Suu Kyi and Minister Aung Kyi meet for fourth time

(Press Conference) – Burma’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Union Minister Aung Kyi met on Sunday at a government guesthouse to discuss a prisoners’ amnesty, establishing peace in ethnic areas and economic and financial issues. After the meeting, Minister Aung Kyi read a joint statement and they answered questions from reporters. The following is a translation of the joint statement and the question-and-answer session.

Minister Aung Kyi read the joint statement

In accordance with the invitation by the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi met with Union Minister Aung Kyi at Sane Lae Kan Thar State guesthouse from 13:00 p.m. to 13:55 p.m. on October 30, 2011. During the meeting, we discussed the situation in national affairs, free trade, economic development and the importance of a free cash flow. We also discussed efforts by the state to establish permanent peace with ethnic armed groups, the development of peace talks and a prisoner amnesty. We agreed that the meetings would continue. That’s all.

Question. Aung Hla Tun (Reuters)

Answer: I would like to ask Ma Ma Suu [Suu Kyi]. We recently saw some small constructive developments in Burma’s current politics.  For instance, the granting of amnesty to some political prisoners and also allowing workers’ organizations to organize and stage demonstrations. The latest development is [a bill]amending the Political Parties Registration Law. Are those changes sufficient to re-register the NLD as a political party?  A: Suu Kyi: The fact whether our party, the NLD, will register depends on the law. It’s a matter that we can talk about only after the law is approved [in Parliament]. When the law is approved, we will meet according to the party’s policies and make a decision.

Q: Aung Hla Tun (Reuters): We already know the law’s three main points. I think the legal experts of the NLD also know about it.
A: Aung San Suu Kyi: Yes, But, we are exact. We can talk about it only after we see the law. Before we see the law, we cannot say.

Q: Tin Maung Aye (Asahi Shimbun): The minister and Aung San Suu Kyi have met four times. Mostly, we know that you will cooperate.  Could you tell me in what areas and how you will cooperate in detail, please?
A: Aung Kyi : We issued a statement in August. It said we agreed that we would cooperate for not only the development of democracy and but also in politics, economics and social affairs. I think that is a fairly comprehensive solution.

Aung San Suu Kyi and Union Minister Aung Kyi at a press conference at Sane Lae Kan Thar State guesthouse in Rangoon on October 30, 2011. Photo: Mizzima 

Q. Kyaw Swa Min (Yangon Times): In this meeting, did Aung Kyi and Aung San Suu Kyi discuss the matter regarding re-registration of the NLD, more amnesty and and holding a meeting between Aung San Suu Kyi and the president?
A: Aung San Suu Kyi: We discussed all of those matters. Every time we meet, we discuss those matters. Because, they are related with our reconciliation.
Q. Aye Aye Win (AP): Could you please tell me a little about your discussion on financial affairs? Is it related to the IMF or similar issues?
A: Aung Kyi : We have talked about it recently. If you read carefully, you’ll see. The importance of cash flows and spending covers many things.
Q. (A reporter): Does the government have a plan to release political prisoners soon?
A: Minister Aung Kyi: When we take an action, we usually do it step-by-step. As all of you know, we will not make a [big] jump. But, we will not stop. Thanks to all of you.

US special representative to Burma Derek Mitchell

US special representative to Burma Derek Mitchell


New Delhi (Mizzima) – Derek Mitchell, the U.S. Special representative and policy coordinator for Burma, and Michael Posner, an assistant secretary of state, will arrive in Burma on Tuesday.

It is Mitchell’s third visit to Burma within two months, and the first visit for Posner, the assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

“We have an appointment at 11 a.m. at the [U.S] embassy,” National Democratic Force [NDF] leader Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima on Monday.

On the four-day visit, the U.S. officials will meet with Burmese government officials, political parties including the NDF, National Unity Party [NUP], Democratic Party (Myanmar) and social organizations.

During the meeting, the NDF said it would ask about the U.S. officials’ opinions regarding ways to seek peace inside Burma.

“We will talk about affairs regarding peace because peace is important. Without peace, business cannot be conducted,” NDF leader Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima.
Party officials would also ask about economic sanctions against Burma, he said.

Presently, the U.S. government balances its economic sanctions policy with a policy of engagement and dialogue with the new Burmese government.

The U.S. has urged the new government to release all political prisoners, to hold a tri-partite political dialogue toward national reconciliation and to allow international aid to reach civil war refugees.
NUP spokesman Han Shwe said: “If the U.S. representatives come to Burma frequently for discussions, they will come to understand our country’s conditions and then sanctions are likely to be lifted gradually.”

He said the NUP accepted that democratic change was underway in Burma, and it [NUP] would talk about democracy, human rights and workers’ affairs in the meeting with U.S. officials.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party (Myanmar) noted that although there have been democratic changes in Burma, the process has been slow and there are still human rights violations throughout the country. Thu Wai, the chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar), will also attend the meeting with U.S. officials.

Than Than Nu, the secretary of Democratic Party (Myanmar), said: “They are trying to bring about change. Bur, some processes can be delayed. Some things have been implemented partially. In the past, all political parties could form their own workers’ unions and farmers’ unions. Now, we can’t. So, democratic changes have not been well made.”

U.S. officials also plan to meet with National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders, but the date has not been set.
Ohn Kyaing, the NLD spokesman, told Mizzima the NLD will talk about establishing democracy, human rights and political prisoners.
Derek Mitchell’s last trip to Burma was on October 24.

School headmistress misuse WFP rice

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The school headmistress of Myoma Kayandan Primary school had kept WFP      (World Food Program) rice without distribution to students, according to a parent of a student.

“The headmistress, Daw Mya Thein and her daughter, Shwe Anin Pyu (primary school teacher)  sold out more than 10 sacks of rice which were not distributed to the students.”

“The school is getting every month 200 rice sacks for students who were registered by WFP.”

“The school authority (Headmistress and her daughter) are distributing 10 kilogram rice per student, but  really the student get less than 10 kg  when distributes the rice.”

“The headmistress didn’t distribute rice to the students who are absent at the time while the rice is distributed.”

“Every month, the headmistress had kept WFP rice more than 10 sacks which were sold by her and the money is going to her pocket, not to school development.”

The WFP contributes rice in all primary schools except inside municipal area of Maungdaw, said a school teacher.

“The WFP was going to set up a program to increase students in the rural areas of primary schools by providing rice to the students. But, the program was only collecting the quantity of students, not quality of students.”

“The students who received the rice of WFP, must be passed the final examination whether he/she know learning or not.”

Burma-Bangladesh cooperate meeting held in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held cooperation meeting in Maungdaw yesterday, said a trader from Maungdaw.

“The two border security forces discussed various issues during the cooperate meeting such as the smuggling across the border, border trade, narcotic drug smuggling, border survey, stealing iron barbed wires from Burma-Bangladesh fence area and to play friendship football and Volleyball tournaments.”

According to sources, they also discussed to take back 60 Burmese nationals who have been finished their jail term and still detained in Cox’s Bazar jail, to be released Bangladeshi fishermen and woodcutters who have been detained in Burma jail and to increase and maintain good relation between two countries.”

14 BGB battalion level officers participated in the meeting, led by Chittagong Sector Commander Col. Mohamed Boshirul Islam where 17 Nasaka personnel were attended in the meeting, led by Maungdaw administration officer U Myint Aung Gyi.

The meeting was held at Maungdaw exit/entry Nasaka camp. BGB officers went to Maungdaw at about 8:30 am and returned to Bangladesh at 3:00 pm,

Two Malaysia voyage die in the sea

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Two Malaysia voyage died with diarrhea while on the way to Malayasia on October 28, said a voyage on condition of anonymity.

“An engine boat along with over 80 boat-people (Malaysia voyage) of Rohingya and Bangladeshi people went to Malaysia by sea route from Mitapanissara of Teknaf union, Bangladesh four days ago.”

“They returned to Bangladesh from Bay of Bengal on October 29, after five days at midnight, because of argument among them.”

However, of them, two Rohingyas were died for diarrhea during their way to Malaysia . But, the two deceased bodies were thrown into the sea, said another boat-people.

So, the boat-people returned back and entered to south Habir Sara village of Teknaf union. On being tipped off, a group of police personnel from Teknaf police station rushed to the spot and found empty engine boat on October 30. But, no body was arrested, said an aide of police

But, a rumor was spread out in the border area that another group was preparing to go to Malaysia so that a group of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) could arrest five Malaysia voyagers on October 29 after being conducted an operation in different border area, said a local from Teknaf.

The arrested have been identified as Mohamed Hasim (25), Hafez Ahamed (20), Mohamed Younus (20), Ali Ahamed (80) and Kolim Ullah (16). They all belong to  Maundaw south, in northern Arakan.

However, BGB seized some dry ration from them such as rice-flakes, molasses, cakes and cigarettes during the raid, an official said.

All the arrestees were handed over to Teknaf police station for further interrogation.

According to sources, the Dalal (agent) of the boat-people, took Taka 3,000 from each of the passenger before getting on the boat and will pay Taka 100,000 after arrival at Malaysia.

11-Rohingya pushed back to Burma

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Eleven Rohingya were arrested and pushed back to Burma by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on October 29, said a local from Teknaf.

“They were arrested by BGB from entry point of Shapuri Dip at 10:00 pm in a raid, while they were entering the Bangladesh.”

According to sources, they crossed Burma-Bangladesh border to see their relative in the refugee camps.

Among the arrestees, six-male, a woman and four children in a row boat, source said.

Shabuddin, the Company Commander of BGB out-post from Shapuri Dip confirmed that they were pushed back to Burma later.

On the other hand, BGB from Whykong check-post arrested a Bangladeshi with over 34 tablet boxes of Priton on October 29, which smuggled to Bangladesh from Burma, according to official.

The smuggler was identified Md. Delwar Hossain (28) of Whykon area under Teknaf police station.

Bangladesh police rescue 60 boat-people

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Bangladesh police rescued sixty boat-people, Rohingya and Bangladeshi on October 31, while going to Malaysia with rickety trawler from Bangladesh, according to police official. 

On October 30, at around 1:00pm, an old risky fishing trawler with 60 boat-people were departed for Malaysia from Cox’s Bazar Ghat. After driving seven hours from Cox’s Bazar, on October 31, it reached at the offshore of Bahar Sara Shamlapur - a fishing village- at around 8:30 am, and anchored at the deep sea because of entering water into the trawler, said a returnee from Malasyia boat trip, who denied to be named.

“The passengers were frightening because of shaky position of the trawler. At this moment, the Dalal or Maji (leader) jumped into the sea and fled away. However, one of the passengers drove the trawler to the seashore of Baharsara Shamlapur and reached there at about 9:00am.” 

On tip of information, a group of police led by Sub Inspector Masrul Haque from Bahar Sara police station to the spot where police seized the trawler and also arrested 25 passengers out of 60 people. The other 35 passengers fled away from the scene. If the passengers were not arrested, they will go again to Malaysia by sea route and may be face difficulties, so we rescued them from risky journey, said a police personnel from Shalarpur. 

The arrestees are:- Md. Ayas (22),  Abul Fayas (17), Seraz( 22), Rofique Ullah(25), Abdul Haque(20), Nurul Boshor(20), Md.Ibrahim(24), Abdul Rashid(25), Salim Ullah(23), Anayet Ullah(15), Zoina ( 22),  Sayedur Rahaman(20), Rahamat Ullah (26), Md. Amin (25), Mohamed Nabi ( 21), Ayub Khan(30), Md. Ismail(20), Md. Imran(22), Nabi Hussain(40), Md. Tayub(40), Zamir Hussain( 23), Hussain Zohar (23), Abdul Gafar(20), Sayed Noor(22), and Azim Ullah (25), according to police.

The Dalal (agent) was collecting boat-people from inside Arakan and Bangladesh border side. Most of the boat-people are Rohingyas.

“Most of the boat-people are young who want leaving their motherland because of so many kinds of persecutions and movement restriction which made them jobless” said a youth preferring not to be named.

“One of the boat-people named Ahmed who returned to Bangladesh said, “I give Taka 30,000, before going to Malaysia, and will pay another Taka 70,000 after arriving in Malaysia.” 

Another returnee said, “Dalals or Mazis change their sea route to Malaysia. Earlier, they board passengers from Shapuri Dip, Cox’s Bazar, Moshkhali and Chittagong, but now; they board passengers from Patuakali to evade the disturbance of concerned authorities.”