New Delhi – As a step forward along the roadmap to democracy, Burma’s military junta will soon announce an Election Law that will set guidelines and criteria for the formation of political parties to contest the upcoming 2010 general election, sources said. (more…)

A Burmese lawyer now in exile says authorities tortured evidence out of his clients. (more…)

Pyapon – Fishermen hit by Cyclone Nargis are struggling to pay back government loans meant to jumpstart their livelihoods. (more…)

Teknaf, Bangladesh – Bamboos in Arakan State are gradually disappearing because businessmen in collaboration with a section of the authorities have been exporting it to Bangladesh, said a bamboo trader from Maungdaw Township on condition of anonymity. (more…)

A celebration for AIDS day ceremony was held today in the head quarter of the NLD. About 40 people including people living with HIV/AIDS and their family members attended the celebration with fried noodles and cold drinks fed. Ko Aung Naing from Rangoon Division Youth Committee acted as the master of ceremony. U Hla Min introduced how AIDS section of the NLD emerged and Ma Phyu Phyu Thin explained what they have done so far. Ko Yar Zar who has been helping people living with HIV/AIDS talked about the difficulties facing them. At last U Aung Shwe remarked and opened a lucky draw section for 250 people. Lucky draw included longyi, towel, and other utensils. 35 children were given presents. The celebration was over successfully. (more…)

All that is certain is that Burma has a nuclear programme. It may be years, if not decades, away from developing nuclear-weapons capability. But the fact that the country’s military leadership is experimenting with nuclear power is cause for concern (more…)