BURMA BULLETIN

A month-in-review of events in Burma

A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A

campaigns,

advocacy

&

capacity-building

for

human

rights

&

democracy

Issue 55

July 2011

Tatmadaw military operations against armed ethnic groups in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States cause ongoing displacement and serious abuses against civilians, including the rape of women. Over 20,000 people are displaced in Kachin State alone but the regime stops NGOs from providing assistance. The regime rejects requests for mediation by ethnic political parties and pursues war as its final solution to the conflict. The regime reshuffles and sacks numerous top military officials. Two high-ranking diplomats at the Burmese Embassy in Washington defect. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi draws large crowds in her first trip outside of Rangoon in eight years. She also leads a march of over 3,000 people to mark the anniversary of Martyrs Day in Rangoon. ASEAN continues to stall over a decision on whether to allow the regime to chair ASEAN in 2014. At the ASEAN Regional Forum, the US expresses concerns over Burmas impact on regional security. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urges India to engage the regime and push for democracy and the release of political prisoners. Delhi supplies the regime with weapons and ammunition. US House of Representatives votes unanimously to renew sanctions against the regime for another year. UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon urges the regime to release all political prisoners. Revenues from the regimes latest gem sale are down 46% from the March auction. KEY STORY

IN THIS ISSUE KEY STORY

2 Kachin State: 20,000 IDPs 3 Shan State: SSA-N targeted 4 Karen State: conflict continues

INSIDE BURMA
4 4 5 5 6 Regime reshuffles Diplomats defect Daw Suu draws crowds Martyrs Day demonstration Daw Suu meets Aung Kyi

HUMAN RIGHTS
6 Reports of crimes continue 7 NLD member arrested 7 Political prisoners denied rights

DISPLACEMENT
7 Migrant workers strike 7 Migrant registration in Thailand 8 Malaysia postpones amnesty

INTERNATIONAL
8 8 9 9 Burma a thorn in ASEANs side Clinton presses Delhi on Burma UN urges release of dissidents Australian FM visits Burma

ECONOMY
9 Gem sale revenues fall by 46% 9 Construction projects halted 10 Oil and gas bids 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS 12 REPORTS
_____________________________________ Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly! email publications@altsean.org Online copies are available for download at www.altsean.org

In July, war continued in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States. Tatmadaw military operations against ethnic armed groups resulted in ongoing displacement and serious abuses against civilians. Apart from some empty gestures regarding negotiations,1 the regime adopted a military solution. On 27 July, during a meeting in Naypyidaw, the regimes Election Commission Chairman Tin Aye rejected the offer made by five ethnic political parties to facilitate talks between the regime and ethnic armies.2
1

Irrawaddy (07 Jul 11) Karen BGF Talks Break Down; Tensions Remain High; Mizzima News (14 Jul 11) USDP leaders discuss cease-fire negotiations in Myitkyina; Irrawaddy (18 Jul 11) 28 Govt. Troops Killed in Ambush: KIA; Kachin News Group (26 Jul 11) Burmese government and KIO to sign ceasefire agreement; Mizzima News (27 Jul 11) Two monks approach the Shan State Army-North with a cease-fire offer 2 Mizzima News (27 Jul 11) EC chairman urges all political parties to oppose Western sanctions; Irrawaddy (27 Jul 11) A Top Govt. Official Downplays Peace Proposal; Khonumthung News (28 Jul 11) Five ethnic political parties want Peace Commission

TEL

P O BOX 296, LARDPRAO POST OFFICE, BANGKOK 10310, THAILAND 081 850 9008 [6681] 850 9008 EMAIL publications@altsean.org WEB www.altsean.org

On 28 July, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called on President Thein Sein, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the Karen National Union (KNU) the New Mon State Party (NMSP), and the Shan State Army (SSA) to pursue national reconciliation through political dialogue.3 Kachin State: Number of IDPs reaches 20,000, NGOs barred from helping In July, the Tatmadaw deployed additional troops in Southern Kachin State and advanced towards the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) headquarters in Laiza, Momauk Township:4 20 July: A column of Tatmadaw soldiers entered Nalon Village, about six kilometers from Laiza. Another Tatmadaw column reached Dabatyang Village, around 50 kilometers from Laiza.5 21 July: Tatmadaw troops from IB 142 fired artillery shells at a KIA Battalion 24 base on a hill located less than two kilometers from Laiza.6 25 July: Tatmadaw troops from IBs 21 and 37 skirmished with KIA forces about 30 kilometers northeast of Laiza.7 The Tatmadaw offensive caused more residents to flee. Most residents fled to temporary camps in Laiza while others sought refuge in the jungle.8 In late July, aid groups estimated that the number of IDPs had reached 20,000.9 On 7 July, the regime threatened to withdraw the registration of local NGOs if they gave aid to Kachin IDPs. NGOs had to sign a pledge not to provide assistance to the IDPs.10 In addition to the Tatmadaw offensive on the KIA headquarters, fighting occurred in other areas of Kachin State: 2 July: KIA Battalion 5 forces killed two Tatmadaw soldiers in a clash with IB 141 in Mohnyin Township.11 3 July: Tatmadaw forces from LIB 348 and IBs 236 and 144 exchanged heavy fire with KIA Battalion 15 soldiers in Sang Gang Valley, Momauk Township.12 7 July: KIA forces killed about 30 Tatmadaw soldiers in an ambush on a military convoy on the Bhamo-Myitkyina road in Momauk Township.13 10-11: Tatmadaw troops fired mortar shells on KIA Battalions 15 and 25 near the Tarpein hydropower dam site in Momauk Township.14 16-17 July: After two days of intense fighting between Tatmadaw IB 21 and KIA forces from Battalion 18 and 23, KIA troops killed at least 10 Tatmadaw soldiers and captured seven in Hka Ya Village in Waingmaw Township.15 19 July: KIA Battalion 12 forces killed four Tatmadaw soldiers from LIB 348 during fighting at Kha Chin Village, Mansi Township.16 25 July: Tatmadaw troops from IB 121 clashed with KIA Battalion 10 forces in Chipwi Township.17
3 AP (28 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi seeks end to ethnic fighting; Reuters (28 Jul 11) Aung Suu Kyi urges ceasefire in ethnic conflicts; AFP (28 Jul 11) Suu Kyi calls for Myanmar ceasefire; VOA (28 Jul 11) Burma Democracy Leader Urges Talks to End Ethnic Conflicts; DPA (29 Jul 11) Myanmar opposition leader calls for ceasefire with rebel groups; Irrawaddy (28 Jul 11) Suu Kyi: Ready to Help Resolve Ethnic Conflicts; Mizzima News (28 Jul 11) Suu Kyis Open Letter calls for immediate cease-fire in ethnic areas; Chinland Guardian (28 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Calls for End to Armed Hostilities 4 Irrawaddy (22 Jul 11) Burmese Military Reinforces Troops near KIO Bases; Kachin News Group (20 Jul 11) Burmese Army to start full-scale offensive against Kachin minority; DVB (21 Jul 11) Burmese troops close in on Laiza; Mizzima News (15 Jul 11) Negotiating recording to be played for President Thein Sein 5 DVB (21 Jul 11) Burmese troops close in on Laiza 6 DVB (22 Jul 11) Bridges blown, army shells Kachin base; Kachin News Group (23 Jul 11) China limits border crossings after Burmese mortar fire on the KIO capital; Mizzima News (22 Jul 11) Government troops moving closer to Laiza; heavy shelling in area; Irrawaddy (22 Jul 11) Burmese Military Reinforces Troops near KIO Bases 7 Kachin News Group (25 Jul 11) Burmese-Kachin fighting takes place at three locations 8 Kachin News Group (21 Jul 11) China supplies medicine to Kachin refugees for first time 9 Irrawaddy (25 Jul 11) More Refugees Flee to Border Fearing War 10 Mizzima News (11 Jul 11) Burmese government blocks aid to Kachin war refugees 11 Mizzima News (05 Jul 11) Road traffic increasing around Laiza; bus fares high; Kachin News Group (04 Jul 11) War continues between KIA and Burmese army 12 Kachin News Group (04 Jul 11) War continues between KIA and Burmese army 13 DVB (08 Jul 11) Kachin army ambush leaves 30 dead 14 Irrawaddy (11 Jul 11) Fresh Govt. Attack on KIA at Hydropower Dam 15 Kachin News Group (18 Jul 11) KIA captures 7 Burmese soldiers in Hka Ya war; Mizzima News (20 Jul 11) KIO captures seven Burmese soldiers in fighting 16 Kachin News Group (19 Jul 11) Burmese battalion commander and three troops killed by KIA; Mizzima News (20 Jul 11) KIO captures seven Burmese soldiers in fighting

 25 July: Tatmadaw troops from IB 141 and 142 clashed with KIA Battalion 5 forces in Mohnyin Township.18 26 July: KIA Battalion 6 forces killed four Tatmadaw soldiers from IB 105 during an ambush on a military convoy on the Namti-Hpakant road near Kamaing, Hpakant Township.19 27 July: KIA forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers on the Myitkyina-Bhamo road in Katsu Village, Waingmaw Township.20 Throughout the ongoing Tatmadaw offensive, the KIA and its political arm, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) continued efforts to achieve a ceasefire: 8 July: The KIO sent a letter to the regime to call for a ceasefire that included all ethnic armed groups in Burma.21 12-13 July: The KIO held a meeting with over 120 delegates at the KIA headquarters in Laiza to discuss a ceasefire plan.22 The meeting expressed support for a ceasefire that included all ethnic armed groups in Burma followed by political dialogue.23 Shan State: Tatmadaw targets SSA-N base The Tatmadaw stepped up military operations and deployed at least 14 battalions in preparation for a major attack on the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) headquarters in Wanhai, Kyethi Township.24 Military operations included the shelling of areas surrounding Wanhai and the use of two MiG 29 fighter jets for reconnaissance missions.25 Tatmadaw and SSA-N troops continued to clash in several other townships. Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) forces participated in the hostilities by ambushing Tatmadaw convoys: 7 July: SSA-N Brigade 1 forces killed two Tatmadaw soldiers from LIB 325 in Hsipaw Township.26 9 July: SSA-S forces killed several Tatmadaw soldiers from LIB 513 in an ambush on the TaunggyiLoilem road in Taunggyi Township.27 13 July: SSA-N forces ambushed Tatmadaw troops in Hsipaw, Kyethi, and Monghsu Townships.28 26 July: SSA-S forces ambushed a Tatmadaw convoy heading towards Mongyawng Township.29 27 July: SSA-N forces and Tatmadaw troops clashed in Hsipaw and Monghsu Townships.30 Civilians continued to bear the brunt of the ongoing Tatmadaw offensive: 2-5 July: About 200 Tatmadaw soldiers from IB 64 and LIBs 513 and 577 detained more than 90 local villagers during military operations in Monghsu Township.31 5 July: Tatmadaw soldiers from LIB 513 raped three women and a 12-year-old girl in Kyethi Township.32 11 July: Fighting between Tatmadaw troops and SSA-N forces displaced residents of more than 20 villages located in Kyethi and Mongyai Townships.33
17 18

Kachin News Group (25 Jul 11) Burmese-Kachin fighting takes place at three locations Kachin News Group (25 Jul 11) Burmese-Kachin fighting takes place at three locations 19 Kachin News Group (27 Jul 11) 4 Burmese soldiers killed, 12 injured by KIA ambush 20 Kachin News Group (27 Jul 11) 4 Burmese soldiers killed, 12 injured by KIA ambush 21 Kachin News Group (14 Jul 11) Kachins reject ceasefire with untrusted Burmese government; Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) Government must offer nationwide cease-fire: KIO 22 Kachin News Group (14 Jul 11) Kachins reject ceasefire with untrusted Burmese government 23 Kachin News Group (14 Jul 11) Kachins reject ceasefire with untrusted Burmese government; Kachin News Group (19 Jul 11) Burmese battalion commander and three troops killed by KIA 24 SHAN (06 Jul 11) Newsflash; SHAN (12 Jul 11) Newsflash; SHAN (13 Jul 11) Junta armys road link outpost overrun by Shan rebels; Mizzima News (14 Jul 11) SSA troops bombed by government aircraft: SSA; SHAN (13 Jul 11) Junta armys road link outpost overrun by Shan rebels; SHAN (14 Jul 11) Junta plane visits battlefield; DVB (18 Jul 11) Burmese shelling forces SSA from bases; Irrawaddy (19 Jul 11) Burmese Army Launches Major Offensive in Shan State; SHAN (20 Jul 11) Three regional armies against Shan HQ; SHAN (25 Jul 11) Final assault on SSA yet to materialize; Irrawaddy (26 Jul 11) Burmese Army Begin Major Offensive in Shan State; Mizzima News (27 Jul 11) Two monks approach the Shan State Army-North with a cease-fire offer 25 SHAN (14 Jul 11) Junta plane visits battlefield; DVB (18 Jul 11) Burmese shelling forces SSA from bases 26 SHAN (08 Jul 11) Campaign stalemate, war goes on 27 DVB (13 Jul 11) Clash in Shan State leaves at least six dead 28 SHAN (15 Jul 11) Junta reinforcements waylaid 29 SHAN (27 Jul 11) Rank-and-file hardships taking toll on Tatmadaw unity 30 SHAN (28 Jul 11) SSA North not left out in the cold: Spokesman 31 SHAN (07 Jul 11) Newsflash 32 SWAN (14 Jul 11) Rape cases documented during Burma Army offensive in northern Shan State since 13 March 2001

Karen State: Fighting continues Fighting continued between Tatmadaw troops and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) forces: Early July: Tatmadaw forces regained control of the local BGF headquarters in Myainggyingu, Hlaingbwe Township.34 2 July: KNLA Brigade 7 forces killed at least two Tatmadaw soldiers in an ambush on LIB 547 troops in Hlaingbwe Township.35 19-20 July: Joint forces from Tatmadaw LIB 357 and BGF 1022 fired artillery shells into DKBAcontrolled areas about five kilometers southeast of Myawaddy.36 21 July: Joint Tatmadaw and BGF forces fired mortar shells on DKBA troops in Myawaddy Township.37 INSIDE BURMA Reshuffle reveals regimes instability Less than four months after taking over from the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the regime reshuffled and sacked numerous top military officials: 1 July: The regime reassigned six Tatmadaw Regional Command Commanders.38 In addition, Sr Gen Than Shwes former personal security officer Maj Gen Soe Shein replaced Maj Gen Kyaw Swe as head of the regimes intelligence agency, the Military Affairs Security (MAS).39 5 July: The regime fired Southern Command Commander Brig Gen Tun Than over allegations of corruption.40 22 July: The regime fired Bureau of Special Operations-5 (BSO-5) Chief Lt Gen Tin Ngwe over allegations of corruption.41 In addition, in early July the regime completed a ministerial reshuffle at the Division and State level which began in late June. Following the reshuffle, ethnic nationality parties remained unrepresented in ministerial positions, with over 60% of the ministers in the seven ethnic States belonging to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).42 Diplomats defect In a move that signaled growing dissatisfaction with the regimes policies, two high-ranking diplomats at the Burmese Embassy in Washington defected: 4 July: Deputy Head of Mission Kyaw Win defected and requested asylum in the US.43 In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Kyaw Win said that the regime considered him dangerous
Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) As fighting continues, Shan refugees seek safety in jungle Irrawaddy (11 Jul 11) Pro-government Force Retakes Karen BGF Headquarters 35 Irrawaddy (04 Jul 11) Burma Officers Killed in KNLA Ambush; KIC (09 Jul 11) Deadly ambush kills Burma army officers 36 Mizzima News (21 Jul 11) Government troops open artillery barrage near Myawaddy 37 Irrawaddy (22 Jul 11) Burmese Military Reinforces Troops near KIO Bases 38 Irrawaddy (04 Jul 11) Regional Commanders Reshuffled; DVB (06 Jul 11) Than Shwe disciple to head Burmas intelligence 39 DVB (06 Jul 11) Than Shwe disciple to head Burmas intelligence 40 Irrawaddy (07 Jul 11) Rangoon Commander Dismissed; Mizzima News (07 Jul 11) Brigadier General Tun Than, commander of Rangoon Command, is dismissed 41 Irrawaddy (28 Jul 11) Five Military Generals under Investigation in Naypyidaw; Mizzima News (27 Jul 11) Major generals sacking example of clean government? 42 NLM (02 Jul 11) Rakhine State Ministers reshuffled; NLM (02 Jul 11) Ayeyawady Region Ministers reshuffled; NLM (06 Jul 11) Rearrangement of Ministers of Kayin State; NLM (02 Jul 11) Magway Region Ministers reshuffled; NLM (02 Jul 11) Mandalay Region Ministers reshuffled; NLM (09 Jul 11) Mon State Ministers reshuffled; NLM (02 Jul 11) Shan State Ministers reshuffled; NLM (02 Jul 11) Taninthayi Region Ministers reshuffled 43 AFP (04 Jul 11) Number two at Myanmar embassy in US seeks asylum; Reuters (04 Jul 11) Myanmar diplomat defects in Washington: report; Reuters (05 Jul 11) Myanmar envoy seeks asylum, U.S. pressure on rulers; VOA (03 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Defects to US; Mizzima News (04 Jul 11) Top Burmese diplomat seeks political asylum in US; Irrawaddy (04 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Seeks Asylum in US
34 33

because he had recommended actions to improve US-Burma relations.44 Kyaw Win said that after the November 2010 elections senior military officials in Burma had consolidated their grip on power and sought to stamp out pro-democracy voices.45 Kyaw Win urged the US to push for the establishment of a UN-mandated Commission of Inquiry on serious international crimes in Burma and called on Washington to strengthen targeted financial sanctions against the regime and its cronies.46 13 July: First Secretary Soe Aung defected after the regime ordered him to return to Burma for questioning in connection with the defection of Kyaw Win.47 Daw Suu draws crowds in Central Burma trip On 4 July, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her son, Kim Aris began a four-day private visit to the ancient city of Pagan in Mandalay Division. It was Daw Aung San Suu Kyis first trip outside Rangoon since the Depayin massacre in May 2003.48 Although being closely watched by plainclothes police throughout her trip, Daw Suu nevertheless drew large crowds of supporters.49 On the last day of her visit, about 1,000 people greeted her at a local market.50 Pro-democracy demonstration marks Martyrs Day On 19 July, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi took part in several commemorative ceremonies for the 64th anniversary of Martyrs Day in Rangoon: In the largest demonstrations since the Saffron Revolution, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi led more than 3,000 supporters in a march from the NLD headquarters to the Martyrs Mausoleum.51 Earlier in the day, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offered food to 10 monks at her home in Rangoon before attending the regime official ceremony at the Martyrs Mausoleum.52 Daw Suu also joined a crowd of about 2,000 people, including NLD members, veteran politicians, and foreign diplomats, to attend a Martyrs Day ceremony at the NLD headquarters.53 During the

AP (05 Jul 11) Myanmar diplomat defects, warns of oppression; Reuters (05 Jul 11) Myanmar envoy seeks asylum, U.S. pressure on rulers; Washington Post (05 Jul 11) Burmese diplomat seeks asylum in U.S. AP (05 Jul 11) Myanmar diplomat defects, warns of oppression; AFP (04 Jul 11) Number two at Myanmar embassy in US seeks asylum; Reuters (04 Jul 11) Myanmar diplomat defects in Washington: report; VOA (03 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Defects to US; Washington Post (05 Jul 11) Burmese diplomat seeks asylum in U.S.; Irrawaddy (04 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Seeks Asylum in US; Mizzima News (04 Jul 11) Top Burmese diplomat seeks political asylum in US 46 AP (05 Jul 11) Myanmar diplomat defects, warns of oppression; VOA (03 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Defects to US; Reuters (05 Jul 11) Myanmar envoy seeks asylum, U.S. pressure on rulers; Washington Post (05 Jul 11) Burmese diplomat seeks asylum in U.S.; RFA (06 Jul 11) Defection Could Show Reforms Unlikely; Mizzima News (04 Jul 11) Top Burmese diplomat seeks political asylum in US; DVB (06 Jul 11) Ex-Burmese diplomat urges tougher sanctions; DVB (06 Jul 11) Ex-Burmese diplomat urges tougher sanctions 47 AP (13 Jul 11) 2nd diplomat defects from Myanmar mission in Washington, former colleague says; VOA (13 Jul 11) Burmese Diplomat Defects, Cites Fears for Safety; Mizzima News (14 Jul 11) A second Burmese diplomat seeks political asylum in US; Irrawaddy (14 Jul 11) Burma's Foreign Ministry Hit by Another Defection 48 AFP (04 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi on first trip since release; AP (04 Jul 11) Myanmars pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi makes private trip into countryside, 1st since release; Reuters (04 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi travels for first time since release; BBC (04 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi makes first trip since her release; VOA (04 Jul 11) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Travels to Temple City; Mizzima News (04 Jul 11) Suu Kyi flies to Bagan on her first trip outside Rangoon; Irrawaddy (04 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Leaves Rangoon, Arrives in Pagan; Chinland Guardian (04 Jul 11) Suu Kyi and Son Travel Despite Threats by Burma's Junta; NLD (08 Jul 11) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her son's Bagan trip ended 49 AP (04 Jul 11) Myanmars pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi makes private trip into countryside, 1st since release; AFP (04 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi on first trip since release; BBC (04 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi makes first trip since her release; AP (05 Jul 11) Myanmar democracy leader Suu Kyis private trip draws onlookers, police; Irrawaddy (05 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Congratulates Yingluck, Tours Pagan; Reuters (05 Jul 11) Suu Kyi keeps low profile on upcountry trip; AFP (06 Jul 11) Suu Kyi gets emotional reception on Myanmar holiday; Irrawaddy (07 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Draws Crowds in Pagan; DPA (08 Jul 11) Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi carries off "successful" pilgrimage 50 AP (07 Jul 11) Biggest crowd so far greets Myanmar democracy icon Suu Kyi as she winds up private trip; AFP (08 Jul 11) Politics still 'off limits' for Suu Kyi after tour; Mizzima News (08 Jul 11) On first trip outside Rangoon, people warmly greet Suu Kyi 51 AP (19 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi leads memorial march for father; VOA (19 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi Leads Hundreds in Martyrs Day March; Irrawaddy (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Attends Martyrs' Day Ceremony; Chinland Guardian (19 Jul 11) Burma Martyrs' Day Protest in London; 52 AP (19 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi leads memorial march for father; NLD (19 Jul 11) Offering swan to monks dedicating to martyrs; Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi pays homage to fallen heroes at Martyrs Mausoleum; VOA (19 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi Leads Hundreds in Martyrs Day March; Irrawaddy (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Attends Martyrs' Day Ceremony; Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi thanks Burmese govt for cooperation on Martyrs Day; Chinland Guardian (19 Jul 11) Burma Martyrs' Day Protest in London 53 NLD (19 Jul 11) Martyrs' Day held at NLD's headquarters; Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi thanks Burmese govt for cooperation on Martyrs Day
45

44

ceremony, the NLD issued a statement that urged the regime to hold meaningful dialogue with prodemocracy forces and to release all political prisoners.54 NLD members held Martyrs Day ceremonies in Kachin, Karen, and Mon States and in Irrawaddy, Magwe, Mandalay, Pegu, Sagaing, and Tenasserim Divisions.55 Aung Kyi meets Daw Suu - again In an effort to persuade ASEAN that Burma deserves the 2014 ASEAN Chair, the regime once again enlisted Labor Minister Aung Kyi to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On 25 July, 18 months after their last meeting, the two met at the Seinle Kantha state guesthouse in Rangoon.56 Details of the talks were not disclosed but NLD sources revealed that Aung Kyi urged Daw Suu to re-register the NLD as an official party.57 After the meeting, Aung Kyi told reporters that the meeting was a first step towards further cooperation.58 Daw Suu merely said that she was expecting results that can benefit the country.59 HUMAN RIGHTS Crimes against humanity, war crimes exposed Reports of crimes against humanity and war crimes continued to be documented: 13 July: Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) released a joint report titled Dead men walking: convict porters on the front lines in Eastern Burma.60 The report detailed the serious and systematic abuses committed by Tatmadaw soldiers against prisoners forced to carry military supplies in Burmas conflict zones. According to the report, in January 2011 the Tatmadaw forced at least 1,200 prisoners from prisons and labor camps across Burma to carry military supplies during the ongoing offensive in Karen State and Eastern Pegu Division.61 In addition, Tatmadaw soldiers routinely forced the convict porters to walk in front of troop columns to act as human shields and human minesweepers.62 The report urged the international community to support the establishment of a UN-mandated Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Burma.63

NLD (19 Jul 11) NLD statement and Chairman's speech on 64th Martyrs' Day; NLD (19 Jul 11) Martyrs' Day held at NLD's headquarters; VOA (19 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi Leads Hundreds in Martyrs Day March 55 NLD (19 Jul 11) Offering swan to monks dedicating to martyrs; Mizzima News (19 Jul 11) Suu Kyi thanks Burmese govt for cooperation on Martyrs Day 56 AP (25 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi holds rare meeting with government official; Reuters (25 Jul 11) Myanmar's Suu Kyi holds rare talks with minister; DPA (25 Jul 11) Myanmar government initiates talks with opposition leader; AFP (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi holds first talks with new Myanmar govt; NLD (25 Jul 11) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met Union Minister U Aung Kyi; NLM (26 Jul 11) Union Minister U Aung Kyi and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi issue press release; Xinhua (25 Jul 11) Myanmar government official, Aung San Suu Kyi issue joint statement after meeting; Independent (26 Jul 11) Suu Kyi meets with 'new' regime; Irrawaddy (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Meets Govt Minister; DVB (25 Jul 11) Govt and Suu Kyi satisfied with talks; Asian Tribune (26 Jul 11) Suu Kyi has talks with Myanmar Minister; Chinland Guardian (26 Jul 11) Regime Meets Suu Kyi Amidst Warnings Against Her Political Role; Mizzima News (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi meets with high-level Burmese govt official; Mizzima News (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi satisfied with meeting with govt minister; more to follow 57 Irrawaddy (27 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Pressured to Register Party During Talks 58 AFP (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi holds first talks with new Myanmar govt; NLM (26 Jul 11) Union Minister U Aung Kyi, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hold talks, answer correspondents questions; Irrawaddy (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi Meets Govt Minister; DVB (25 Jul 11) Govt and Suu Kyi satisfied with talks; Telegraph (25 Jul 11) Aung San Suu Kyi holds first talks with new Burma government 59 AFP (25 Jul 11) Suu Kyi holds first talks with new Myanmar govt; NLM (26 Jul 11) Union Minister U Aung Kyi, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hold talks, answer correspondents questions; DPA (25 Jul 11) Myanmar government initiates talks with opposition leader; Asian Tribune (26 Jul 11) Suu Kyi has talks with Myanmar Minister 60 AP (13 Jul 11) Rights group: Myanmar uses 'convict slave labor'; Time (13 Jul 11) Why Being Forced into Military Labor Can Be a Death Sentence for Convicts in Burma; DPA (13 Jul 11) Rights group: Myanmar army uses convicts as forced labour; Reuters (13 Jul 11) Myanmar army turning prisoners into war zone porters: groups; IRIN (13 Jul 11) MYANMAR: Military porters "worked to death"; VOA (13 Jul 11) Rights Groups Say Burma Army Using Prison Labor on Front Lines; ABC (13 Jul 11) Prisoners work as Burma 'pack mules': rights group; Irrawaddy (13 Jul 11) From Jailhouse to Minefield; KIC (13 Jul 11) Deadmen Walking; DVB (13 Jul 11) Rights groups condemn war crime use of convict porters; Mizzima News (14 Jul 11) Human Rights Watch: Burmas use of porters a war crime 61 HRW/KHRG (13 Jul 11) Dead Men Walking - Convict Porters on the Front Lines in Eastern Burma 62 HRW/KHRG (13 Jul 11) Dead Men Walking - Convict Porters on the Front Lines in Eastern Burma 63 HRW/KHRG (13 Jul 11) Dead Men Walking - Convict Porters on the Front Lines in Eastern Burma

54

 13 July: It was reported that from January to July 2011, the ILO office in Rangoon received 424 complaints concerning recruitment of child soldiers. There were also 12 reports of children being imprisoned for desertion with only four having been released.64 NLD member arrested On 19 July, police in Tatkon, Mandalay Division, arrested NLD member Pho Htaung under the Immigration Act. Police accused Pho Htaung, a Muslim, of traveling to Meikhtila to attend a Martyrs Day ceremony without first requesting permission from the authorities.65 Political prisoners denied rights 7 July: Regime authorities in Monywa prison, Sagaing Division, withdrew visitation rights to political prisoner Nobel Aye aka Hnin May Aung after she urged high-ranking regime officials to withdraw recent public statements that claimed there were no political prisoners in Burma.66 14 July: Regime authorities in Rangoons Insein prison rejected a request by political prisoner Nay Myo Zin to receive medical treatment outside the prison for spinal fracture.67 DISPLACEMENT Migrant workers in Thailand strike over wages 7 July: More than 400 Burmese workers at one of the PTK shoe factories located near the ThaiBurma border town of Three Pagodas Pass, Kanchanaburi Province, demanded a 20 baht (US$0.67) increase in daily wages.68 On 8 July, PTK owners agreed to raise daily wages by 15 baht (US$0.50) after the strike grew to include more than 2,000 workers from all five PTK factories.69 Workers will now earn 85 baht to 130 baht (US$2.80- 4.30) per day.70 12 July: More than 300 Burmese workers from the Watana Footwear Factory in Three Pagodas Pass began a three-day strike to demand adequate pay, reasonable working hours, and the provision of clean drinking water.71 On 19 July, Watana Footwear workers returned to work after their employer agreed to increase salaries by 15 baht (US$0.50) per day following negotiations.72 27 July: It was reported that Watana Footwear Factory sacked 40 Burmese workers who led the strikes. In addition, Thai bosses distributed a list of names to factories in the area to warn other people against employing the workers.73 Migrant worker registration period ends, arrests resume On 14 July, the deadline for the latest migrant worker registration process in Thailand ended. The process targeted unregistered and undocumented migrant workers and previously registered migrant workers who had failed to apply for work permits or whose work permits had expired.74 Out of 984,535 migrant workers, 643,095 from Burma registered.75 Officially, a worker had to pay 3,980 baht (US$133) to register, but most Burmese workers registered through brokers at a cost of 5,000 to 7,000 baht (US$ 167 to 233). Those in the fishing industry enjoy an extended grace period until August.76
Irrawaddy (14 Jul 11) Child Soldier Complaints on the Rise in Burma: ILO DVB (22 Jul 11) Arrest dampens Martyrs Day jubilance 66 Irrawaddy (13 Jul 11) Prisoner Denied Visit for Sending Letter 67 Mizzima News (25 Jul 11) Blood donation group volunteer unable to appear at court hearing 68 Mizzima News (07 Jul 11) Burmese workers in Thailand demonstrate against low wages 69 IMNA (08 Jul 11) Workers at border factories demand wage increase 70 Irrawaddy (08 Jul 11) Strike Ends in Three Pagodas Pass; Mizzima News (08 Jul 11) Negotiation between PTK shoe factory and Burmese workers successful; IMNA (11 Jul 11) Migrant workers reach agreement with shoe factory owner 71 IMNA (12 Jul 11) Workers wage protest spreads to other factories; Irrawaddy (13 Jul 11) Burmese Workers Strike for Extra 15 Baht 72 IMNA (19 Jul 11) Workers Return To Work After Employer Grants Wage Increase 73 Irrawaddy (27 Jul 11) Strike Leaders Sacked as Warning to Others 74 IOM (Jun 11) Migrant Information Note Issue #11 June 2011 75 Nation (22 Jul 11) Fishing industry wants illegals 76 Mizzima News (12 Jul 11) About half million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand register for work permits; Bernama (15 Jul 11) Thailand Registers Over 828,000 Migrant Workers; IMNA (11 Jul 11) Migrant Workers Rush for Work Permits as Four Days Remain
65 64

Immediately after the registration period ended, Thai authorities launched a crackdown on undocumented Burmese migrant workers. On 16-17 July, authorities arrested several hundred Burmese migrant workers in Mae Sot, Tak Province.77 On 19 July, it was reported that Thai authorities had arrested 500 undocumented Burmese migrant workers hiding in an empty factory in Mae Sot.78 Malaysia postpones migrant amnesty scheme In early July, thousands of undocumented Burmese migrant workers refused to apply for legal work permits due to the exorbitant cost of 4,500 ringgit (US$1,500) per person.79 On 11 July, the Malaysian government indefinitely postponed an amnesty scheme that had been designed to encourage migrant workers to register for work permits.80 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Burma still a thorn in ASEANs side ASEAN continued to stall over a decision on whether to allow the regime to chair ASEAN in 2014: 13 July: ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan said that ASEAN diplomats would consider international opinion when deciding whether to allow Burma to chair the regional bloc in 2014.81 19 July: During the 44th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Bali, Indonesia, Indonesian FM Marty Natalegawa said that ASEAN was giving positive consideration to Burmas bid for the ASEAN chair.82 At the 18th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Bali, the US expressed concerns over Burmas impact on regional security: 22 July: At the ARF, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the regimes refusal to reform threatened the cohesion of Southeast Asia. She called on ASEAN to persuade Naypyidaw to seriously engage with the international community and address its concerns. Clinton said the regime must also address growing concerns over non-proliferation following reports of military cooperation between Naypyidaw and Pyongyang.83 23 July: In an address to ASEAN FMs, Clinton said that Burmas regime had to make concrete, measurable progress towards meeting the international communitys demands for reform.84 US renews sanctions, presses India on Burma On 20 July, the US House of Representatives voted unanimously to renew sanctions against the regime for another year.85 On 20 July, in India for the US-India Strategic Dialogue, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reminded India of its duty to speak out against rights violations in Burma. She said Washington understood Indias strategic interests in developing ties with the regime, but exhorted Delhi to engage the regime and push for democracy and the release political prisoners.86
Mizzima News (18 Jul 11) Thailand launches crackdown on Burmese illegal workers in Mae Sot Nation (19 Jul 11) 544 Burmese detained in Mae Sot, off Ranong IMNA (01 Jul 11) Burmese Migrant Workers Suspend Legal Work Permit Process in Malaysia 80 PTI (11 Jul 11) Malaysia postpones registration of illegal foreign workers including Indians 81 PDI(17 Jul 11) Asean to hear other opinions on Burma bid 82 DAP (19 Jul 11) ASEAN gives Myanmar chairmanship bid "positive consideration"; DVB (20 Jul 11) Burma given boost over ASEAN chair; Myanmar Times (25 Jul 11) ASEAN bid gets positive response 83 Reuters (22 Jul 11) Clinton Says Asean Must Push Burma on Reforms; AP (22 Jul 11) Clinton: Myanmar has to earn international trust 84 AFP (23 Jul 11) Clinton says Myanmar at 'critical juncture' 85 WSJ (20 Jul 11) US House Renews Myanmar Sanctions; AFP (21 Jul 11) US House renews Myanmar sanctions; Mizzima News (22 Jul 11 ) US Congress extends Burmese sanctions one more year 86 VOA (20 Jul 11) Clinton Pushes India on Human Rights in Burma; IANS (20 Jul 11) Clinton pushes India to promote democracy in Myanmar; Mizzima News (21 Jul 11) US pressures India again on Burma; Irrawaddy (21 Jul 11) US Hopes India Will Push for Democracy in Burma; House Renews Sanctions
78 79 77

Her remarks came just after India supplied a fresh consignment of arms to the Tatmadaw. On 7 July, 52 Tatmadaw military trucks loaded with arms and ammunition from India entered Burma through the border town of Tamu in Sagaing Division. Observers suspected that the Tatmadaw would use those arms and ammunitions on the Kachin and Shan States frontlines.87 UN Sec-Gen urges release of prisoners On 25 July, UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon welcomed the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and regime Labor Minister Aung Kyi but urged the regime to consider the early release of political prisoners.88 Ban reiterated his call for the release of political prisoners during a 29 July phone call with regime FM Wunna Maung Lwin.89 Australian FM visits Burma, sees no progress On 1 July, Australian FM Kevin Rudd began a two-day visit to Burma. 1 July: Rudd met President Thein Sein, FM Wunna Maung Lwin and National Assembly Speaker Khin Aung Myint in Naypyidaw. 90 2 July: Rudd met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the Australian Embassy in Rangoon and discussed Australias role as Burmas second largest aid donor.91 Rudd suggested that Australias aid budget could expand further if the regime made progress on human rights issues and democratic reform. Rudd however said that Canberra had not seen material evidence of [reform] so far.92 On 2 July, at a stopover in Singapore, Rudd urged the regime to free its 2,000 political prisoners.93 ECONOMY Gem sale revenues fall by 46% From 1 to 13 July, the regime held its latest gem fair in Naypyidaw When compared to the previous fair in mid-March, revenues from the auction fell by 46% from US$2.8 billion to US$1.58 billion.94 Construction projects halted in Naypyidaw About 20,000 workers lost their jobs and left the capital after Naypyidaw Mayor Thein Nyunt announced on 14 July that due to budget cuts some construction projects would be postponed from anywhere between three months to a year.95 Construction would not stop on Naypyidaw International Airport or the houses of ministers and vice-ministers. Max Myanmar Company, owned by regime crony Zaw Zaw, would also continue work on the two stadiums expected to host the SEA Games in 2013.96

Khonumthung News (11 Jul 11) India sends arms and ammunition in 52 trucks to Burma UN News Center (25 Jul 11) Ban calls on Myanmar to consider early action on release of prisoners; Xinhua (26 Jul 11) UN chief welcomes political dialogue in Myanmar; Mizzima News (26 Jul 11) UN head welcomes Suu Kyi meeting; calls for prisoner release; Irrawaddy (26 Jul 11) Ban Calls for Early Action on Release of Political Prisoners 89 UN News Center (29 Jul 11) Myanmar: Ban underlines need to release all remaining political prisoners 90 NLM (02 Jul 11) President U Thein Sein meets Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Honourable Kevin Rudd MP and party; NLM (02 Jul 11) Union Foreign Affairs Minister receives Australian FM; NLM (02 Jul 11) Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker receives Australian FM 91 Reuters (02 Jul 11) Australia's Rudd says Suu Kyi will tour outside Yangon; AFP (02 Jul 11) Rudd meets with Suu Kyi in Burma; Age (03 Jul 11) Rudd meets Burmese rivals 92 Myanmar Times (11 Jul 11) Australia could increase aid further: FM 93 AFP (03 Jul 11) Australia urges Myanmar to free 2,000 detainees; ABC (03 Jul 11) Rudd meets Burma pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi; ABC (03 Jul 11) Australia urges greater reform in Burma 94 Reuters (14 Jul 11) Drop in sales at latest Myanmar gems fair; AP (16 Jul 11) Gems auction nets $1.5 billion for Myanmar; Myanmar Times (18 Jul 11) Jade, gem and pearl sale beats previous auctions; Myanmar Times (25 Jul 11) Revenues from gem and jade sale fall by 46pc 95 Irrawaddy (14 Jul 11) Govt Puts Brakes on Naypyidaw Construction Projects; Mizzima News (15 Jul 11) Thousands of construction workers lose jobs in Naypyitaw 96 Irrawaddy (14 Jul 11) Govt Puts Brakes on Naypyidaw Construction Projects; Mizzima News (15 Jul 11) Thousands of construction workers lose jobs in Naypyitaw
88

87

Oil and gas bids open for tender On 25 July, regime statistics revealed that foreign investment in Burmas oil and gas sector reached US$13.8 billion at the end of March 2011 and accounted for 38.8% of the countrys foreign investment.97 On 26 July, Director General of the regimes Energy Planning Department Htim Aung said Burma would continue taking bids from foreign companies to explore for oil and gas in 18 more inland blocks scattered in six States and Divisions until 23 August, with the tender to stay open 20 days longer than previously announced. No reason was provided for the deferred tender. Each company can bid on up to three blocks for exploration, subject to the approval of regime officials.98 OTHER BURMA NEWS IN JULY
1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar reports that the regimes Ministry of Finance and Revenue will increase the pension of civil servants and MPs starting in July. Regimes Posts and Telecommunications Department suspend applications to allow access to internet on GSM mobile phones in Naypyidaw and Rangoon. The regime reduces export taxes from 10% to 7% to aid exporters in Burma, following the appreciation of the kyat against the US dollar. Departure tax for Burmese citizens increases from 3,000 kyat (US$3.80) to US$10 at Rangoon International Airport. Indian Northeast Region Development Minister B K Handique says that Burmas regime is opposed to the idea of reopening Stilwell road. A Burmese delegation led by Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann meets Russian Federation Council Vice-Chairman Illyas Umahanov in Moscow. Shan politicians and family members of imprisoned SNLD General Secretary Nyunt Lwin celebrate his 60th birthday by urging the regime to release him. Police Chief Brig Gen Kyaw Kyaw Tun meets his Chinese counterpart in Kunming, China. Police arrest a child soldier for desertion at his home in Rangoons Hlaing Tharyar. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi congratulates Yingluck Shinawatra for her partys victory in the 3 July Thai general election. US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland says the fact that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is traveling freely around the country and meeting people is good news. State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar says that KIA forces blew up sections of the MandalayMyitkyina railroad on 30 June and 5 July. During a public meeting organized by the RNPP in Minbya, Arakan State, about 100 local people voice their discontent about economic hardship. About 100 people attend the opening ceremony of an NLD-sponsored free elementary school in Bogale Township, Irrawaddy Division. Regimes Minister for Electric Power-2 Khin Maung Soe meets Chinas Three Gorges corporation VicePresident Bi Yaxiong and Hydrochina Kunming Engineering Corporation Assistant President Edward Shen. A coalition of media organizations including DVB and RSF call on the regime to end the harassment of reporters and to release 17 imprisoned video journalists. Myanmar Times reports that tourist arrivals to Burma jumped 24.3 % in the first five months of 2011. State-run newspaper Kyemon runs a commentary that blames the rising poverty rate in Burma on the unqualified rulers of former regimes. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi says restoration work on Pagan temples is not up to international standards. A helicopter carrying 11 people from Malaysias Petronas company working on the offshore drilling rig in the Yetagun gas field crashes into the sea off the Burma coast, killing three people on board. President Thein Sein meets Laotian PM Thongsing Thammavong in Naypyidaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her son Kim Aris pay respect to General Aung San at the Martyrs Mausoleum in Rangoon. In response to the ongoing conflict in Kachin State, the UN Sec-Gen spokesperson says the UN strongly encourages all stakeholders to make every effort to avoid raising tensions. More than 100 people from Fawliyapara Village in Bangladesh attack Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong

7 10 10 11 11 11 12 15 16
97 98

Bernama (25 Jul 11) Myanmar Invites Tender For Oil, Gas Exploration In More Blocks Dow Jones (26 Jul 11) Myanmar To Close Oil, Gas Exploration Tender Aug. 23 Official

10

16 17 21 22 23 24 25 25

25 25

26 26 27 27 28 31

refugee camp and seriously injure 20 of them. Rangoon Division Chief Minister Myint Swe warns local journalists not to communicate with Burmese exiled media. Regime authorities in Akyab prison, Arakan State, transfer political prisoner Kyi Than to a local hospital because of his worsening pneumonia. Campaigners and environmental activists in Chiang Rai, Thailand, demand that EGAT withdraw from the plan to jointly develop the Mong Kok coal mine and power plant project in Burmas Eastern Shan State. More than 100 students attend the first of a seven-day political science workshop at the NLD headquarters in Rangoon. Na Sa Ka personnel from Area 6 in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, force about 100 local villagers to repair a fishing dam. Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets Bangladesh Army Chief of Staff Gen Muhammad Abdul Mubeen in Naypyidaw. Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen sign a refugee swap agreement between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur. A delegation led by Chairman of China Development Bank Myanmar Working Team Zhong Shujun, and China Citic Bank General Manager Lu Jingen meets regime Finance and Revenue Minister Hla Tun in Naypyidaw to discuss cooperation in financial and monetary matters. Karen Environmental and Social Action Network release a report that says that the ongoing conflict in Karen State is posing an increasing threat to the areass rare wild life. Thailands Tak Province Governor Samart Loifah says that during bilateral meetings to negotiate the reopening the Thai-Burmese friendship bridge, regime officials asked Thai officials to remove refugee camps from Thailand because the claim they were home to ethnic armed groups. Thai police rescue six Burmese children from traffickers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A meeting to discuss the privatization of the Rangoon circular railway takes place at the regimes Ministry of Rail Transportation in Naypyidaw. During a meeting in Naypyidaw, regime Election Commission Chairman Tin Aye urges representatives of 36 political parties to support efforts to have economic sanctions on Burma lifted. 7 Day News reports that the regime is considering changing the official exchange rate of the national currency. About 50 workers of the Italian-Thai Development Company flee to Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, to escape fighting between regime troops and KNLA Brigade 4 forces near a construction site in Burma. Voice weekly journal reports that Burma will coordinate with the IMF to adjust the official exchange rate of the national currency.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN JULY

Thein Seins first 100 days: Words not matched by actions, ALTSEAN-Burma http://bit.ly/n0Apfp Post-election Burma: Impunity still reigns, women and children more vulnerable to crimes, ALTSEANBurma http://bit.ly/qdsbUm Dead men walking: convict porters on the front lines in Eastern Burma, Human Rights Watch (HRW)/Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) http://t.co/f2HFYLh Save Mong Kok from Coal, Hark Mong Kok http://bit.ly/qLEIM7 Burmas Environment: People, Problems, Policies, Burma Environmental Working Group (BEWG) http://bit.ly/ndf878 Endangered Elephants in Megatha Forest Karen State Burma, Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) http://bit.ly/pQFNUb Burma - BURMA UN and U.S. Agencies Assisted Cyclone Victims in Difficult Environment, but Improved U.S. Monitoring Needed, US Government Accountability Office (GAO) http://1.usa.gov/qxDZlS

11