The U.S. Embassy in Burma has announced the arrival of Washington’s first ambassador to the country in 22 years. The embassy in Rangoon said Ambassador Derek Mitchell arrived Wednesday and would travel to Naypyitaw to present his credentials to President Thein Sein. Mitchell previously served as special envoy to Burma. The United States has been […]
First US Ambassador to Burma in 22 Years Arrives in Rangoon
Aung San Suu Kyi Makes Debut in Burma’s Parliament
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has made her historic debut in parliament. The Nobel Peace Prize winner took her seat in Burma’s lower house of parliament for the first time Monday in the administrative capital, Naypyidaw. Aung San Suu Kyi’s presence marks a new phase in her long struggle to bring democracy to […]
Burmese Student Leaders Released
Burmese authorities have released at least 20 student activists detained Friday in four cities and held overnight at undisclosed locations. The students were detained in Rangoon, Mandalay, Lashio, and Shwebo late Friday, ahead of Saturday’s 50th anniversary commemoration of the brutal suppression of a student movement. In 1962 the military bombed the Rangoon University student […]
Burma Activists Protest Arrest of Student Leaders
Burmese activists are calling for the immediate release of at least 16 student leaders detained Friday in four cities. The students were detained ahead of Saturday’s commemoration of a brutal 1962 suppression of a student movement when the military bombed the Rangoon University student union building, killing at least 15 students. Among those arrested Friday […]
Burma’s VP Resigns in Reshuffle That Could Boost Reforms
Burma has confirmed the resignation of a conservative vice president as part of a Cabinet reshuffle that reformist lawmakers hope will reduce the influence of anti-reform figures in the government. The speaker for Burma’s two houses of parliament announced the departure of Vice President Tin Aung Myint Oo for health reasons on Wednesday, as the […]
Burma President Considering Cabinet Reshuffle to Accelerate Change: Reports
Burmese President Thein Sein is reported to be planning to reshuffle his cabinet and appoint a new vice president as part of an effort to push for quicker reforms in the Southeast Asian nation. Senior government officials were quoted in reports Wednesday as saying the president will soon drop several hardliner government ministers who were […]
Burma Parliament Reconvenes with Focus on Economy
Burma’s parliament reconvenes Wednesday, with lawmakers set to begin debate on a series of laws aimed at developing the impoverished country’s long-stagnant economy. The new session of the National Assembly is a key test for rapidly changing Burma, which has made a series of dramatic political reforms since its long-time military rulers stepped aside last […]
Burma Frees 20 Political Prisoners in General Amnesty
Burma has freed more than 20 political prisoners as part of a general amnesty the government says is aimed at promoting national reconciliation. Burmese rights activists said the dissidents were among a group of 46 prisoners granted amnesties by President Thein Sein on Tuesday. State media said the government freed an additional 34 foreign prisoners […]
Burma Frees 20 Political Prisoners in General Amnesty
Burma has freed at least 20 political prisoners as part of a general amnesty the government says is aimed at promoting “national unity.” The state-run New Light of Myanmar says 46 prisoners were released Tuesday, under an order by President Thein Sein. It also says 34 foreign prisoners were deported. Activists say among those released […]
Burma Frees 46 Prisoners: State Media
Burmese state media say 46 prisoners have been freed as part of a general amnesty aimed at promoting “national unity.” The state-run New Light of Myanmar says 37 men and nine women were freed Tuesday, under an order by President Thein Sein. It also says 34 foreign prisoners were deported. But, it does not mention […]