Yangon: Myanmar’s military government late Tuesday extended by one year the house arrest of Tin Oo, the deputy leader of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, despite calls by the party and international community to release him.
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Naypyidaw: Myanmar’s secretive leader, Senior General Than Shwe, made a rare public appearance at celebrations marking a national holiday this week.
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There has been a marked increase in poppy cultivation in Chin state, in the northwest part of Burma even as the United Nations views Burma as a country which has intensified its anti-drug campaign.
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The trial of 14 South Korean executives linked to Daewoo International’s alleged illegal supply of arms to Burma has been postponed until the end of March, the Seoul prosecutor’s office told DVB on Tuesday.
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A planned free-trade agreement (FTA) between Asean and the European Union hit a snag recently, as the EU might not sign if the agreement includes Burma, says a senior Thai official, The Nation reports.
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Jakarta: Indonesia and Myanmar will hold their first meeting of a joint commission aimed at strengthening ties in Jakarta this week, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

The two foreign ministers will attend the commission meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, the ministry said on its website. (more…)

Phang Nga, Thailand: Burma’s Rohingyas in search of a new life end up behind bars
The food ran out 14 days into the voyage. The drinking water was also nearly exhausted. The cheap onboard compass was not reliable, so it was only possible to navigate by the stars. Finally, the engine gave out.
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Last month the leaders of 16 Asian nations met in the Philippines for the second East Asian Summit and agreed to work for better energy security and reduced poverty. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed an agreement with China on trade and services and pledged to work toward a broader free-trade agreement. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines, a traditional U.S. ally, declared that “we are happy to have China as our big brother in this region.” No Americans were invited to the summit. (more…)