“Help us, help you” has become the dictum that epitomises the painful relations between Asean and its pariah member, Burma. After many hours of discussions, senior Asean officials agreed at their summit this month in Kuala Lumpur to increase the pressure on Burma. It was the first time that Asean had been so assertive towards one of its members.

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The Foreign Ministry seems to have jumped the gun in its bid to censure the Burmese military junta over reports former prime minister Chuan Leekpai was denied a visa to visit the pariah state, the opposition claimed yesterday.

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The beleaguered Wa business firm has changed its label from Hongpang (Great State) to Xinhong (Thriving Greatness), said a source close to the Wa this morning.

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Fighting between Karenni rebels and Burma’s military junta reached its fourth this week with the Karenni National Progressive Party’s armed wing the Karenni Army attacking government forces.

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The military regime in Burma is planning to hold a people’s referendum for its draft constitution following the conclusion of the National Convention.

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Another Burmese political prisoner, Aung Zaw Latt who had been serving a lengthy jail term at Pegu Prison, died on the morning of 16 December.

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Burma’s leading opposition party on Monday welcomed Asean’s decision to send a special envoy to the country next year and demanded meetings be held with democratic forces.

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The French contingent of medical aid group Medecin Sans Frontieres is preparing to withdraw from Burma, according to an official with the group.

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Military-run Burma has cited safety concerns for turning down a visa application made by former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai to visit the country, officials said today.
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