PDC NEWS COMMENTARY

April 2012
Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC) National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

T H E A C T I V I T I E S O F NLD A N D D O M E S T I C O P P O S I T I O N F O R C E S T HE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Local authorities and Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) intensified their foul play in harassing, hindering and restricting works against election campaigns being launched by National League for Democracy (NLD) party as the poll date was drawing very close and then it is learned that C-in-C of Defence Services gave warning to these activities. District election commission announced on March 1 that NLD upper house candidate U Saw Hlaing from Katha constituency, Sagaing Region was disqualified to stand for election. An appeal was filed against this order to Region and Union Election Commission but both turned down these appeals. This candidate U Saw Hlaing was elected as MP in 1990 general election from the same party but we learned that he was barred from standing in election this time for infringing their Citizenship Law and Electoral Laws. Union Election Commission (UEC) announced just a few days before the polling date on cancellation of polling in three constituencies in Kachin State including Phakant on security grounds so that NLD could contest only in total 44 seats, it is learned. A man called Fish Min Swe distributed the leaflets maligning and disparaging NLD and its leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Thonegwa and Mayangon Townships with a car and then local people from Thonegwa and Mayangon constituency NLD candidate Dr. May Win Myint objected against this unlawful activities to local authorities but fell on their deaf ears only. Moreover, the local authorities refused to grant land use for holding NLD campaign rallies in four Naypyitaw constituencies, defacing and damaging NLD campaign vinyl posters, rampant mistakes in electoral rolls across the country including Rangoon Region were found in this campaign period in the whole country. Then NLD sent letter to UEC for extending checking and correcting period of these wrong electoral rolls from prescribed limit of 7 days to 21 days instead. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her concern over rampant mistakes found in these electoral rolls on March 8 and also Rangoon Region EC warned NLD on alleged violation of electoral codes in their campaigns. But NLD denied these allegations and claimed that they conducted their campaigns in accordance with the electoral laws. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made pre-recording of her nationwide radio and televised 15-minute campaign speech for NLD party at Naypyitaw government studio on March 12 and then this speech was censored in some parts by UEC. It is learned that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi spoke on rule of law, internal peace and amending constitution in her pre-recorded speech. The speech was planned to broadcast and telecast on state-run TV and radio on March 14 but it was leaked to internet websites and blog pages on March 12 and then NLD Information Department chief U Ohn Kyaing said that they were not responsible for this leak. In this visit to Naypyitaw for prerecording and shooting of her campaign speech, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also met house of people (lower house) speaker Thura Shwe Mahn and house of nationality (upper house) speaker U Khin Aung Myint separately at their invitations. Both sides did not disclose the contents of their meetings, only said they discussed on the issues for the welfare of the country. At the invitation of Thura Shwe

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Mahn, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited and attended lower house in session as an observer on March 12 for about 40 minutes. Allegations on USDP party, some government officials and officers for their alleged role in unlawful campaigns for USDP party were appeared during this campaign period too. Local people claimed that Irrawaddy Region government ethnic Karen Minister Mahn Than Shwe conducted campaign for USDP party unlawfully in some villages in this region. And also unidentified persons defaced and damaged campaign posters of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD candidate Mahn Johnny erected at Shan Yaygyaw village in Myaungmya constituency, Irrawaddy Region and then NLD party lodged complaint to the authorities concerned. Other USDP senior leaders including Rangoon Region government chief minister U Myint Swe, U Thaung, U Soe Thar, U Lun Tin conducted election campaign personally for their candidates in Kawhmu constituency where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would stand for election. Similarly union religious minister Thura Myint Maung lured voters to vote for their candidate in Thonegwa constituency by distributing free spectacles. USDP secretariat member U Aung Thaung said to Yangon Times journal that their party would win most of the seats in these by-elections. And he also attacked and maligned NLD in his campaign conducted in Kyaukpadaung constituency, Mandalay Region, NLD campaign manager in this constituency U Aye Khaing said on March 30. At the same time, President U Thein Sein himself conducted campaign in Naypyitaw Zabuthiri Township constituency by distributing cash and provisions to voters so that NLD party spokesman and campaign manager U Nyan Win said on March 23 that they could not say yet the upcoming byelections would be free and fair. Naypyitaw Dekkhina Township, Kyauk Khe Inn village monastery abbot accepted a generator and 1.5 million cash offered by USDP party and then in return, he organized and advocated for voting for USDP party to the devotees in this village by using loudspeaker, NLD candidate in this constituency Naing Ngan Lin said on March 26. Similarly NLD candidate from Naypyitaw Ottara Thiri constituency candidate U Min Thu was attacked by pointed wooden projectile shot by catapult on March 18 during his campaign tour and it hit his bodyguard Ma Pwint Phyus head and she had to be hospitalized for her head injury. USDP party threatened high-speed boat owners not to hire their boats to NLD party during Daw Aung San Suu Kyis election campaign in Myeik west islands Township in Tanintharyi Region to be conducted on March 24. So she had to visit these islands with an ordinary boat and it ran aground near Pan Zin village on return trip. She suffered severe seasickness in this voyage and had to take treatment for it. And then her family doctor advised her to cancel her planned next campaign tour to Magwe Region and she had to accept this professional advice. Kawhmu Township constituency NLD campaign manager U Aye Thein said on March 31 that USDP party bought votes by paying 3,000 kyat (US$ 3.66) each and made provocation to local people by roaming with hired buses and cars in this constituency where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would stand for election. A NLD security team member who was accompanying Daw Aung San Suu Kyis tour to Kawhmu said that USDP party members followed her motorcade by cars and harassed them until she reached her overnight stopover village, Wathinkha. In Pakkoku Township, Magwe Region too, USDP party bought votes by giving cash and provisions
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to the voters and government officials conducted election campaign by intimidation and then NLD party election agent U Paik Ko lodged complaint against these electoral malpractices to Regional EC. In Lashio constituency in northern Shan State, USDP party distributed voters slips containing electoral roll registration number to the voters and then NLD party candidate Sai Myint Maung lodged his complaint to State regional EC. NLD party workers were barred from entering cantonment areas in their campaign tours but local ECs reportedly collected absentee votes from servicemen, government staffs and their families. Similarly the news appeared as saying ballot papers were waxed in the space of NLD candidate which made difficult for voters to check in the box of the candidate of their choice. These electoral irregularities and malpractices became rampant and intensified as the polling date was drawing very close, NLD said in their statement issued on March 19. At the press conference held on March 30, NLD chairwoman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that under these circumstances, it was very difficult for realizing free and fair democratic by-elections but NLD would continue their fight in them. In her campaign addresses and speeches delivered in March, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi focused on voters in defence services. On March 1, she said that armed forces must join hand with the people in amending the constitution. She also said on March 4 that she would organize appointed defence service personnel MPs in parliament who wish to do for the people in repealing undemocratic and repressive laws and enacting the laws which will benefit to the people. In her speech delivered on Tadani (Red Bridge) incident anniversary day which falls on March 16, she said that the defence service personnel must join with them for the emergence of all-inclusive political process in Burma. On the Armed Forces Day ceremony which falls on March 27, C-in-C of Defence Services Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said that they would protect and safeguard the constitution as their main task. And then NLD party leader U Nyan Win said that he agreed with the role of armed forces mentioned in Gen. Min Aung Hlaings speech, but he could not agree on taking state power by armed forces. In the meantime, sowing dissensions between NLD and other political forces appeared. 88-Gen leader Min Ko Naing told Myanmar Times journal on March 4 that the rumours saying having rifts and strained relations between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and their 88-generation students were not true and they had a plan to cooperate with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the long run in fact. USDP leaders were determined to hold upcoming by-elections in free and fair manner for wooing international community to get sanctions imposed on Burma being lifted but on the other hand, USDP party secretariat and hardliners in government were doing their utmost efforts by all possible means not to let NLD and its leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi win in these by-elections. And also we assume that armed forces concern over constitution being amended.
T HE R ELATIONSHIP BETWEEN E THNIC G ROUPS AND T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

President U Thein Sein delivered an address to parliament on the occasion of the first anniversary of his government taking power. In this address, he said on his 3-stage roadmap for ending civil war and building lasting and permanent peace. According to his peace plan, ceasefire is first stage, local development works as second stage and implementing lasting peace in the parliament as the final stage. The Burmese observers criticised this plan as same with the old ceasefire agreements which were signed starting from 1989-90 under the then Sate Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) government, in essence.

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The USDP government could sign ceasefire agreement with KNU and KNPP in March but the fresh fighting erupted again with SSA-RCSS and SSA-SSPP ceasefire groups which are popularly known as Shan State Army (SSA) north and south forces. Similarly renewed fighting erupted with KIA which had reached ceasefire agreement with government since 1994. This renewed fighting had erupted since September 1, 2010 and they had fierce fighting in March while they were having peace talk again. USDP government union level peace-making team led by U Aung Min met KNU peace delegation in Mae Sot on March 2 and they negotiated on troop deployments and positions but they had engagements between KNLA Brigade 5 and government LID 66 troops in Papon district on March 4 and 9 which left casualties from both sides, it is learned. The special tribunal heard the case of KNU central committee member Pado Mahn Nyein Maung inside the Insein prison and sentenced him on March 13 to life imprisonment and three years prison term on two counts of charges and then he was released by presidential executive order in pursuant with section 401(1) of Criminal Procedural Code on March 19. And then he was received by President U Thein Sein in Naypyitaw. And then government peace maker U Aung Min took Pado Mahn Nyein Maung to Mae Sot and handed over him to his mother organization KNU on March 24. Ethnic armed forces held their 4-day coordination meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand in the second week of March to get their single voice in dealing with the government in their peace deals. KNLA delegation led by Deputy C-in-C Lt. Gen. Saw Oliver met KNU/KNLA Peace Council led by Maj. Gen. Htein Maung on March 6, met DKBA delegation led by Maj. Gen. Saw Labwe on March 8 respectively and they agreed on standing together with KNU in peace negotiations with the government. Similarly KNPP peace delegation met USDP government peace delegation led by U Aung Min at Karenni State guest house in state capital Loikaw on March 7 and they signed initial ceasefire agreement. On March 8, other ethnic Karenni ceasefire groups namely KNPLF, Karenni National Solidarity Organisation (KNSO) or white star group, Karenni National Peace and Development Party (KNPDP) met together and agreed to form a joint action committee for working on relations among them and public development works. But it is learned that Karenni National Democratic Party (KNDP) or Dragon group did not attend this meeting. New Mon State Party (NMSP) which signed ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2012 presented their 14 additional demands for troop deployment areas besides previous designated outposts and positions allowed in 1995 ceasefire agreement to the government but the USDP government allowed them only 10 additional areas out of total 14 and then the negotiations on remaining 4 areas were still underway, it is learned. NMSP reportedly held their central committee meeting on March 16 to adopt positions on the political issues and troops deployment. SSA-RCSS or Shan State Army south group led by Maj. Gen. Yordserk signed ceasefire agreement on December 2 but the renewed fighting erupted again and they had encountered 13 engagements with government troops until March 13. This armed group issued an announcement on March 26 as saying they relinquished their previous policy of seceding Shan State from union and switched to the new policy to stay in the union. Its spokesman Sai Lao Sai said on March 28 that government peace delegation leader U Aung Min assured them he would present President U Thein Sein on current situation and urge him to stop the renewed fighting between them.

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After SSA-RCSS refused to withdraw their troops from Tasanpu outpost in Mong Hsu Township in northern Shan State, the renewed fighting erupted again between them and they had already had at least four skirmishes since then, a Shan Army commander said on March 23. ABSDF pilot peace delegation led by secretary (1) Ko Myint Oo met USDP government peace delegation led by retired Lt. Col. Saw Khin Soe in Pa-an on March 8 and they agreed to meet again with government union level peace delegation led by U Aung Thaung in Rangoon on April 8-9 but ABSDF issued an announcement on March 31 which says that they postpone their planned meeting to undisclosed date. Government union level peace delegation led by U Aung Thaung met KIO peace delegation in Ruili, China on March 8 for two days but they could not reach agreement on withdrawing government troops from KIO controlled area and then the fighting resumed again. The fierce battle was fought for 5 days on Myitkyina-Laiza highway near Gan Daung Yan village starting from March 15. KIA alleged that the government troops used poison artillery shells on March 19 in this battle. KIO spokesman U La Nan said on March 27 that the text contained in NLDs announcement dated March 26 on cancellation of by-elections in Bhamo, Phakant and Mogaung constituencies by UEC could be misinterpreted but KIO issued statement on March 28 which says they welcome NLDs position of willing to talk with KIO. We assume that it will be difficult to get the trust and confidence of ethnic armed groups as the current peace roadmap of USDP government is same with the then governments position on ceasefire with ethnic armed groups in 1989-90.
T HE A CTIVITIES OF NLD AND D OMESTIC O PPOSITION F ORCES

NLD was found intensified their election campaigns in March. Party chairman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made her campaign tours to Heho, Kalaw and Aungban in Shan State on March 1, to Mandalay on March 3, Sagaing on March 4, Tada-U, Natogyi, Meiktila in Mandalay Region, Dekkhina Thiri and Zabu Thiri in Naypyitaw on March 5, to Taung Oo on March 6, to Kywechan village which is 6 miles away from Mawlamyine on March 11 in the morning, to Lashio in northern Shan State on March 17, to Dagon Seikkan Township on March 21, to Kawhmu Township for second time on March 22 and to Myeik west islands township on March 24 respectively. Because of sudden poor health developed during her Myeik election campaign tour, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had to cancel her Magwe Region campaign which was planned on March 27-28 on professional advice given by her family doctor. She issued a statement on March 25 saying her extreme sorry and regret to the voters for not being able to visit Magwe Region. The prayer meetings were held in Magwe and Kyaukpadaung for rapid recovery of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite of repeated and rampant harassment and restrictions made by USDP party and local authorities in her campaign tours, hundreds of thousands of people warmly welcomed in all her campaign tours. In her election campaign tour to Aungban and Kalaw in southern Shan State, private Kyaw Zin Win from Aungban engineering corps under command of LID 55 greeted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi heartily by shaking hands in his full army uniform. And also after her election campaign tour to Lashio, retired and disabled soldiers sold portraits of Bogyoke Aung San and his daughter Daw Aung San Suu Kyi along with books related to her by visiting door to door, it is learned. Similarly government staffs extended their warm welcome and greeting to her during her campaign tours in
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Naypyitaw. Ethnic MPs came and met her during her overnight stop in Naypyitaw and they discussed with her on ethnic and by-elections issues. Despite of the tight schedule of her election campaign tours, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received foreign dignitaries at her residence and discussed on various issues. She met New Zealand FM Mr. Murray McCully on March 7, Canadian FM Mr. John Baird on March 8, US special envoy for Burma Mr. Derek Mitchell on March 14 respectively at her residence. And also she sent her recorded video speech to the ceremony conferring honourary doctoral degree held at Hong Kong University on March 14. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also attended Tadani (Red Bridge) incident anniversary ceremony held on March 16 and Burma Human Rights Day held on March 13, the anniversary day of student leader Ko Phone Maw being killed in 1988. In the meantime, NLD is reopening its township branches in entire country. Dala township branch office was reopened on March 3, Phyu branch office on March 5, Mingalataungnyunt Township branch office on March 11, Sittwe branch office on March 25 respectively and these opening ceremonies were attended by senior central leaders. All party candidates were called to party headquarters on March 8 and party patron U Tin Oo and Chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi spoke words to them. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi donated over 30 millions to war refugees in Kachin State. Many film stars and singers supported and helped NLD in their election campaign tours. Campaign music album Songs of free and high sung by various young and famous singers was released on March 12 and campaign short video film just check in the box directed by Waing and starred by Lu Min, Tun Eindra Bo, Way Lu Kyaw, Ye Dike and Chit Thu Wei was released on March 17 on social network sites. Moreover these singers and artistes performed in Pyinoolwin, Mandalay and Sagaing election campaign tours. Committee Representing Peoples Parliament (CRPP) secretary U Aye Thar Aung said on March 2 that they would reorganize this organization after the upcoming by-elections. Zomi National Congress (ZNC) leader Pu Cing Tsian Thang said on March 3 that they would reregister their party for amending constitution in parliament. Mon National Democracy Party and All Mon Region Democracy Party are negotiation for merging of two parties but not yet reached agreement so that they could not reregister their party yet. SNLD party led by U Khun Tun Oo submitted their application for re-registration on March 16 to UEC. Student movements were seen during this period too. 88-generation students welcomed the Presidential address delivered on first anniversary of taking power by his government. And they called for implementing the points mentioned in this address on March 1. And also they called for complying with UN human rights norms in their statement dated March 12 issued on Burma Human Rights day which falls on March 13. They visited and met displaced Tanphe villagers from Myitsone dam site in Kachin State. They sent a petition to President on March 13 which calls for revoking the order which forces these villagers from the Tanphe village to move to the new Aung Myin Thar village by March 17. These 88-generation students met US special envoy for Burma Mr. Derek Mitchell on March 14 and they reportedly discussed on their current open society movement. These students visited the residence of former political prisoner U Aung Myint in Bogale on March 19 for bolstering his morale. This former political prisoner staged a solo protest calling for releasing political prisoners and ending
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civil war and then he was arrested and sent to Ywathargyi mental hospital. 88-generation students and ABFSU (Ba Ka Tha) central executive committee members visited Hmawbi on March 22 and attended the anniversary ceremony of blood donation group formed with local students and youths. And then they gave their lecture on open society at the talk show. Election monitoring network jointly formed with 88-generation students and political activists held their press conference on March 23 and they explained on their work plans. They also received visiting delegation of ASEAN secretary general who were on their by-elections monitoring tour and the student leaders answered their questions. All Burma Federation of Students Union (ABFSU-Ba Ka Tha) and University Students Union (Ta Ka Tha) are striving for forming student unions across the country. Ta Ka Tha members from various universities in Monywa and student union organizing committee (Monywa district) donated stationery and textbooks to over 50 orphans learning at Htanaung monastic school. Deputy Director General Dr. Myo Thein from Higher Education Department and Hinthada University Rector Dr. San Lin invited 8 Ba Ka Tha members from Hinthada University to their office on March 30 and questioned them on their activities, Hinthada Ba Ka Tha chairman Ko Thant Zin said. As the labour movements, Tai Yi footwear factory workers continued their strike demanding better wage and working environment after they could not accept the arbitration conducted by township trade dispute arbitration court. Then the strikers filed their case to upper Rangoon Region trade dispute committee. But this higher body refused to settle their case as saying they could not do anything before the new labour law being enacted and promulgated. After that, the workers continued their strike and then these over 1,000 workers had altercation with police force and riot police which left a township administrator and 3 workers injured. 18 Industrial Workers Unions from Rangoon sent a petition to President and the officials concerned on March 8 on behalf of over 2,000 workers to give them wages for Thingyan (water festival) holidays. About 1,500 workers from Korean owned Sonny footwear factory in Hlinetharyar industrial zone 2 started their strike on March 8 and then they stopped their strike on March 9 after township labour office settled and negotiated with them. The workers from Excel Garment Popular and Ever First Garment factory formed their textile and garment factory trade union on March 25 to protect and safeguard their workers rights. All Burma Labour Solidarity League received visiting US Labour Department officials on March 12 and discussed on labour laws and labour affairs of Burma. As the farmers movement, about 400 farmers from Bago west region planned to hold a meeting to discuss on Land Law drafted by USDP government and presented to parliament but the township authorities turned down their request to hold this meeting and then these farmers had to cancel their planned meeting, Myo Thant from Farmers Life Development Group said on March 5. About 100 farmers from Kyipin village-tract and Padaung Township in Bago west region marched in procession to Township Administrative Office on March 27 and demanded to resolve their difficulties in their livelihood. About 80 salt farmers from Salingyi township, Sagaing Region staged their protest demonstration on March 10 against Chinese Yantze copper producing factory, the joint venture with government owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd., for their irresponsible industrial waste disposal management which damaged their farmlands. The monks movements were seen during this period too. Rangoon Region Police Special Branch (SB) took Ashin Gambira at the night on March 6 but released on next day. Recently released
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political prisoner Ashin Wirathu from Mandalay Masoeyein monastery hired 14 Toyota Dyna light trucks to ferry learning monks at this monastery who could not afford to hire these trucks for welcoming and greeting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during her Mandalay election campaign tour. On March 22, U Wirathu and other monks in Mandalay called for immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners. U Wirathu made his religious tours to major cities in Burma including Mogok for preaching sermon on Buddhism with some political issues. As the mass and class movements, the people in Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State held their peaceful demonstration calling for sharing of gas rights and revenues earning from their Rakhine Gas fields. In Bago, Lanpyakye (guiding star) group leader U Aye Myint and other activists distributed leaflets at 5 busy places calling for rule of law and purification of Buddha Sasana and then Bago Region Police Force chief received them at his office and requested them to cooperate with their police force on these issues. Former political prisoners group donated books and cash 10,000 kyat each to 44 political prisoners in Insein prison on March 6 through prison authorities. Former political prisoner U Aung Myint from Bogale staged demonstration by wearing prisoner uniform and fetter for releasing all political prisoners and then he was arrested on March 15 in Rangoon by authorities. 7 Days news journal awarded 3 persons and 2 organizations on March 7 for their great efforts and sacrifices in 2011 for the benefit of the people. The website of China Daily reported on March 10 that the talk was resumed on restarting the suspended Myitsone dam project with Burmese government by citing Chin Power Investment Corporation Chairman Lu Qizhou and then environmentalist and academic U Ohn and other environmentalists strongly condemned this news report. The local people from Kutkai Township, Muse district in northern Shan State staged a protest demonstration on March 14 in the morning against mining project which would be done along Nam Maw and Nam Par creeks by Myanmar Hmyar Oo Company by collusion with local peoples militia. Similarly over 2,000 local people from Kalonehtar village-tracts, Yephyu Township, Tanintharyi Region signed a petition and sent to President U Thein Sein on March 12 calling for stopping dam project being built near their village. Democratic Party (Myanmar) led the protest movement against 8 MW coal-fired power plant project being built in the middle of the two residential areas as it would be hazardous to the health of the people and environment by sending a petition letter to Tanintharyi Region government chief minister. Chin Progressive Party (CPP) joined with Rangoon based Myanmar Egress in conducting a training in the name of Civic Education for Civil Society in Kalay Myo from March 13 to 17 and it was attended by 15 trainees from each organization namely Chin social organizations in Kalay Myo, CPP, NLD, USDP and NUP parties totaling 120 trainees. This training was conducted in Hakha too but they had to stop it on March 22 after the Chin State government ordered them to close. Myanmar Journalists Network issued their position paper on March 16 as saying they see the filing case against The Voice Weekly by Mining Ministry for their news stories on financial scandals in government ministries and departments is the threat to the press community. Myanmar Press Council (provisional) was formed in Rangoon at Yuzana Hotel on March 19 with policy drafting committee, information committee, organization committee, finance committee and office team. We assume that the people are struggling themselves gradually to be freed from fear so that they
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would express their will and desire in upcoming by-elections as they did in 1990 general election.
T H E USDP G O V E R N M E N T A N D D O M E S T I C S I T U AT I O N T HE S ITUATION OF T HE USDP G OVERNMENT

The infighting and factionalism in USDP party intensified as the polling date for upcoming byelections were drawing very close. President U Thein Sein delivered his first anniversary in power address to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) on March 1. In this address, he spoke on various issues such as internal peace, ethnic issues, rule of law, role of media, private sector, finance and monetary sector, international relations, investment, politics, economics, social, education, health, establishing modern and developed new democratic country, future prospects and aspirations, lessons drawn from the past etc. He denied news circulating about having rift between soft-liners and hardliners by saying apart from different approaches in management based on personal traits, behavior and character in running their ministries, all have resolute trust in our common goal and policy and they are implementing these goals and objectives relentlessly. President U Thein Sein, Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin and UEC chairman U Tin Aye assured for free and fair by-elections to be held on April 1. USDP government leaders received many foreign dignitaries in March and demanded these dignitaries to lift their economic sanctions imposed on Burma. During this month, they met New Zealand FM Murray McCully, German Human Right Commissioner Markus Luning, Canadian FM John Baird, US special envoy Derek Mitchell and Malaysia PM Majib Razak. Presidential advisers met US State Department officials in Rangoon on March 4 and discussed on allround development in relations between two countries. President U Thein Sein left Burma on March 20 and made friendship tours to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and he tried to win more support from ASEAN and neighbouring countries. Is response to the resolution passed by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to increase the salaries of government employees, Finance and Revenue Ministry issued a notification dated March 14, which grants additional allowance of Ks. 30,000 to each government employee and also to the servicemen with the same amount besides their existing salary and benefits, starting from April 1. Presidential Office issued a notification dated March 9 which allows forming trade unions and right to labour strikes in Burma. USDP government and ILO signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 16 for elimination of forced labour in Burma by 2015. Farmland Law and Fallow land, Virgin Land Law bills submitted by government were passed by parliament on March 19. Ministry of Mining issued notification dated March 28 which bans exploring and extracting minerals and metals within 300 feet from the banks of Irrawaddy, Thanlwin, Chindwin, and Sittaung Rivers. Germany, Hamburg based International Tribunal of for the Law of Sea (ITLOS) heard the maritime territory dispute between Burma and Bangladesh and gave its final verdict on March 14. Bangladesh claimed that they won the case as it they got 200 mile exclusive economic zone as they demanded but Burmese representative Attorney General Dr. Tun Shin said to parliament on March 22 that Burma got more territory in oil and gas exploration blocks so that Burma did not suffer any loss in this case and the verdict given by international court was fair.
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UEC invited independent observers from international community of UN, US, EU and ASEAN to monitor the upcoming by-elections. USDP party conducted their election campaigns quietly by using party funds. Since they realized they could not draw much crowd and win popular support as NLD did, they did not do mass rallies, they visited the voters houses door-to-door in their campaigns as their main tactic in these campaigns. Third regular session of first parliament was convened in March continuously. In this budget session, the parliament deliberated and debated on governments 2011-12 additional budget allocation bill and 2012-13 Budget bill. In this budget bill for 2012-13 financial year, total receipts will be 10,522.87 billion kyat and total expenditures will be 13,040.675 billion kyat so that the deficit will be over 2 trillion kyat. We saw strong debates and fierce power struggle between government and both houses during the deliberations and debates on these budget bills. In deliberation of budget bill at upper house on March 5, MP Dr. Banyar Aung Moe deliberated that some projects under the Ministry of Industrial Development should be stopped and then the Minister of this portfolio Lt. Gen. Thein Htay replied that they could not be either stopped or suspended as they were being carried out and run with special loans given by Chinese government. This ministry was not in the previous military regime and it was newly created under this new government led by President U Thein Sein. Moreover the budget allocation for this ministry was earmarked under the heading of Presidents Office. Lt. Gen. Thein Htay jointly charges two ministries, this industrial development and border affairs ministry. Rakhine Nationality Development Party (RNDP) MP Dr. Aye Maung said that some spending in this ministry were mixed and confused with some spending under the Defence Ministry. Then the parliament advised and instructed this Industrial Development Ministry to redraft their budget clearly but they could not resubmit their budget in time and then the parliament passed the resolution by big margin of votes to cut 100 per cent in its additional allocation over 50 billion kyat for 2011-12 financial year and new allocation for 2012-13 financial year with the amount of nearly 200 billion kyat earmarked for this newly created ministry. Similarly the parliament passed resolution to cut 100 per cent in National Human Rights Commission budget of 133 million kyat and to delete this commission from the list of central constitutional institutions. In the budget bill for this 2012-13 financial year, 13 central institutions including Presidents Office and National Human Right Commission asked for their budget but according to the article 232(f) of constitution and according to the Union Government Law, appointments of union ministers, deputy ministers and formation of these central institutions must be done only with the accent of the parliament but in formation of this human right commission, the government did not seek parliaments approval so that it was void and not the central institution. Since this human right commission was not duly formed in accordance with the constitution, it is not entitled to ask for their budget from the parliament so that the parliament decided to cut 100 per cent of its budget, it is learned. But the human right commission held a press conference on March 28 and said that this national
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human right commission had not been nullified though it was derecognized from the list of central institutions and this commission is continuing their works under the presidential office and its budget. In the end, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) passed the Union Government Budget for 2012-13 financial year on March 22. In this approved budget, health spending was increased fourfold, education spending was increased twofold, and spending of 8 ministries was cut varying from 30% to 100%. The parliament cut 718.4 billion kyat in current expenditure and 1,152.039 billion kyat in capital expenditure. Spending under Defence Ministry took lions share in this budget with 14% of total budget but it fell in comparison with 20% in previous financial year. And also it was still too low in comparison with defence spending in other countries so that the parliament did not cut and passed it, it is learned. Lower House speaker Thura Shwe Mahn told parliament on March 21 that the government agreed to use allocated spending in some suspicious projects only with the approval and verification by Union Government though the parliament passed some budget items in this bill. He also said to parliament on March 22 that the union government elected by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw was still weak in complying with the laws in performing their jobs. Some decisions taken by the union government such as drawing less salary than prescribed amount, increasing pension payment and forming national human right commission etc were not in accordance with the existing laws and constitution, he pointed out. He submitted this motion to the parliament and then Bill Committee of both houses verified and passed this motion. And then this motion was debated at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on March 23 and passed it with division by voting with 477 yes votes, 3 nay votes and 7 abstentions. Moreover Thura U Shwe Mahn made criticisms on Union Governments decision on salary and pension payments. The documents containing allotted monthly political pension and political gratuity granted to head of State, ministers, deputy ministers who served under SLORC, SPDC governments were leaked outside and widely circulated on media at home and abroad. On these documents dated December 2, 2011 retired senior general Than Shwe was granted monthly political pension of 10 million kyat and gratuity 230 million kyat. Dissents and discontents were appeared in union government for cutting their budget submitted to the parliament. They targeted Thura Shwe Mahn in attacking by saying as he was offside and he step on the people in his own fold for his political platform and political mileage, it is learned. Similarly clandestine weblogs funded and run by government information ministry severely attacked Thura Shwe Mahn with their articles. USDP party MP and lower house public accounts committee chairman U Thurein Zaw moved motion to parliament to either stop or suspend 47 projects of dams, embankments and weirs being implemented under Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry as they are not beneficial to the people and not cost effective. Daw Haymar aka Daw Ma Ma, daughter of retired Lt. Gen. Khin Maung Than, and from The Hot News journal interviewed minister U Myint Hlaing (retired Lt. Gen.) on this matter and then the latter fiercely criticized the MPs with strong words. These MPs did not pass even matriculation and now they are sitting in the parliament as MPs. They know nothing and doing arbitrarily without any knowledge. They are just the puppets of others, just doing sit, stand and press the button (voting) as they are dictated by their handlers. And also he

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attacked speakers and MPs by using the metaphor like mad monk on rocking boat, The Hot News journal Vol. 2, Issue 84 dated March 23 reported. MPs distributed the photocopies of this article containing U Myint Hlaings interview in parliament on March 24 and demanded speakers to take action against this minister accordingly. Even some USDP MPs including U Win Oo, U Aye Mauk, U Win Than among others reportedly signed complaint letter and sent it to lower house rights and privileges of parliament committee and demanded to take punitive action against this minister U Myint Hlaing as his comments on MPs tarnish the image and dignity of the parliament. U Myint Hlaing was elected from Dekkhina Thiri constituency as USDP candidate and as per the stipulations in the constitution, he can be impeached by the parliament and he can be recalled by the voters if he could not discharge his duties assigned by law efficiently, committing misconduct or breach of any provision of the constitution. Similarly March 8 issue of The Voice Weekly reported on misappropriation and financial irregularities and financial scandals found in government ministries including information ministry to the tune of hundreds of millions of kyat by citing report sent to lower house public accounts committee by union auditor general office. In this news report, the staffs from state-run daily paper under information ministry misappropriated 250 million kyat from the sale proceeds of daily papers by not entering in their books. The news report further says that the staffs from No. 1 Ministry of Industry took over 200,000 gallons of furnace oil from Chauk refinery and sold them at black market at high profit margin, mining ministry showed US$ 100 million as sale of 50% stake in Monywa Copper Mining Project to Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. in their books but this money was actually paid by Hong Kong based WAHBO Mining Copper Ltd. Mining Ministry registered defamation case against the weekly journal under section 500 of Penal Code at Dagon Township court on March 20. The court first fixed the date for hearing on March 22 but the responsible officials of news journal and contra party in this case were out of station at that time and then the court had to fix another date for hearing on April 4. In the meantime, the union government retaliated parliament by tit for tat actions with attacking parliament resolutions with legal means. On behalf of the Presidents office, union attorney general office filed review case to constitutional court to decide on the status of affairs committees and commissions formed by parliament, whether they are in union level and in pursuant with the provisions in the constitution or not. And then the constitutional court gave its verdict on March 28 which says these affair committees and commissions are not having the status of union level institutions. The constitutional court consists of Chairman U Thein Soe, members Dr. Tin Aung Aye, U Soe Thein, U Tun Kyi and Daw Khin Hla Myint totaling 9 members heard this case and on the contra party representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, lower house deputy speaker U Nanda Kyaw Zwa, Bill Committee member Daw Nan Wah Nu and U Ba Shein, Law Affairs and Special Cases Analysis Commission members Daw Than Than Yi and U Mya Thein were present at the court proceedings. MP Dr. Aye Maung said that because of this constitutional courts verdict, there would be impact on their privilege of summoning and questioning the ministers concerned for their government projects and budget expenditures in them.

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Some observers assume that passing the laws in USDP party controlled parliament including majority of USDP party MPs and military appointed MPs is just the trick played by USDP as playing each of their role as if they were in contender team but in fact there are no rift and differences among them. But we assume that there are really power struggle and factionalism among the top leaders of USDP party. Armed Forces group led by C-in-C Gen. Min Aung Hlaing seem closely watch and monitor the power struggle between central government and two chambers of parliament without expressing any official statements as long as they do not touch the privileges of armed forces enjoyed by the provisions in the constitution and their defence spending in the union budget. In his address delivered on 67thAnniversary Armed Forces day which falls on March 27, C-in-C of Defence Services Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said, Performing their duties by representatives of armed forces in different levels of parliaments and assemblies in accordance with the provisions of constitution is the duty of the armed forces to serve for the country as the duty conferred by the history of our country. In other words, it is the duty of our national politics task. Article 20(f) of the constitution clearly stipulates that The Defence Services is mainly responsible for safeguarding the constitution so that our armed forces must safeguard the constitution as our main task in building the modern and developed democratic country. We assume that it is the response to the Daw Aung San Suu Kyis nationwide televised election campaign address which says, Three main objectives of our National League for Democracy party are rule of law, internal peace and amending constitution. As you know, 25% of seats in our parliaments are reserved for the unelected MPs as stipulated in the 2008 constitution. Moreover Gen. Min Aung Hlaing further said, We must thanks to the fathers of our armed forces namely Gen. Ne Win and Senior General Than Shwe for their great efforts of building our armed forces as disciplined, modern and systematic lethal force. We inherited this modern armed forces from these fathers. Thus we must continue the work of building our armed forces as strong, efficient and having capabilities to defend our country. In this address, he referred two top bosses of the armed forces, the first one sowed seed and the next one watered the plant as the fathers of their armed forces and he wants to say he will continue to perform his duty as the defender of military dictatorship during his tenure.
T HE S OCIO - ECONOMIC S ITUATION OF T HE P EOPLE

At the time the parliament passed the resolution to stop 47 irrigation projects which were not beneficial to the people, a lot of summer paddy acreages in Thanatpin, Bago Region, were facing the danger of total damage of the crops as they did not get enough irrigation water, local farmers said on March 3. The farmers in Waw Township, Bago Region faced difficulties in repaying the agricultural loans lent by Agriculture Bank as their paddy fields were flooded many times and crops were damaged, it is learned. The local farmers from Pyapon and Myaungmya Townships, Irrawaddy Region, said on March 13 that they incurred losses of 20,000 kyat per acre in their paddy production. Similarly 35 farmers from Thabyaybin village-tracts, Aunglan Township, Magwe Region sent their petition to President on March 22 to let them repay their government loans in installment as they could not pay in lump sum as their crops were damaged and decline in production because of climate change. The land law passed by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on March 29 grants land use rights to the farmers not land to the

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tillers but in fact the lands are not in the hands of the farmers and they became the sharecroppers in their own farmlands, advocate U Aung Htoo said his analysis on March 21. Drug trafficking, murder cases and other various crimes are rampant in east and north of Shan State including Namkham Township. Thai government released news that they seized 4 million ecstasy tablets from a vehicle coming from Tachileik on March 2. International Narcotics Control Strategy (INCS) report issued by US State Department on March 7 says that Burma is still listed as one of three countries which fail complying the international drug eradication guidelines and norms. Reporters sans Frontiers issued their Enemy of Internet Report for 2012 on March 11 in which Burma is included in this list.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S S U R E

International community including UN welcomed the USDPs government permission to monitor their upcoming by-elections. US Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed for granting permission to international community to monitor the by-elections in Burma and he also said on March 22 that he hoped he could visit Burma after these by-elections. US State Department said on March 27 that they would send Peter Manikas from National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Johanna from International Republican Institute (IRI) to monitor the by-elections in Burma as observers. On the same day, EU International Relations Department chief Catherine Ashton said that they would send their observer team to monitor these by-elections. Visiting EU Election Monitoring Group member Maigorzat Wasilewska said on March 31 that they could not give their assessment on these by-elections whether they are free and fair or not at they had not sufficient time. We learned that the USDP government rejected the visa applications for monitoring by-elections submitted by Australian House of Representatives Labour Party MP Ms. Janelle Saffin and Senator Mathias Cormann. US special envoy Mr. Derek Mitchell met U Shwe Mahn on March 13 and informed him that US had decided to upgrade their diplomatic ties with Burma as a partner state. And also he said at the press conference held on March 15 in Rangoon that ongoing war in Kachin State was contrary to Burmas claim of working for confidence building and national reconciliation so that they concern over this issue for the local people. US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said on March 23 that they were trying to fully understand on the decision taken by USDP government (UEC) to postpone the scheduled by-elections in three constituencies namely Mogaung, Phakant and Bhamo on security grounds. AP news agency reported on March 27 that US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, East Asia and Pacific Affairs sub-committee chairman Democratic Party senator Mr. Jim Webb would visit Burma for the second time after the by-elections. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on March 29 that the freeness and fairness of the upcoming by-elections will reflect on bilateral relations between two countries. Canadian FM John Baird said on March 8 that they would consider lifting of sanctions imposed on Burma based on the freeness and fairness of these by-elections. EU court heard the case filed by Pye Phyo Tayza, son of business tycoon U Tayza, to delete his name from the list of targeted sanctions and the court gave its verdict in his favour on March 13. British Trade Union Congress (TUC) sent

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letter to British FM William Hague on March 2 which urged British government to make sure stopping of forced labour in Burma first before lifting sanctions imposed on Burma. In his report of UN Commission for Human Rights (UNCHR) submitted to 19thGeneral Assembly, Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma Mr. Tomas Quintana said that there was still a danger of U-turn at any time despite of some progresses in human rights situation under the current ongoing reform process. Asia Legal Resource Centre submitted its report to their conference on March 12 which says rule of law and human rights affairs are still in the critical situation. Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued its statement on March 15 which says Burmas newly enacted Right to freedom of assembly and march in procession still does not meet the international standards and norms so that they need to be amended accordingly. China Communist Party International Relations Department Director General Ms. Shen Beili led a team visited Burma and met USDP and NDF on March 8 parties but they did not met with NLD. China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) Chairman Lu Qizhou said at the press conference on March 10 that they were effectively dealing with Burmese government for discussion in resumption of Irrawaddy Myitsone dam project. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Wei Min said on March 13 that they had already sent their official complaint letter to Burmese government on the death of a Chinese national who was killed by two Burmese soldiers on Sino-Burma border on January 12. It is assumed that the international community will gradually lift their sanctions imposed on Burma after these by-elections.
// End of Report // Wednesday, April 18, 2012 // End of Translation // Thursday, April 19, 2012

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