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 64

April 2012

Burmas electorate unequivocally rejects the regime and the USDP in the by-elections. The NLD wins 43 of the 45 seats at stake. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wins her seat with over 85% of the votes. Tatmadaw intensifies military operations and troop buildup near the Kachin Independence Army headquarters. Tatmadaw soldiers continue to commit serious human rights abuses against civilians in their offensive in Kachin State. Regime and Karen National Union sign a 13-point agreement during a second round of talks. KNU officials also hold meetings with President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon. US, EU, Canada, Australia, and Norway ease sanctions after the by-elections results. Japan cancels 60% of Burmas outstanding debt and restarts financial aid. UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, and UK PM David Cameron all visit Burma to bolster reforms. Refugees in Thailand and Bangladesh are surveyed on repatriation while the regime wants to resettle IDPs and refigees by June. In Thailand, Burmese migrant workers strike in wake of minimum wage hike. Twenty migrant workers are rescued from bonded labor while two die while being deported to Burma. ADB assesses Burmas current and future economic conditions. The bank says more investment is needed in infrastructure and human resources. KEY STORY NLD wins by-elections by a landslide

IN THIS ISSUE KEY STORY

1 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 NLD wins by-elections Minor irregularities on voting day NLD hails new era Oath of office compromise Offensive against KIA KNU-regime talks Mon, Rakhine sign agreements Shan State fighting

INSIDE BURMA

HUMAN RIGHTS
6 Censorship continues

DISPLACEMENT
6 Refugees repatriated? 6 Migrant workers exploited, killed

INTERNATIONAL
7 7 7 8 8 Thein Sein visits Japan UK urges progress on reforms EU calls for irreversible reforms UN Sec-Gen visits Burma Sanctions eased

ECONOMY
9 Gas revenues up 22% 9 ADB on Burmas economy 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS 11 REPORTS
_____________________________________ Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly! email publications@altsean.org Online copies are available for download at www.altsean.org

On 1 April, Burmas electorate unequivocally rejected the regime and the USDP in the by-elections. With 45 seats up for grabs, the NLD won 43 of the 44 seats it contested.1 The Shan Nationals Democracy Party (SNDP) and the USDP won one seat each.2 The NLD swept all 37 seats in the Peoples Assembly, including all four seats in the military stronghold of Naypyidaw.3 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi won her seat in Kawmoo Township, Rangoon Division, with over 85% of the votes.4 Despite
AFP (03 Apr 12) Suu Kyi's party wins 43 seats in parliament; RFA (03 Apr 12) NLD, Shan Party Lead Opposition Assault; Xinhua (03 Apr 12) Aung San Suu Kyi's party sweeps Myanmar by-election 2 AFP (03 Apr 12) Suu Kyi's party wins 43 seats in parliament; RFA (03 Apr 12) NLD, Shan Party Lead Opposition Assault; Xinhua (03 Apr 12) Aung San Suu Kyi's party sweeps Myanmar by-election 3 Xinhua (02 Apr 12) Myanmar election commission announces NLD wins overwhelmingly in by-elections; Myanmar Times (09 Apr 12) NLD sweeps Nay Pyi Taw in surprise win 4 Xinhua (02 Apr 12) Myanmar election commission announces NLD wins overwhelmingly in by-elections
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the NLDs impressive by-elections performance, NLD MPs accounted for less than 7% of the seats at the national level - the third largest parliamentary group after the USDP and the military. Minor irregularities on voting day While unfair election laws, harassment of NLD candidates, and serious violations of election laws characterized the electoral process in the lead-up to 1 April [See February and March 2012 Burma Bulletins], there were only reports of minor irregularities on voting day. Complaints mainly concerned tampering with ballots and campaigning near polling stations.5 EU election monitors generally gave a positive assessment of the voting process but stopped short of calling it free and fair.6 On 2 April, observers from ASEAN issued a statement that said the by-elections had been conducted in a free, fair, Prominent NLD elected MPs and transparent manner.7 On 7 April, the 88 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - NLD Chairperson Generation Students released a report on the findings Ohn Kyaing - CEC member of their by-election monitoring.8 The group said it was Win Myint - CEC member May Win Myint - CEC member, former political prisoner satisfied with the elections, but provided a list of Phyu Phyu Thin - HIV/AIDS activist areas that needed improvement, including the use of Phyo Min Thein - Former political prisoner Zayar Thaw Hip hop singer, former political prisoner higher quality ballots and providing poll officials with Sandar Min -- Former political prisoner 9 better training. Military MPs changed to counterbalance NLD Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hailed the electoral win as the beginning of a new era and hoped that the byelection results would force authorities to heed the will of ordinary citizens.10 USDP leader Htay Oo downplayed the NLDs victory, which he attributed exclusively to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis popularity as the daughter of Burmas independence hero.11 President Thein Sein simply said that the by-elections were conducted in a very successful way,12 but the regime hardliners were shocked at the NLDs sweeping victory.13 The regime quickly moved to make the militarys representations in the parliament more hard-line in order to counterbalance the new contingent of NLD MPs.14 On 22 April, the regime Election Commission announced the replacement of 59 military-appointed MPs (39 in the Peoples Assembly and 20 in the National Assembly) with higher ranking officials.15 Among the newly-appointed MPs was a Tatmadaw colonel from LID 77 who had been involved in the Saffron Revolution crackdown.16 NLD compromises over parliamentary oath of office On 23 April, the third parliamentary session resumed in Naypyidaw.17 However, NLD MPs-elect failed to attend the session because they objected to the wording of the parliamentary oath of office, which

AFP (01 Apr 12) Myanmar opposition alleges ballot paper irregularities; TIME (01 Apr 12) A Landmark Election Unfolds in Burma and the Opposition Starts Celebrating Victory; AFP (06 Apr 12) Myanmar's ruling party claims poll irregularities; Irrawaddy (01 Apr 12) USDP Broadcasts Anthem at Polling Station in Mandalay; Mizzima News (01 Apr 12) NLD files official complaint against ballot tampering; Kaowao News (01 Apr 12) Wax Ballots Prevent the Vote for NLD in Moulmein; IMNA (01 Apr 12) USDP breaks electoral laws at Moulmein polling stations; IMNA (01 Apr 12) Despite prohibition, USDP continues its by-election campaign on D-day; IMNA (01 Apr 12) Glossy Moulmein ballots difficult to mark; DVB (09 Apr 12) Election body to investigate allegations; group publishes report; KIC (01 Apr 12) Wax covered ballot cards threaten vote in Kaw Mu Township 6 AP (01 Apr 12) Myanmar's Suu Kyi reported winning historic vote; RFA (01 Apr 12) Suu Kyi Has Won: Party Claims 7 VOA (02 Apr 12) Burma's Opposition Party Wins By-Election in Landslide 8 DVB (09 Apr 12) Election body to investigate allegations; group publishes report 9 Election Monitoring Network (07 Apr 12) By-election 2012 - Election Monitoring Report No.1 10 VOA (02 Apr 12) Burma's Opposition Party Wins By-Election in Landslide 11 RFA (04 Apr 12) 'Suu Kyi Won Because of Father' 12 Reuters (03 Apr 12) Myanmar president says by-elections "very successful" 13 Straits Times (06 Apr 12) Now may be the time to end Myanmar sanctions 14 Reuters (25 Apr 12) Myanmar's military moves amid Suu Kyi no-show 15 NLM (23 Apr 12) Republic of the Union of Myanmar Union Election Commission Nay Pyi Taw Notification No. 22/2012 2nd Waxing of Kason, 1374 ME (22 April, 2012) 39 Defence Services Personnel Pyithu Hluttaw Representatives substituted; NLM (23 Apr 12) Republic of the Union of Myanmar Union Election Commission Nay Pyi Taw Notification No. 23/2012 2nd Waxing of Kason, 1374 ME (22 April, 2012) 20 Defence Services Personnel Amyotha Hluttaw Representatives substituted 16 Irrawaddy (30 Apr 12) Saffron Crackdown Commander in Parliament Stirs Outrage 17 Xinhua (23 Apr 12) Myanmar's parliament sessions resume after adjournment

required them to safeguard rather than respect the constitution.18 On 26 April, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the dispute over the wording of the oath of office was a technical problem that should not end in political deadlock.19 On 30 April, the NLD announced that its MPs-elect would attend Parliament on 2 May despite their opposition to the wording of the oath of office.20 The NLD said it decided to end the impasse as a gesture of respect to the desires of the people and in consideration of an appeal made by other MPs.21 However, the NLD pointed out it would continue efforts to get the wording of the oath changed.22 INSIDE BURMA Tatmadaw steps up offensive against KIA In April, fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) continued in Kachin State and Northern Shan State. The Tatmadaw intensified military operations and troop buildup in preparation for an attack on the KIA headquarters in Laiza, Momauk Township, Kachin State.23 Tatmadaw soldiers continued to commit serious human rights abuses against civilians as part of their offensive in Kachin State. 1 April: KIA Battalion 36 forces killed four Tatmadaw soldiers during heavy fighting in Mongkoe, Muse Township, Northern Shan State.24 5 April: KIA Brigade 4 forces and militia members captured and then destroyed a strategic Tatmadaw checkpoint in Mongkoe, Muse Township, Northern Shan State .25 6 April: Tatmadaw troops from LIDs 88 and 99 and Military Operations Commands (MOCs) 3 and 10 began shelling KIA bases around Laiza, Momauk Township, Kachin State, with heavy artillery.26 8-9April: Tatmadaw soldiers fired more than 100 mortar shells at a KIA outpost located on a hill near Gan Dau Yang and N'Pawn villages, Waingmaw Township, Kachin State.27 11 April: Tatmadaw troops overran a KIA Battalion 19 outpost in Dawhpumyang, Momauk Township, Kachin State, after more than 10 hours of heavy artillery fire.28 19 April: Tatmadaw troops from IB 141 in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, detained and tortured a 37-year-old local village headman suspected of having ties to the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).29 23 April: KIA and Tatmadaw forces repeatedly clashed in an area controlled by the KIA Brigade 5 in Momauk Township, Kachin State.30 26 April: Tatmadaw mortar shells killed two children in Kone Law Village, Momauk Township, Kachin State.31 26 April: KIA and Tatmadaw forces repeatedly clashed near Laiza, Momauk Township, Kachin State.32

Reuters (23 Apr 12) As Myanmar awaits easing of sanctions, row brews over MP no-show; Xinhua (23 Apr 12) Myanmar's parliament sessions resume after adjournment; VOA (23 Apr 12) Burmese Democracy Party Skips Parliament Opening 19 AP (26 Apr 12) Myanmar's Suu Kyi's hopeful on oath dispute; Reuters (26 Apr 12) Myanmar parliament stand-off a "technical matter:" Suu Kyi; RFA (26 Apr 12) Oath Dispute Based on Technicality 20 AP (30 Apr 12) Myanmar oath dispute resolved; Reuters (30 Apr 12) Suu Kyi's party decides to enter Myanmar's parliament; Xinhua (30 Apr 12) Aung San Suu Kyi's party to attend parliament; DPA (30 Apr 12) Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi to take parliament oath; NYT (30 Apr 12) Myanmar Opposition Yields in Oath Dispute; RFA (30 Apr 12) NLD Backs Down Over Oath Row 21 Xinhua (30 Apr 12) Myanmar's NLD insists on "respecting" constitution despite decision on parliament debut; BBC (30 Apr 12) Suu Kyi backs down over Burmese parliamentary oath 22 BBC (30 Apr 12) Suu Kyi backs down over Burmese parliamentary oath; Xinhua (30 Apr 12) Myanmar's NLD insists on "respecting" constitution despite decision on parliament debut; RFA (30 Apr 12) NLD Backs Down Over Oath Row 23 Kachin News Group (10 Apr 12) Burma army buildup near Laiza suggests push for KIO capital; Mizzima News (25 Apr 12) KIO rejects offer to hold peace talk in Myitkyina 24 Kachin News Group (03 Apr 12) 4 Burma soldiers fall in battle on election day in N.Shan state 25 Kachin News Group (06 Apr 12) Kachin forces capture Burma army checkpoint in N.Shan state 26 SHAN (10 Apr 12) Newsflash 27 Free Burma Rangers (24 Apr 12) Burma Army Mortars Villages and Burns Homes in Kachin State; 50,000 people displaced 28 Kachin News Group (13 Apr 12) KIO closes Loije trade route after Burma army shelling 29 Kachin News Group (23 Apr 12) Burma army troops assault Kachin village headman 30 Mizzima News (25 Apr 12) KIO rejects offer to hold peace talk in Myitkyina 31 Kachin News Group (26 Apr 12) Burma army shelling kills 2 kids in Kachin state 32 Kachin News Group (26 Apr 12) Burma army shelling kills 2 kids in Kachin state

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The Tatmadaws renewed offensives severely undermined the resumption of dialogue between the regime and the KIO.33 On 25 April, the KIO rejected the regimes proposal to hold talks in Myitkyina or Bhamo in Kachin State because of the Tatmadaws escalation of attacks.34 President Thein Sein appointed a new negotiating team as negotiator Aung Thaung failed to reach a ceasefire agreement with the KIO.35 On 30 April, regime Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min announced that a new 50-member team led by Vice-President Mauk Kham would now be in charge of talks with the KIO.36 KNU and regime agree to ceasefire From 4-10 April, the KNU held a second round of talks with various regime authorities as a follow-up to the initial ceasefire agreement signed on 12 January [See January 2012 Burma Bulletin].37 The KNU delegation also held meetings with President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon. 4 April: KNU representatives led by General Secretary Zipporah Sein and regime officials led by Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min held talks in Hpa-an, Karen State.38 The two sides discussed a code of conduct for troops from both sides, a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, and the opening of liaison offices.39 6 April: KNU representatives and regime officials led by Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min signed a 13-point agreement during talks in Rangoon.40 The two sides agreed to establish a nationwide ceasefire; set up a code of conduct for troops from both sides; establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism; guarantee the safety of civilians; end forced labor and extortion; release political prisoners; resettle tens of thousands of IDPs and refugees; and cooperate on de-mining activities.41 7 April: KNU leaders held an informal meeting with President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw.42 During the meeting, Thein Sein said he was committed to working towards removing the KNU from the list of Burmas outlawed organizations.43 He also invited the KNU to form a political party to enter Burmas political arena.44 8 April: KNU representatives led by General Secretary Zipporah Sein met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders at Daw Suus home in Rangoon.45 The two sides discussed the

Mizzima News (25 Apr 12) KIO rejects offer to hold peace talk in Myitkyina Xinhua (25 Apr 12) Myanmar gov't proposes change of venue for continued peace talks with KIO; Mizzima News (26 Apr 12) Govt wants to hold KIO peace talks inside Burma; Mizzima News (26 Apr 12) Govt wants to hold KIO peace talks inside Burma 35 Reuters (29 Apr 12) Myanmar president orders shakeup for peace talks 36 Reuters (30 Apr 12) Myanmar to beef-up peace effort to end Kachin conflict 37 AP (04 Apr 12) Myanmar's Karen rebels restart cease-fire talks 38 NLM (07 Apr 12) KNU holds peace negotiation with Kayin State government; KNU (04 Apr 12) KNU and the Burmese Government Continued State-level Ceasefire Talks 39 AP (05 Apr 12) Myanmar's Karen rebels restart cease-fire talks; KNU (04 Apr 12) KNU and the Burmese Government Continued State-level Ceasefire Talks; Karen News (05 Apr 12) KNU and Burma government delegations kick-off ceasefire talks 40 AP (06 Apr 12) Myanmar, Karen rebel group firm up cease-fire; AFP (06 Apr 12) Myanmar, rebels in peace talks; DPA (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets Karen rebels; RFA (06 Apr 12) Burma, Karen Rebels Cement Ceasefire; DPA (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets Karen rebels; DVB (06 Apr 12) Armed groups hold talks with government; KNU (07 Apr12) The KNU Press Release on 1st Meeting between KNU Delegation and Union- Level Peace Delegation; Myanmar Times (09 Apr 12) Unionlevel negotiations begin with KNU; NLM (07 Apr 12) KNU holds peace talks with Union level peace-making group 41 AP (06 Apr 12) Myanmar, Karen rebel group firm up cease-fire; DPA (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets Karen rebels; KNU (07 Apr12) The KNU Press Release on 1st Meeting between KNU Delegation and Union- Level Peace Delegation; RFA (06 Apr 12) Burma, Karen Rebels Cement Ceasefire; Xinhua (07 Apr 12) Peace talks in Myanmar make progress after by-elections; Karen News (07 Apr 12) KNU and Burmese government reached historic agreement on a formal cease-fire 42 DPA (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets Karen rebels; Xinhua (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets Kayin ethnic armed group members; VOA (07 Apr 12) Burma President Meets with Karen Rebels; Karen News (08 Apr 12) KNU ask President Thein Sein for a nationwide ceasefire; Mizzima News (08 Apr 12) President Thein Sein meets with KNU; KNU (07 Apr 12) Karen National Union (KNU) and Myanmar President U Thein Sein Meeting 43 WSJ (08 Apr 12) Myanmar Meets With Rebels; KNU (07 Apr 12) Karen National Union (KNU) and Myanmar President U Thein Sein Meeting; Irrawaddy (09 Apr 12) Thein Sein, Suu Kyi Meet KNU for First Time; KIC (15 Apr 12) KNU and Suu Kyi focused on responsible development 44 DPA (07 Apr 12) Myanmar president invites Karen rebels to form party 45 AFP (08 Apr 12) Myanmar's Suu Kyi meets Karen ethnic rebels; DPA (08 Apr 12) Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Karen rebels; WSJ (08 Apr 12) Myanmar Meets With Rebels; VOA (09 Apr 12) Burma's Karen Delegation Meets Aung San Suu Kyi; KNU (08 Apr 12) KNU press release on meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
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agreements negotiated by the regime and the KNU and the needs of other ethnic groups, including the adequate management of economic development projects in ethnic areas.46 9-10 April: Local regime authorities and KNU representatives held talks in Pegu, Pegu Division, and in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division.47 In addition, the KNU opened liaison offices in Kyaukkyi, Pegu Division, and Tavoy, Tenasserim Division.48 Following the second round of talks, KNU General Secretary Zipporah Sein cautioned that the agreements reached with Naypyidaw had to be practically implemented on the ground and that regime had much more to do to prove its commitment to the peace process.49 The next round of talks between the regime and the KNU was scheduled for the end of May.50 Mon and Rakhine groups sign agreements 5 April: Arakan State authorities and the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) signed a five-point preliminary peace agreement after two days of talks in Akyab, Arakan State. 51 The two sides agreed on implementing a ceasefire, opening liaison offices in Kyauktaw, Arakan State, and Paletwa, Chin State, and pursue further negotiations.52 11 April: Regime officials led by Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min and New Mon State Party (NMSP) representatives held talks in Moulmein, Mon State, as a follow-up to the initial peace agreement signed on 25 February.53 [See February 2012 Burma Bulletin] The two sides discussed a nationwide ceasefire, socio-economic development in Mon State, and the release of Mon political prisoners.54 Shan State fighting continues Despite their ceasefire agreement, the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) and the Tatmadaw and its proxies continued to fight in April: 6 April: SSA-N forces killed eight Tatmadaw soldiers from Military Operations Command (MOC) 16 during fighting in Hsenwi Township, Northern Shan State.55 8 April: SSA-N forces killed 10 Tatmadaw soldiers from MOC 16 during fighting in Hsenwi Township, Northern Shan State.56

DPA (08 Apr 12) Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Karen rebels; VOA (09 Apr 12) Burma's Karen Delegation Meets Aung San Suu Kyi; KNU (08 Apr 12) KNU press release on meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; Irrawaddy (09 Apr 12) Thein Sein, Suu Kyi Meet KNU for First Time; Karen News (09 Apr 12) KNU and NLDs Suu Kyi share common ground on national peace building 47 NLM (11 Apr 12) Kayin National Union-KNU opens Liaison Office in Kyaukkyi of Toungoo District; Mizzima News (11 Apr 12) KNU, govt focus on cease-fire details; NLM (12 Apr 12) Kayin National Union (KNU) opens Liaison Office for Myeik/Dawei District, Brigade-4 48 NLM (11 Apr 12) Kayin National Union-KNU opens Liaison Office in Kyaukkyi of Toungoo District; Mizzima News (11 Apr 12) KNU opens liaison office; NLM (12 Apr 12) Kayin National Union (KNU) opens Liaison Office for Myeik/Dawei District, Brigade-4 49 KIC (15 Apr 12) KNU and Suu Kyi focused on responsible development; KIC (24 Apr 12) KNU go public to explain their peace talks progress 50 WSJ (13 Apr 12) Myanmar's Karen Union Urges Caution on Lifting Sanctions 51 Xinhua (07 Apr 12) Myanmar ethnic armed group reaches peace agreement with gov't; Narinjara News (06 Apr 12) ALP and Arakan State Government Sign a Five-Point Peace Deal; DVB (06 Apr 12) Armed groups hold talks with government 52 Xinhua (07 Apr 12) Myanmar ethnic armed group reaches peace agreement with gov't; Narinjara News (06 Apr 12) ALP and Arakan State Government Sign a Five-Point Peace Deal; DVB (06 Apr 12) Armed groups hold talks with government 53 NLM (13 Apr 12) Perpetuation of peace discussed with KNU - Union level peace-making group holds talks with New Mon State Party; Mizzima News (17 Apr 12) NMSP, govt resume peace talks; IMNA (11 Apr 12) NMSP calls on Union government to announce nationwide ceasefire 54 NLM (13 Apr 12) Perpetuation of peace discussed with KNU - Union level peace-making group holds talks with New Mon State Party; IMNA (11 Apr 12) NMSP calls on Union government to announce nationwide ceasefire; Mizzima News (17 Apr 12) NMSP, govt resume peace talks 55 SHAN (09 Apr 12) Newsflash 56 SHAN (09 Apr 12) Newsflash

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HUMAN RIGHTS Censorship continues On 9 April, it was reported that the regime Censorship Board suspended the publication of the weekly journal Myanmar Post Global for two weeks because it had published a two-page supplement without obtaining prior approval from the board.57 DISPLACEMENT Refugees, IDPs repatriated? Ongoing peace talks between the regime and various armed ethnic groups appeared to have been the catalyst for the initiation of refugee repatriation in Bangladesh and Thailand. In addition, the regime stated it wanted to resettle IDPs and refugees by June. 9 April: A UNHCR high-level delegation and Bangladeshi authorities responsible for refugee repatriation held meetings with refugees in the Nayapara and Kutupalong camps. A UNHCR representative said the UN wanted to inform the refugees about progress in Burma and would facilitate the refugees voluntary return to Burma.58 21 April: Regime Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min said that Naypyidaw wanted to begin resettling IDPs and refugees before the start of the rainy season in June.59 24 April: It was reported that Thai authorities had been conducting informal surveys regarding refugee repatriation preferences at several camps on the Thai-Burma border since mid-March.60 25 April: UNHCR representative Johannes Ten Feld met with regime Border Affairs Minister Lt Gen Thein Htay in Naypyidaw to discuss how to enhance cooperation regarding the resettlement of IDPs.61 Burmese migrant workers in Thailand exploited, killed A number of labor disputes erupted in Thailand after the increase in the Thai minimum wage on 1 April. Employers reduced worker benefits in an attempt to offset the increase in the minimum wage. In addition, 20 Burmese migrant workers were rescued from bonded labor and two Burmese migrant workers died while being deported back to Burma. Early April: About 800 Cambodian and 395 Burmese migrant workers went on strike at the Pattana Seafood factory in Songkhla. The workers claimed that the company reduced meal allowances and the attendance bonus, withheld pay for so called bondage payments, and confiscated their passports to prevent them from leaving.62 The dispute appeared to have been settled on 19 April when the company agreed to some of the workers wage demands and returned passports.63 11 April: It was reported that thousands of Burmese migrant workers protested over workers benefit issues at the Vita Food pineapple canning factory in Kanchanaburi Province.64 17 April: Two Burmese migrant workers were found dead in the back of a Thai deportation vehicle. The two were part of a group of 62 migrants being deported from Sadao, Songkhla Province, to Burma via the Mae Sot border crossing in Tak Province. Initial reports suggested that the two migrants died as a result of having been crammed into an over-crowded truck for an extended period of time during hot weather.65

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DVB (09 Apr 12) Government hands out punishment to news journal Kaladan News (15 Apr 12) UNHCR and Bangladesh authority jointly hold meeting about refugee repatriation 59 Irrawaddy (23 Apr 12) Govt Wants to Start Resettling Refugees: Minister 60 Irrawaddy (24 Apr 12) Thai Authorities Survey Refugees Over Repatriation 61 Irrawaddy (26 Apr 12) UNHCR and Govt Discuss IDP Resettlement 62 Bangkok Post (13 Apr 12) Migrant workers protest across Thailand 63 Phnom Penh Post (20 Apr 12) Cambodians at Thai factory win passports 64 Bangkok Post (13 Apr 12) Migrant workers protest across Thailand 65 Mekong Migration Network (22 Apr 12) Press Release

 20 April: Thai authorities and NGO workers rescued 20 Burmese migrant workers who were forced to work on a fishing boat in Chonburi.66 20 April: Burmese migrant workers at GS Energy company in Ratchaburi Province went on strike in a dispute related to the reduction of worker benefits when the minimum wage increased on 1 April. Thai police told workers that they would disappear if they did not end their protest.67 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Thein Seins trip to Japan brings debt cancellation, resumption of aid On 20 April, President Thein Sein arrived in Japan on a five-day trip. It was the first visit to Japan by a Burmese head of state in 28 years.68 On 21 April, Japan agreed to waive about US$2.8 billion in debt owed by Burma and restart full financial aid to the country for the first time since 1987.69 Japan PM Yoshihiko Noda announced that Japan would implement a two-step process to reduce Burmas debt burden: a 127.4 billion (US$1.6 billion) debt write-off and the cancellation of 176.1 billion (US$2.2 billion) in overdue charges from the past two decades. The cancellation would be contingent on a year of monitoring of the regimes democratic reforms. For its part, Burma will return 198.9 billion (US$2.5 billion) in previous borrowings from Japan by taking out new long-term concessionary loans.70 Noda said that Japan would also provide 5 billion (US$62.5 million) in aid to assist Burmas ethnic communities and improve medical care, as well as to support disaster prevention, agriculture, and rural development programs. In addition, Japan and the regime signed an agreement to cooperate on developing the port of Thilawa, a 2,400-hectare Special Economic Zone in Rangoon Division.71 UK urges progress towards irreversible democracy On 13 April, UK PM David Cameron arrived in Burma on a one-day visit.72 Cameron was the first UK PM to visit Burma since the country gained independence in 1948.73 Cameron met with President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw and urged the regime to make progress toward irreversible democracy, including progress on political reforms and the release of the remaining political prisoners.74 Cameron also met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon. After meeting with Daw Suu, Cameron said that he would support the suspending of the EUs economic sanctions on Burma with the exception of the arms embargo.75 EU wants the regimes reforms to be irreversible On 28 April, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton arrived in Burma on a three-day visit.76 On the first day of her visit, Ashton met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the NLD headquarters in Rangoon and also presided over the opening of an EU office in Rangoon.77 After her meeting with Daw Suu, Ashton said that she hoped that all the elements of Burmas reform efforts would converge to make it an irreversible process.78 On 29 April, Ashton met with President Thein Sein and other regime officials in Naypyidaw.79

Irrawaddy (23 Apr 12) Burmese Slaves Rescued from Thai Fishing Boat Prachatai (23 Apr 12) Migrant workers complain about welfare benefits at smelter factory in Ratchaburi and Thai police threaten workers; Translated from Thai by Altsean-Burma; original story available at: http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2012/04/40195 68 FT (22 Apr 12) Japan waives most of its Myanmar debt 69 Bloomberg (22 Apr 12) Thein Sein Wins Japan Backing for Myanmar Infrastructure Efforts 70 Japan Times (22 Apr 12) Japan to cancel 60% of Myanmar's debt 71 Japan Times (22 Apr 12) Japan to cancel 60% of Myanmar's debt 72 Xinhua (13 Apr 12) British PM meets Myanmar president in Nay Pyi Taw 73 BBC (13 Apr 12) David Cameron calls for Burma sanctions to be suspended 74 Bloomberg (13 Apr 12) Cameron Urges Myanmar to Make Political Changes Irreversible 75 AP (13 Apr 12) British PM calls for suspending Myanmar sanctions 76 Xinhua (28 Apr 12) EU foreign policy chief visits Myanmar 77 DPA (28 Apr 12) EU opens Myanmar office in wake of reforms; Xinhua (28 Apr 12) EU foreign policy chief visits Myanmar 78 AFP (28 Apr 12) EU's Ashton urges 'irreversible' Myanmar reforms 79 NLM (01 May 12) President U Thein Sein receives High Representative of European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon visits Burma On 29 April, UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon arrived in Burma on a three-day visit.80 On 30 April, Ban met with President Thein Sein and the speakers of both houses of Parliament in Naypyidaw.81 Ban also signed an agreement for the UN to help the regime conduct a nationwide census in 2014 and visited a regime opium poppy substitute crop cultivation project in Hopong Township, Shan State.82 In a speech to Parliament, Ban said that ongoing conflict in Kachin State was inconsistent with the regimes successful conclusion of the ceasefire agreements with all other major groups.83 Ban also urged Western nations to lift all sanctions on Burma.84 By-elections results lead to easing of sanctions The international community widely heralded the results of Burmas 1 April by-election as an indication of reform. As a result, the US, the EU, Canada, Australia, and Norway all eased sanctions against the regime. US 4 April: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the US would ease financial and investment sanctions on Burma. The partial lifting of sanctions included the following measures: 1. Seeking agreement with the regime for a fully accredited ambassador; 2. Establishing an in-country USAID mission and supporting a country program for the UNDP; 3. Allowing US private non-profit organizations to pursue a broad range of activities from democracy building to health and education; 4. Facilitating travel to the US for Burmese MPs and select regime officials; and 5. The targeted easing of the ban on the export of US financial services and investment.85 17 April: The US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license authorizing financial transactions for a range of not-for-profit projects and programs in Burma86 including democracy-building and good-governance projects and educational activities.87 25 April: The US ruled out an immediate end to its main sanctions on Burma. In his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said that the US would only lift sanctions on Burma in certain prescribed areas. Campbell stressed that the reform process must extend to the country as a whole and that the US remained concerned over reliable reports of ongoing human rights violations and the regimes ties to North Korea.88 EU, Canada, Australia, Norway 15 April: Norways FM Jonas Gahr Stre said Norway had lifted economic sanctions against Burma with the exception of an arms embargo.89 16 April: Australias FM Bob Carr said that Australia would lift financial and travel restrictions for more than 260 persons in Burma, including President Thein Sein. Carr said that Australia would keep its arms embargo and financial and travel restrictions on 130 individuals, including senior members of the military and others, suspected of human rights abuses.90 23 April: The EU Foreign Affairs Council decided to suspend the EUs sanctions against Burma for a year except for its arms embargo. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague stressed the fact that

Xinhua (30 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets UN chief Reuters (30 Apr 12) U.N. chief meets Myanmar president, to address parliament; Xinhua (30 Apr 12) Myanmar president meets UN chief 82 NLM (01 May 12) UNSG and wife visit poppy-substitute crop cultivation project in Hopon Tsp, Shan State; Mizzima News (30 Apr 12) Ban praises Thein Sein in Burmese Parliament 83 AFP (30 Apr 12) UN's Ban calls for truce in Myanmar ethnic conflict 84 NLM (01 May 12) UNSG and wife visit poppy-substitute crop cultivation project in Hopon Tsp, Shan State 85 RFA (04 Apr 12) US to Ease Burma Sanctions 86 Reuters (17 Apr 12) U.S. eases Myanmar sanctions to boost NGO projects 87 WSJ (18 Apr 12) Treasury authorizes limited financial transactions In Myanmar 88 AFP (26 Apr 12) US rules out immediate end to Myanmar sanctions; Bloomberg (26 Apr 12) U.S. Will Ease Rather Than Remove Myanmar Sanctions 89 AFP (16 Apr 12) Norway lifts curbs against Myanmar 90 AFP (16 Apr 12) Australia to lift some Myanmar sanctions; AP (16 Apr 12) Australia eases sanctions against Myanmar
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sanctions were being suspended rather than being lifted completely. Hague said the EU remained concerned about ethnic conflict, political prisoners, and the swearing-in of NLD MPs.91 24 April: Canadas FM John Baird announced that Ottawa would suspend sanctions on imports, exports, and financial transactions against Burma but would maintain the arms embargo. Baird said that sanctions may be re-imposed if the regime reversed its policies of freeing political prisoners and relaxing its control of the media.92 Despite the decision by the US, EU countries, Australia, Canada, and Norway to ease sanctions imposed on Burma, numerous representatives of Burmas ethnic groups said that it was too early for the international community to lift sanctions. KNU General Secretary Zipporah Sein said that the international community should at least wait until the regime implements more political reforms and a countrywide ceasefire.93 Leaders of the Shan Nationalities League of Democracy (SNLD), the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), and the Rakhine Nationals Progressive Party (RNPP) said that the international community should wait at least until the 2015 general election to lift sanctions.94 ECONOMY Regimes gas revenues up 22% On 24 April, weekly journal Eleven News reported that Burmas natural gas exports had a value of US$3.56 billion in the fiscal year 2011-12, up 22% from US$2.92 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year the highest previous earnings on record.95 Meanwhile, Burmas regime inked a new energy deal. On 4 April, Burmas state-controlled Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), UNOG, and Malaysias Petronas signed a production sharing contract on exploration of inland blocks RSF-2 and RSF-3 in central Burma.96 ADB assesses Burmas economy On 11 April, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) issued Economic Trends and Prospects in Developing Asia: Southeast Asia, a report that included an assessment of the countrys economic growth.97 The report contained the following statistics, projections, and assessments: GDP growth was an estimated 5.5% in FY 2011-12 up from an average of 4.9% over the previous four years. GDP was forecast to grow by about 6% in FY 2012-13 and 6.3% in FY 2013-14. The current account deficit widened to an estimated 2.7% of GDP in FY 2011-12 up from 0.9% in FY 2010-11. Inflation was 4.2% in FY 2011-12 down from 7.3% in the previous fiscal year. Total external debt was estimated at US$11 billion with half in arrears. OTHER BURMA NEWS IN APRIL
1 2 2 2 US Congress representative Joseph Crowley says it is not the time for the international community to rush toward lifting pressure on Burma. Indian NGO Sarhad awards Daw Aung San Suu Kyi the International Bhagwan Mahavir World Peace award. Burmas Central Bank sets an exchange rate of 818 kyat per US dollar. State-run Inland Water Transportation resumes control of the Akyab-Buthidaung shipping line from Nagarmin Company and lowers fares in an apparent response to protests by monks in March.

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AP (23 Apr 12) EU suspends Myanmar sanctions after reforms; Independent (23 Apr 12) Hague warning over change to sanctions in Burma 92 Xinhua (24 Apr 24) Canada drops non-military sanctions on Myanmar 93 WSJ (13 Apr 12) Myanmar's Karen Union Urges Caution on Lifting Sanctions; KIC (15 Apr 12) KNU and Suu Kyi focused on responsible development 94 SHAN (17 Apr 12) Shan leader to Cameron: The world must see to it there isnt another rejection of poll results in 2015 95 Xinhua (24 Apr 12) Myanmar's gas export up over 3 bln USD in fiscal year 2011-12 96 NLM (06 Apr 12) Production sharing contract signed 97 ADB (11 Apr 12) Asian Development Outlook 2012: Confronting Rising Inequality in Asia - Myanmar

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State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar publishes two articles that indicate that Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing was promoted to the rank of Vice-Sr Gen. Philippines President Benigno Aquino says that the international community should lift sanctions on Burma to encourage further reforms and prevent the country from backsliding on its democratic gains. President Thein Sein attends of the 20th ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A group of 88 Generation Students begins a tour of ethnic areas in Eastern Burma in order to meet ethnic leaders and learn more about ethnic issues. National Parliament Speaker Khin Aung Myint says the 25% quota of MPs reserved to the military will most probably diminish in the future. Singapores PM Lee Hsien Loong says that he hopes stakeholders in Burma will push on with national reconciliation for the good of the people. Inter Parliamentary Union admits Burma as a member. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei calls on the international community to lift sanctions on Burma as soon as possible. A 10-year study published in The Lancet medical journal finds that a drug resistant malaria strain has spread along the Thai-Burma border. A court sentences three villagers in Lewe Township, Mandalay Division, to six months in prison for resisting forced relocation by regime authorities. ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan says that with the success of the democracy process in Burma, the country will be no longer a problem in ASEAN. President Thein Sein meets with US Senator Jim Webb in Naypyidaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi discusses democratization, the peace process with ethnic armed groups, and parliamentary affairs with President Thein Sein during a meeting in Naypyidaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis aide Khun Thar Myint says Daw Suu will not assume any position in Thein Seins administration. Tokyo Stock Exchange announces that it and Daiwa Securities Group have reached an agreement with Burmas Central Bank to help the country establish a stock market by 2015. All Nippon Airways President Shinichiro Ito says that the airline will resume regular flights to Burma for the first time in 12 years. Local USDP members destroy a clock tower with a Christian cross on its top in Mualbem Village, Tiddim Township, Chin State. US Senator James Webb said that he will engage in discussions members of Congress and leaders of the Obama administration to find the right way to reward Burmas regime and to continue incentives for future change. Regime authorities in Rawnglaung Village, Mindat Township, Chin State, evict a family of seven from their home because they converted to Christianity. Over 100 local activists demonstrate against the Shwe Gas project in Akyab, Arakan State. Buddhist monk U Gambira disrobes and returns to layman status after being refused sanctuary by several monasteries ahead of Buddhist lent. NLD says that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will travel outside Burma for the first time in 24 years after accepting invitations to visit Norway and Britain in June. UNFC calls on the regime peace-making group led by Rail Transport Minister Aung Min to hold multilateral talks with the UNFC and ethnic armed groups as soon as possible. Thailand puts three Burmese, Naw Kham, Lah Pwe, and Yi Say, on its list of the 25 most wanted drug traffickers. A Rohingya beggar in Ramawaddy Village, Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, dies from the injuries sustained in a police beating. A bomb blast kills a regime immigration officer at a border checkpoint in Muse Township, Northern Shan State. Japan pledges US$7.4 billion in aid over three years to help Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. UN humanitarian aid mission provides relief supplies to several thousand IDPs at Inkhaungpa and Dunbuam IDP camps in Momauk Township, Kachin State. Regime Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min meets with KNPP representatives in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, in preparation for future national-level talks. A commentary in the state-run newspaper New light of Myanmar blames KIO hard-line leaders for obstructing negotiations on a peace agreement with the regime. PNLO General Secretary Khun Myint Htun says the PNLO will hold talks with regime Rail Transportation Minister Aung Min in mid-May. German Development Minister Dirk Niebel says that Germany will resume full-scale development aid to Burma.

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UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon says that Burma is just beginning its transition and many challenges lie ahead and that many concerns have yet to be addressed. Nine US-based human rights organizations issue a joint letter to US President Barack Obama which says that reforms in Burma have not gone far enough to warrant the relaxing of US sanctions. About 100 refugees from Burma at the Nu Po camp in Thailands Umphang District, Tak Province, protest at the local UNHCR office over their delayed resettlement to third countries. Laotian and Chinese authorities arrest reputed Shan drug lord Naw Kham in Bokeo Province, Laos. UNFC leaders arrive in Japan to discuss Burmas ongoing peace process with Japanese lawmakers and humanitarian organizations. Italian FM Giulio Terzi meets with President Thein Sein and other regime officials in Naypyidaw. Rakhine League for Democracy applies for party registration with the regime Election Commission. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with Italian FM Giulio Terzi at her home in Rangoon. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says that the UK will no longer discourage trade with Burma. World Bank announces that it will open an office in Myanmar in June. Over 20 farmers from Atwin Padan Village in Rangoons Hlaing Tharyar Township petition local regime authorities to have their land tenure rights reinstated. Regime FM Wunna Maung Lwin attends the two-day meeting of the 19th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. UNHCR representative Johannes Ten Feld says the agency will need an additional US$12 million to provide humanitarian assistance to 60,000 IDPs in Kachin State from March 2012 to February 2013 as a result of the ongoing conflict. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton says that European firms seeking to invest in Burma are unlikely to rush into business deals until more concrete reforms are put in place. German FM Guido Westerwelle meets with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon and says that Germany will assist Burma in promoting democratic reforms. Regime releases prominent Mon political prisoners Yekkha and Chem Gakao. Germanys FM Guido Westerwelle meets with President Thein Sein and other regime officials in Naypyidaw.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN APRIL

By-election 2012 - Election Monitoring Report No.1, Election Monitoring Network http://t.co/TGQgqzSG Not Open for Business: Despite Elections, Investor Risk Remains High in Burma, Crisis Risk Network (CRN) http://bit.ly/IKV9vo Asian Development Outlook 2012: Confronting Rising Inequality in Asia - Myanmar, Asian Development Bank (ADB) http://bit.ly/J8yHNo Reform in Myanmar: One Year On, International Crisis Group (ICG) http://bit.ly/HDfTlV

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