) Must have good English skills forforeignrmcomputer skills (Microsoft (Microsoft ofce). Submit CV to suhlaing
[email protected] MOBILE PHONE service expert1post.Ph:09-517expert 1post.Ph:09-5179121 WE ARE International law law rm rm looki looking n g for for a Lawyer (LL.M)–must Lawyer (LL.M)–must have good English skills for communication with foreign clients . Sent CV to 83/8, First Flr, Pansodan St, Yangon. E-mail: info@untlaw.com LOCAL PLANTATION withfrequentinternational contacts wishes to employ staffs in administration and accounts. accounts. Must converse and write in Engli English. s h. Ofce Ofce boy boy cum driver with ability to speak English is also required. Pls send cv to thinzaro thinzaroo.88 o.888@ 8@ gmail. gmail. com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WANTED a driver English driver English speaking, non alcoholic, nobetelquideater,honest and quiet in Yangon. Contact;0943933844 INTER GROUP of companies is a leading managementconsulting company based in Singapore is seeking for Myanmar operation : AdminAssistant AdminAssistant:: Degree or diploma holder. Must familiar with accounting. Good communication & interp interpers ersona onal l skill skills. s. Computer literate. To handle the phone call· To Communicate well with clients. Pls submit detailed resume with one recent passport photo and together with copies ofeducationalcerticates &testimoni &testimonialsto alsto Inter Inter ConsultingCo., tingCo., Ltd:30 (B-1), Rm 601, 6 th Flr, YadanarInnya Condo, Than Than Lwin Rd, Bahan. Bahan. (OppositeofFruitMarket). Ph:09-73105353, 0973105340. Email: hr@ icononline.nettheClosing date: 3rd August, 2012. BEAUTY SPA Manager - F 1 Post : 2 years SPA workingexperiences.Age 25 ~ 35. Any Bachelor de gr gr ee ee & F lu lue nt nt i n English.(spoken/written). Pleasan Pleasant t persona personality lity & good communication skills. Pls summit CV with recent recent photo photo toLemon DaySpa:96(f)InyaRd, Kamayut Kamayut . Ph:514848, 09-732 09-732-08 -08476 476. . Email: Email: Lemondayspa.2011@ gmail.com THANH BINH Manufacturin Manufacturing g & Trade Company (THABICO) is seeking Information Recruitment : Age 2330. Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science/ Chemical withinrelatedeld.Strong techni technical cal knowle knowledge dge; ; Goodsales&Negotiation skills;Teamwork, ability to learn learn fast; fast; Decisio Decision n making and problem solving skills. Good communication&written English. Has a technical background within the Foodindustry&havinga commercialdegreewould be an adde added d bene benet t. . We offer an attractive compen-s compen-satio ation; n; benet benet package and career oppor-tunities to the successful candidates. Pls send full resume, stating current&expectedsalary, and enclosing a recent photograph to : Nguyen
Van B ay ay : 6 29 29 /6 /63 1, 1, PyayRd,Kamayut,Ph: 503603, 534439.Email: 534439.Email: v an an ba ba y. y. n gu gu ye ye nn- 6@ 6@ gmail.com MYANMARNoble MYANMAR Noble College is seeking for highly talented and motivated lecturers who have excel in academic or/and professionalback-ground in Business Management : Post graduate level quali-cationsinBusiness and/or business related disciplines, at QCF level 7& above(Ph.d/ MBA/ M.Sc/ CIM etc). 3 years experience in teaching businesssubjectsforint'l quali qualica catio tions ns such such as NCC,ABE,CIMetc.Local or int'l int'l MBA’s subjects ects teaching and program management experience will be advantage. A high level of verbal and written communication skills in English is a must (IELTS6.0andaboveor pass the language test conducted by Myanmar Nobel College). Pls send CV and copies of evidence of educatio-nal accomplishment with transcripts to : 108, Hninsi St (Upper), Ahlone. Ph: 220476, 09-731-63975. E-mail:mmhilary@gmail. com with subject title “ApplicationforLecturers for Business subjects”. ESTABLISHED M N C is seeking for energetic and dynamic Business DevelopmentManager for FMCG and allied products: key Requirements: Minimum of 6 years or above in an F M C G company.Extensive market knowledge . To be able to come up with a good marketing plan and deliver along with capability to build up new businesses. Good communication & negotiationskills negotiationskills and knowledge of English. Motivated,self starter and wiling to travel extensively. Good pay. Qualication: Qualication: Graduate Graduate or M.B.A/Marketing or Equivalent. Myanmar National. Interested candidates should submit the Resume along with relevant documents to
[email protected] orcall09-512-4850. ALLIGATOR Industry Co.,Ltdisseeking(1) Sales Manager - M 1 Post : Graduate with DMA,MBA(or)Marketing related education.(2) Marketing Manager M 1 Post: Graduate with DMA,MBA(or)Marketing related education. For 1 &2:Agedabove30,can travel to rural area. Able to useComputer,Internet& Email for routine works and for presentation. 5 years experience in Marketing is a must. (3) Sales Engineer - M 5 Posts : BE (Mechanical) A.G.T.I, B.Tech. B.Tech. Aged under 30, can travel to rural area. Able to to use comput computer er for routine ofce works.(4) works.(4) Technical Manager Manager -- M 1 Post : B.E (Mechanical). 5 years experiencesinEngineeringeld. cesinEngineeringeld. Be a bl bl e to sp ea ea k & write English. Pls send detailed up-to-date CV withrelevantdocu-ments, copy of labor registration card, copy of NRC card, recom-mendation from police force, nonreturnable photograph &contactphto9,Lion City Bldg., Shwe Marlar
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Prospects: This position offers the successful candidate excellent career development opportunity and to participate in the company’s growth in Myanmar •
Please send your full resume to:
HexaChemicals(S)PteLtd 1MaritimeSquare,#09-52HarbourFrontCentre Singapore099253 Email:
[email protected] Only shortlisted candidates will be notifed
Vacancy Announcement TransworldGLS(S)PteLtd.(MMBranch). Has immediate opening in 1. Marketing 2. Sales 3. Documentation 4. Accounts Dept; Dept; ForShipping&Logisticsac ForShipping&Logisticsactivities,Candida tivities,Candidateswith teswith experienceinrelatedeldswillbe experienceinrelatedeldswillbepreferred. preferred. Please mail your Resume with recent photograph at
[email protected]. Ph:391082,391365,391164 LastDateofsubmission15t LastDateofsubmission15thAug'2 hAug'2012. 012.
Avenue, Avenue, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamayu Kamayut,C t,Clos losing ing Date: 31-7-2012. OFFICE STAFF - M/F 2 Posts: Strong communication skills in English. Ability to communicate communicate with Customers and Staff in a professional and efcientmanner.Cheerful and outgoing personality. Good computer & organiza-tionalskills.Able to work with minimum super-vision. Able to take direction and complete tasks required with accuracy in a timely manner. Willingness to ta ke ke i ni ni titi at ati ve ve & enthusiasm in learning and gaining experien-ce. Fast learner. Pls apply with detailed resume, contact details&expectedsalary to: cityviva@myanmar cityviva@myanmar.. com. mm, 162(C), 2 nd Thiri Thiri Yeik Thar, Lower Lower Ky ee ee my myi nd nd in ine Rd , Ahlone, before 31 July 2012. WE ARE urgently seeking for (1) Tour Operator for international clients & quotat quotations ions - 2 posts posts : must have at least 1 year experience in travel agency(2) agency(2)Sales Sales Manager - 1 post. at least 3 years experience. Applicants must have good English skills verbal and written, German is an advantage. Pls contact Uniteam Tours&Travel with your CV until 07th August 2012 bye-mail:
[email protected] or at ofce-i22PanHlaingRd, Sanchaung. URGENTLYlooking URGENTLY lookingfor Air for Air con Electricians 2 post must have at least 3 years related good experience withgoodattitude.English in spoken and wirtten in necessary. Application letter to No.22, U Chit Mg Housing, Tamwe, Ph: 554054,554052.Mercury Min Enterprise. ICE CREAM BAR FC Dess Desser ert t Bar Bar & Bist Bistro ro (Yang (Yangon on Int' Int'l l Hote Hotel) l) & Ice Cream Bar Outlets (1) Junction Mawtin, (2) Junction Zawana, (3) Inya Inya Rd& (4) Juncti Junction on Square centre (5) City Mart Thamine. Manager - M/F (1) Post : Fluent English, Highly educated, 3 years of management experiencedinF&Beld with HR management skill, age between 2435, attractive salary. (1) Supervisor Supervisor - F 2 posts: uent uent English English, , 2 years years experiencedinF&Beld (2) Kitchen Chef - M 1 post:Asian, Western,Thai Western,Thai (3)Sous (3) Sous Chef Chef - M 2 Posts (4) Kitchen Helper Helper - M 4 Posts (5) Bartender Bartender - M/F 6 Posts (6) Service Staff (good salary) - F 20Posts (7) Accoun-tants - F 3 Posts. Pls submit CV form, photo, contact ph, a dd dd re re ss ss & e xp xp ec ec te te d salary to all branches of Ice Cream Bar. MYANMAR Integrated Port Port Limited Limited is looking looking for qualied qualied Personnel Assistant: The basic q ua ua lili c c at at io io n f or or t hi hi s position: University Graduate. English prociencyfor speaking/ reading and writing. GoodPRskill.Sufcient knowledge and use Note book PC. Duties & R es es po po ns ns ib ib ii- llii titi es es : Assisting to Port DevelopmentManager. Meeting minutes. Handling visa application & ticketing. ticketing. Interpreting Interpreting &translat-inginEnglish. Applicants should be ad dr dr es ess ed ed t o MI PL PL within 2 weeks from advertisementdate.No.4, ThilawaPort,Kyauktan, Yangon. Email: maylwinmipl @ myanmar. com. com.mm mm, , msnmsn-mi mip@ p@ myanmar. com.mm (1) MECHANICAL Engineer - M : Sales & tech techni nica cal l supp suppor orttB.E/ M.E (mechanical). Must Must have have prac practic tical al & sales knowledge for Air-condition Air-condition (speciality (speciality for water cool/ Air cool Chiller system). system). 5 years experience in above
item-b.Good command of English in spoken and written is necessary (Driving experience in preferable). Interesting Bene Benet t prog progra ram m that that is negotiable based on achievement. (2) Electrical Engineer Engineer -- M : Sales&TechnicalSupport- B.E/ M.E (E.P/ E.C). Must have have practic practical al & sales sales knowledge for Generatorsand Suchronizati Suchronization on system,LV-mainswithch board,LVelectricalparts and accessories, Tools, etc.. No(22). U Chit Mg Housing. Ph: 554052, 554054. WE are currently seeking Secretary - M 2 posts: Any Graduate. Age 2530 years. At least 3 years experience in related eld.Englis eld.English h 4 skills& skills& Good computer skill. Selfcondence.Abletoknow secretarial procedure. Can work overtime and able to travel. Able to use Email, Internet. HR Department: Victory MyanmarGroupCo.,Ltd : 216, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., 5th Flr., Botahtaung, Yangon. VACANCIES in our factories. (1). Accounting manager/ financial controller (2). Shipping manager (3). Translators (4). Ofce administration ofcer/ manager (5). Garment production manager (6). Warehouse logistics ofcers (all preferred to be able to speak Cantonese/ Putonghua or English) We pay above the market rate and benet benetes es include included. d. Pls sendCVtomoelwin999 sendCVtomoelwin999 @gmail.com I CARE Medical Group is seeking Medical Doctor - F 1 Post : Must have a minimum degree from university M.B.B.S with SA MA registeration. Age 30-35. Good communication in English. 2 years experience at medical medical eld. eld. Must Must be able to use computer, internet and microsoft application with excellent skills. Pls submit: CV with recent photo, copy of relevant relevant certic certicates ates &docu-ments, &docu-ments, describe be working experience from graduationtillpresent& graduationtillpresent& expected salary. Rm G-07, G Flr, Diamond Center, PyayRd,Kamayut.Tel: PyayRd,Kamayut.Tel: 532438,532447,09-5136584. PADONMAR Restaurant is seeking (1) Receptionist - F 1 Post :Age above 20. Graduate. 1 year experience. G oo oo d p er er s so o na na lili ty ty & energetic person. (2) Cashier Cashier - F 1 Post : Age above 20 . Graduate. Good personality. 1 year year servic service e cashier cashier & familiar with computerized software software experienexperience are preferable. (3) Store Keeper Keeper - M 1 Post : Aged 30 years. Must have computer data entry experience. 1 year experience. (4) Junior Accountant - F/M) 1 Post : Aged 23 ~ 30 . LCCI LCCI I, II.1 II.1 or2 year year experienceofAccount-ing &computerized system. (5)Bar (5)Bar Manager - Bar experience 2 years. Age 25~40years.For1,2& 5: Able to understand and speak English. For 1,2, 3& 5Willprovide 5Willprovidefood food & accommodat-io accommodat-ion. n. (6) Driver Driver - 1 Post : 3 years experience.Nonalcoholic and personal hygiene are essential. Pls apply with update CV form, recent photo, Government labor registration, Copies of related data with NRC to 105/107,KhaYaeBinRd, DagonTsp,Ph:538-895. 09-730-29973.
Job Wanted OFFICE SECRETARY : B .Sc Eng, Age 26 years, Female , 2 years work experience. Contact : candlelight295@gmail. candlelight295@gmail. com
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: ino@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: ino@ yangon.ma.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: myanmar@moat.go.kr 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@_ sgma. 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 Ofcer 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 oor, 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-r, 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 Trafc 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 Aairs 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 Ofce 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). 285499.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Yangon Yangon International Airport
YANGON PORT
Shipping (Coastal vessels)
RAILWAYS
Railways inormation 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] Conort 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, 399990, 901061~65. 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)
Reservation Ofce (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. ino@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com 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.
Espace Avenir No 523, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 505213-222. 505213-222.
ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS Charted Certied, Certifed 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) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales.ac@reshaircon. com. URL: http://www. reshaircon.com General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906 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.
Happy Homes Real estate & PRoPeRty ManageMent
Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994. E-mail: aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, Facebook: happyhomes, Yangon Myanmar. 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 951-256355 (25 lines). ax: 951-256360. Yangon City Villa (Residence) Pyay Rd, 8 Mile Junction, MYGN, tel: 513101
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.
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July 30 - August 5, 2012
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ENTERTAINMENT
ADvERTISING WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991
Marketing
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Room - 4021, 3rd Floor, Taw Win Centre. Ph: 8600111 (Ext:4021), 09-803-2581.
La Brasserie (International) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.
coMMunications
t
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SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner o Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: admin@ advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar. com
BEAUTY & MASSAGE
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, Bldg(A), Rm (G-02), Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 52717, 09 51 70528
BATTERY
INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email:
[email protected] www.inya1.com Traders Caé Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519
CHOCOLATE
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
DOMAIN
.biz.mm .per.mm .com.mm .org.mm No. (8), Panchan Tower, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-516891~3
[email protected], www.mtg. biz.mm, www.mmnic.biz.mm. www.mmnic.biz.mm.
DUTY FREE A Little Dayspa No. 475 C, Pyi Road, Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831.
Traders Hotel, 5th Floor Tel: 242828,Ext: Coreana. Sedona Hotel, Mandalay Ground Fl. Tel: 02-36488, Ext: Coreana
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.
G-A, Ground Floor, Pearl Center, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon. Tel: 09 500 6880 Email: chocolateheaven. chocolateheaven.
[email protected]
COLD STORAGE
BOOK STORES
Duty Free Airport Shopping Yangon International Airport Arrival/Departure Tel: 662676 (Airport) Ofce: 17, 2 nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.
EDUCATION EDUCATION CENTRE
Inya Day Spa 16/2, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 537907, 503375.
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.
Innwa Book Store No. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387 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: ino@ myanmarbook.com
CAFÈS Cae de Angel No.24, Baho Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel : 703449.
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@ gmail.com
CONSTRUCTION
MHR Business & Management Institute 905, 9th oor, Modern Iron Market(Thanzay Condo) Lanmadaw St. Tel: 707822. NLEC 82 Anawrahta Rd, Corner o 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 250225.
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 r, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 09731-42624, 09-514-0404.
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
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.
GEMS & JEWELLERIES
Natural Gems o Myanmar No. 30 (A), Pyay Road (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 01-660397, 654398~9. E-mail: spgems.myanmar @gmail.com
GENERATORS
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 Ofce : (951) 218 446 Fax : (951) 218 389 www.leomedicare.com
HOME FURNISHING
22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363.
HOTEL MANAGEMENT Mr. Betchang No.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th r, 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
ELECTRICAL
From Singapore, one-stop construction service No.22, U Chit Mg Housing, U Chit Mg Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: +951554046 Fax: +951554048 Email: cnqcmyanmar@ gmail.com
GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS
FITNESS CENTRE 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.
MyanMar tiMes
Floral Service & Git 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
Flora Service & Git Shop No.173(B), West Shwegonedaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.731 800 30 No.75/77, Yaw Min Gyi St. Dagon Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.431 432 34. Home: 01-577 387, Email: rosanaoral.ygn@ gmail.com
Floral Service & Git Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.
Winning Way No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm
Hotel ManagementConsultants (Singapore) Yangon Ofce Tel. : 09-516-6400 Email: in
[email protected]
HEALTH SERvICES
LANGUAGE
81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 548022, 542979, 553783, 09-8030847, 09-730-56079. Email: asiapacifc.
[email protected].
Agent Ofce, 5th Floor, Junction Centre (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw Township, Yangon. Myanmar. Ph: 09-731-56770, 09-5117584, Fax: 01-516313, myanmarmeditour@gmail. com
English Language Learning Centre
No. 8, Panchan Tower, Dhamazedi Rd, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp., Yangon. Tel: 539581, 539582.
[email protected] www.nexusmyanmar.com www.acebook.com/Nexus. English.Language.Learning. Centre
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 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 ofce) Grand Mee Yahta Executive Residences. No.372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, PBDN. Ph: 256355, Ext: 3206. Hotline: 09-73777799. Email: piyavate@cnt. com.mm, piyavate.cnt@ gmail.com, Website: www. piyavate.com
FOAM SPRAY INSULATION
PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013
Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon. Teleax : 01-203743, 09730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825. Line-09-730-30825.
24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Int’l Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, (951) 218292 Fax: (951) 218389 218389
Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597
Media & Adertising
Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior Decoration Corporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profle 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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MyanMar tiMes
MARKET RESEARCH
MMRD Research BLDG C, New Mingalar Market, 10-story BLDG, 8 & 9 r, Coner o Mill St & Banyardala Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 200326, 200846, 201350. Fax: 202425.
July 30 - August 5, 2012 Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916.
REMOvALISTS
Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown
[email protected]
House o Memories Piano Bar & Restaurant Myanmar Cuisine & International Food 290, U Wizara Rd, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. tel: 525 195, 534 242. e-mail: houseomemories houseomemories
[email protected]
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.myanmarwww.myanmarrestaurantpadonmar.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th
PLEASURE CRUISES
Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Saari in the Mergui Archipelago 4 Days, 6 Days, 8 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: ino@islandsaari mergui.com. Website: www. islandsaarimergui.com
Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor’s Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 ax: (951) 217361. email:
[email protected] www.orient-express.com
PAINT
Bangkok Phuket Yangon www.paintx.asia
TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202
RELOCATION
Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : ino@asiantigersin
[email protected]
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 (1st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) JunctionMawtin (CityMart)
SCHOOLS
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
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
24 hours open. 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon Tsp, inside Thamada Hotel. tel 243640, 243047, Ext: 32.
Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174
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. Black Canyon Coee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 0980 21691, 395052. email: blackcanyon@ yangon. net.mm. Feel 164/168, War Tan St, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 223697, 09 511 8415, 09 50 14288
INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email:
[email protected] www.inya1.com
Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231 KSS Setyone Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt. tel: 203320.
Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-4210-34875
[email protected] www.operayangon.com
Phoenix Court (Chinese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Royal Garden Nat Mauk Road, Kandaw Gyi Natural Park, Bahan Tsp. tel: 546202 Signature Near U Htaung Bo Round, about Bahan Tsp. tel: 546488, 543387. Summer Palace (Chinese) Restaurant Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223, Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242828. ext:6483 Target Bldg B, 1-, Rm F-23, Pearl condo. Bahan tsp. Tel: 09-513-5924, 09-5048750. TG Bar & Restaurant The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residences (2nd Flr), Bogyoke Aung San Rd. Tel: 385101, 256355.
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 Little Tokyo Japanese Fine Dining No.168 (C), Dhamazedi Rd, Bahan Township, Yangon. Ph: 09-731-85168, 09-731-78946
Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653. Pansweltaw Express Cae: 228, Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm-309, 3 rd r,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
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 Western Park Thakhin Mya Park, Ahlone. Tel: 225143 YKKO 28, Saya San Road, Bahan Tsp. tel:01-541998
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.
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 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.
Admissions Ofce: 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
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 Brightest AC CFL Bulb 21, 9th St, Lanmadaw Tsp. Ph: 212243, 216861, 216864. spsolarstation@ gmail.com. www. spsolarstation.com STEEL CONSTRUCTION
PEB Steel Buildings 21/5, Thirimingalar Avenue, Kabaaye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 653410, 09-515-0332, 09-401601948, 09-4250-23062.
[email protected]. mm www.pebsteel.com.mm
SUPERMARKETS 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) 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] Junction Mawtin Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Cor o Wadan St. Lanmadaw Tsp. Tel: Junction Square Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 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, Tel: 545871~73 Super 1 (Shwe Bonthar) 397, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan. Tel: 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, frst r, Shwe Gonedaing Rd, Bahan. Tel: 548554, 548039. Sun Far Travels & Tours 27, Ground r, 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.
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World-class Web Services Tailor-made design, Proessional 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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July 30 - August 5, 2012
the
100 gold medals our target, target, says minister By Aung Si Hein
MYANMAR is aiming for a total of 100 gold medals when it hosts the 27 th SEA Games in 2013, according to comments by the minister for sports. U Tint Hsan unveiled the lofty ambition to Mizzima in an interview at Mount Pleasant Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on July 23. “We have set out a plan to secure as many medals as possible from cycling, chess, billiards and racing. We are also targeting gold in football since we qualified for the AFC U-22 Asian Championships,” U Tint San said. “We hope that out of the 300 gold medals available, over 100 will be for us.” Myanmarsportfederations, however, say the target is unrealistic since the country won only 16 golds at the 26 th SEA Games in Indonesia. The result placed Myanmar seventh out of 11 contesting countries. And jumping from 16 gold medals to more than 100 in only two years is nearly impossible, say federation officials. The home advantage from which Myanmar would be expected to benefit is not considered enough of a contributing factor. The traditional practice
of host nations deciding on which events will be included is tempered by the fact that the sports must be agreed on by half of the competing countries according to SEA Games competition rules. But clear advantage can be gained when certain sports only have one or two participants registered, as has happened at previous games. “I proposed 32 events for chess so we could confidently clinch more medals with our traditional form of chess. But it was reduced to 16,” U Maung Maung Lwin, president of the Myanmar Chess Federation, told The Myanmar Myanmar Times Times. “We still have a 75 percent chance to win 12 as there is very little chance of us winning international [chess] games. “We will have to look to other federations to see if the minister’s hope is possible,” he said. U Cho Maung, general secretary of Kokine Swimming Club, faced a similar rejection when he proposed additional waterbased events. “If we consider swimming, it is not very promising [for Myanmar]. We can only win many gold medals if we include our traditional sports as Thailand did for the 24 th SEA Games. “I unsuccessfully proposed
Inle traditional rowing, where boatman row with their legs. If we could create a variety of events for Inle traditional rowing then we could feasibly target as many as 40 [gold medals],” U Cho Maung said. “But to win 100 gold medals is next to impossible. Other countries are not doing nothing, they are all preparing hard to compete for medals,” he added. Meanwhile, representatives from other countries in the region have suggested adding several other events such as fencing, diving, hockey, petanque, soft tennis, the Indonesian martial art Tarung Derajat and the Vietnamese martial art Vovinam. Adding these would further dilute the home advantage for Myanmar as it lacks participants for the sports. Anothe r obstac le is the regulation that each country cannot compete in all the events for each sport, but by a quota system. “Taekwando has 21 medals but we are allowed to compete in only 15,” said U Kyaw Than Oo, the Myanmar Taekwando Federation coach. “Our target is to win five medals. Based on our current state, even winning five is unlikely. We all have to wait and see if we can reach the number of medals our minister expects,” he said.
North Korea’s supporters react as their women’s football match against Colombia is delayed at Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, on July 25. Pic: AFP
Korean fag blunder mars Olympics start GLASGOW – London’s Olympics got off to an embarrassing start on July 25 when North Korea’s women footballers refused to play after a mix-up over their national flag. The team were incensed after Hampden Park’s giant screen showed images of North Korean players next to the South Korean flag before their opening match with Colombia. The game missed its 7:45pm start after North Korea failed to appear. After it finally kicked off at 8:50 pm, North Korea won 2-0 with a goal in each half. “Yes, we were angry because our players were introduced as if they are from South Korea, something that may affect us very greatly as you might know,” said North Korea coach Sin Ui-Gun. “Winning the game cannot compensate this. It is a different matter. We hope there is no repeat in the
next matches,” he added. Sin said North Korea would have abandoned the game if the problem was not resolved, and said he had even wondered if the wrong flag had not been used on purpose. “If this matter was not solved, we thought going on was nonsense,” he said. Olympics organisers and FIFA apologised over the blunder. “Today ahead of the women’s football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag,” said a statement from the London organising committee. “Clearly that is a mistake, we will apologise to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again.” Relations between the two Koreas, still officially at
Bardoe steps into limelight limelight on Yangon’s Yangon’s big b ig stage sta ge By Stuart Deed
Sean Bardoe spars with Shan Ko at their gym in Mayangone township last week. Pic: Stuart Deed
LAST time British kickboxer Sean Bardoe stepped into the ring in a competitive bout he emerged with a draw against his older and lighter opponent at a celebration of Kayin New Year in Yangon. But when Bardoe ventures onto the canvas on August 12 he’ll be fighting a veteran fighter and at one of Yangon’s biggest arenas, packed with serious boxing fans. His opponent will be Khun Kyaw Swe, a fighter with an aggressive reputation and Bardoe admitted to nerves in the lead up to the fight. “I wouldn’t have minded fighting in Magwe or Pathein or in one of the provinces with a smaller venue but obviously being in Yangon at a large stadium it’s a lot more pressure,” he said last week. “Even though there was probably 5000 people at the Kayin New Year fight [last December] it wasn’t so bad with Shan Ko – a much younger man because it was like a local atmosphere, with a long reach and quick feet. which was good. This time there will Bardoe will undoubtedly enter the be a lot more people watching and fight with a few niggles – a sore muscle a lot more serious boxing fans,” he in his calf or a toe injury – but he’s fit, added. much fitter than a non-professional While Bardoe is going to enter the fighter has any right to be. In fact, it’s hard not to escape the fight weighing about 160 pounds – about 12 pounds lighter than his feeling that Bardoe is playing a few opponent – he’s in excellent good mind games to establish himself as the underdog. shape for a 42-year-old. 42-year-old. Adding Adding to the pressure pressure of the venue venue Bardoe trains up to six days a week with coach Win Zin Oo, former and big crowd on Bardoe will be the freeweight champion Lone Chaw knowledge that several television and up-and-coming fighter Shan Ko crews have their cameras honed on at Win Zin Oo’s house and gym in him. Mayangone township. “I’m real nervous about this one During a training session on July because it’s at a big stadium in 21, Bardoe hustled easily through Yangon, Yangon, it’s it’s going going to be on telev televisio ision n three 3-minute rounds of sparring and we’re also doing a documentary
MyanMar tiMes
about the club and Lone Chaw, Shan Ko and myself for Channel NewsAsia, which is based in Singapore,” Bardoe said. Channel NewsAsia television has been shooting a documentary on Bardoe for the past two months and will be there to document the man in action. The fight will also be taped by at least one domestic television station, which means win, lose or draw Bardoe will leave the ring with his star status elevated even further. Bardoe said having the film crew shadowing him had, at times, been exhausting. “It was interesting and sometimes you have to do things a few times to get it on camera,” he said.
“It’s a bit tough when you’ve done a 3-minute round [of sparring] and they say ‘no, no, no can you do it again, can you keep going’ and the round goes on and on. “And when you’re actually exhausted they want to ask you questions. You can hardly talk at times but it’s been interesting to see how documentaries are made,” he added. The Channel NewsAsia documentarywillbroadcast Myanmar traditional boxing – letwhay – to the 20 nations in the network in October after two further fights by Shan Ko and Lone Chaw in September. Win Zin Oo described Khun Kyaw Swe as a “veteran” fighter who also has plenty of experience on the other side of the ropes. “His career as a fighter was about seven or eight years but he has been a boxing coach for about 12 years,” Win Zin Oo said. “He’s a veteran but also a professional with a big name. And I’m sure he’ll come into the fight in good shape because he’s very serious,” he added. Win Zin Oo, however, refused to predict a winner. “I’m not an astrologer … but we’re doing our best and Sean is doing his best to be ready.” Bardoe agreed that it was tough to predict who would emerge victorious but was wary of dropping his guard. “In a boxing fight somebody can beat the hell out of the other guy for four and a half rounds and then get knocked out heading into the time out for the fifth round,” he said. “I’m just hoping that I put on a good fight and represent our club and gym. Win or lose as long as it’s a good fight I’ll be happy.”
war and sharing the world’s mos t heavi heav ily ly guarded border, are strained over the communist North’s nuclear programme. The two countries marched together at the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony, but did not even hold talks on repeating the gesture in London. North Korean officials have blocked South Korean media from covering their athletes’ training sessions, according to the South’s Yonhap news agency. However, South Korea’s weightlifters politely rearranged a training session this week after the North Korean team arrived at the same venue at the same time, in a scheduling mistake. North and South Korea will also clash in Olympic table tennis having been drawn to face each other in the first round of the men’s team event on August 3. – AFP
Yangon to host international marathon By Ben White
Myanmar’s international profile in sports continues to rise as Yangon plays host to the country’s first international marathon in decades in January 2013. Yoma Strategic Holdings confirmed sponsoring the event at an official launch at FMI Centre on July 25. About 1,000 1,000 participants, both locals and foreigners, are expected to race over three distances; a 42km marathon, a 10km run and a 3km run. The races will begin and end at People’s Park, taking in Yangon’s most iconic landmark, the Shwedagon Pagoda. The YOMA Yangon International Marathon will be a charity event with all proceeds from race entries donated to various charitable projects in Myanmar. The marathon will be held on January 27, 2013 with race fees ranging between US$22 – US$42. Registration can be made via the official event website: http://www. yangonmarathon.com.
July 30 - August 5, 2012
tImESsPORt tImES sPORt
Clockwise from above left: Olympic rings shower reworks, while Myanmar’s agbearer Zaw Win Thet leads out his delegation, and a British fan waves a ag during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on July 27. Pics: AFP
London London opens Games with style LONDON – A stirring ceremony packed with surprises, music and comedy opened the London Olympics on July 27 as Britain welcomed the world with a blaze of colour and creativity. James Bond and David Beckham starred as Britain welcomed the world to the Olympics in an eccentric opening ceremony showcasing the country’s rich history and sense of fun. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s “Isles of Wonder” creation, which also featured Muhammad Ali and 7,50 0 volu ntee rs, was a sharp departure from its predecessor, Beijing 2008’s tightly choreographed spectacular. Queen Elizabeth II, who had made a royal entrance like no other in a spoof film with James Bond actor Daniel Craig, declared the Games open as London took on the role of host nation for an unprecedented third time. In front of about 80,000 VIPs and spectators, the Queen was
depicted parachuting out of a helicopter with Bond actor Daniel Craig, Mr. Bean played “Chariots of Fire” and children bounced on National Health Service beds. The show was quintessentially British, as its creator, British film director Danny Boyle, had promised. Details of Boyle’s creation had remained a closely guarded secret until Friday’s 9:00 pm (2000 GMT) start, heralded by Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins ringing a giant bell as farm animals frolicked on grass below. The show traced Britain’s development from a bucolic past through the Industrial Revolution before fast-forwarding to the present day. Large fluffy clouds circled the stadium’s covered track and birdsong was played over the loudspeakers before children counted down by popping giant balloons. A formation of Red Arrows jets flew past, trailing red, white and
blue smoke at 8:12 pm, or 2012, and there was a party atmosphere in the stadium as a comic actor and folk singer warmed up the crowd in light rain. But the rural idyll gave way to industrial revolution smoke stacks as actor Kenneth Branagh, dressed as 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, read the “Isles of Wonder” speech from William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. A deafchildren’ children’s choir choir evocativ evocatively ely sang the British national anthem in their pyjamas and 600 reallife health workers took part in dance routines celebrating the free British health service. The Queen of Hearts battled Lord Voldemort, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling read “Peter Pan” and football superstar Beckham motorboated up the Thames with the Olympic torch. Fireworks cascaded from giant Olympic rings before the comedy sketch featuring Bond and the
Queen, who was shown jumping out of a helicopter before she appeared in the stadium. The Queen formally opened the Games before Redgrave, receiving the Olympic flame from Beckham, entered the stadium, ending a torch relay of 12,800 miles (20,600 kilometres). Thousands of smiling and dancing athletes trooped in behind their national flags with Flag-bearers Usain Bolt and Novak Djokovic among the stars of the colourful athletes’ march before last-up Britain entered to David Bowie’s “Heroes”, raising an enormous cheer and shower of tickertape. Five-time gold medallist rower Steve Redgrave had brought the torch into the stadium in east London before passing it on to a series of young runners. They embraced their mentors, including decathlete Daley Thompson and middle-distance runner Kelly Holmes, before the
teenagers lit a series of torches which hydraulically lifted to create a high-tech cauldron. They lit a fire on the stadium floor which spread and rose to form a raised pyre of more than 200 torches combining as a single giant flame. Beatles legend Paul McCartney then played out the nearly fivehour performance with a singalong rendition of “Hey Jude”. Tickets were in high demand with two spectators saying they paid 1,600 pounds (US$2,500) for their seats. Boyle’s “liquorice allsorts” opening ceremony, costing £27 million (US$42 million) kicks off a two-week festival of sport, seven years and billions of pounds in the making, on a former industrial wasteland in east London. The stage is now set for superstars Bolt, Michael Phelps and Roger Federer to dazzle in competition, while an army of unsung competitors also aim for gold. – AFP
