Human Rights Watch is accusing Burmese soldiers of “serious abuses” against civilians in northern Kachin state, including enslavement and murder. The Burmese military launched an offensive against the rebel Kachin Independence Army in June. Human Rights Watch says soldiers attacked and occupied numerous villages in Kachin state, confiscating residents’ property and belongings. The rights group […]
HRW Says Burmese Military Abusing Ethnic Civilians
Posted October 18th, 2011 at 3:05 am (UTC-5)
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Minerals, Development Aid Top Agenda for Burma-Japan Talks
Posted October 18th, 2011 at 1:25 am (UTC-5)
Burma’s mineral wealth and a resumption of Japanese development assistance are expected to be discussed when Burmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin arrives in Japan Thursday on the first such visit in 16 years. The foreign minister’s trip is the latest in a series of moves by the new Burmese government to engage with its […]
US Calls On Burma To Release More Prisoners
Posted October 17th, 2011 at 5:55 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. special envoy to Burma has welcomed the East Asian country’s recent moves to release political prisoners but says more prisoners must be freed if Burma wants to transform its relationship with the United States. Derek Mitchell told reporters Monday the United States is seeing a trend toward greater openness in Burma, but said […]
India, Burma Strengthen Economic Ties
Posted October 14th, 2011 at 8:25 am (UTC-5)
The leaders of India and Burma have pledged to strengthen economic ties and take their countries’ friendship to a new level. During Friday’s talks in New Delhi, Burmese President Thein Sein and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to increase cooperation in oil and gas exploration. The Burmese leader said he would encourage more Indian […]
UN Chief “Following Closely” Release of Political Prisoners in Burma
Posted October 13th, 2011 at 9:50 pm (UTC-5)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he is following closely the release of political prisoners by Burma’s government as part of the amnesty granted by President Thein Sein. In a statement Thursday, Mr. Ban said he welcomes the release of a number of prominent figures. However, he expressed hope that the government will ensure the […]
Movie About Aung San Suu Kyi to Open Rome Film Festival
Posted October 13th, 2011 at 4:05 pm (UTC-5)
A movie about the life of Burma’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will open the international film festival in Rome later this month. Organizers announced Thursday that the film “The Lady” by French director Luc Besson will open the festival October 27. It will be shown out of competition. Hong Kong-based actress Michelle Yeoh, […]
Burma Frees 200 Dissidents, Rights Groups Say Not Enough
Posted October 12th, 2011 at 5:00 pm (UTC-5)
Burma’s main opposition group says the government has freed about 200 jailed dissidents in its latest gesture of political reform, but rights groups say it it not enough. The 200 are among the more than 6,000 inmates from around the country who are being freed on what the Burmese government calls humanitarian grounds. The most […]
Burma Frees At Least 183 Dissidents, Rights Groups Say Not Enough
Posted October 12th, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC-5)
Burma’s main opposition group says the government has released at least 183 jailed dissidents in its latest gesture of political reform, but rights groups criticized the move as insufficient. The National League for Democracy said some of the dissidents freed Wednesday are party members, but the exact number was unclear because of difficulties in contacting […]
Burmese Prison Release Includes Dozens of Political Prisoners
Posted October 12th, 2011 at 8:10 am (UTC-5)
Human rights and Burmese opposition groups say more than 100 political prisoners have been released as part of a mass amnesty affecting thousands of inmates. Among the most prominent of those freed Wednesday was a popular comedian named Zarganar , who angered the government by criticizing its response to a deadly cyclone in 2008. Rights […]
Burmese Prison Release Includes Dozens of Political Prisoners
Posted October 12th, 2011 at 6:30 am (UTC-5)
Burmese opposition and human rights groups say the government released dozens of political prisoners Wednesday, including a popular comedian. Members of Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy said the organization has identified more than 100 political prisoners who were included in a mass amnesty covering thousands of criminals. Among those freed was comedian Zarganar , […]
