“[2008] was a bad year on almost all fronts …. there was no movement, in fact quite the opposite. The UN secretary-general himself said very recently that the degree of cooperation between Myanmar and the UN had been unsatisfactory. There was no move towards any sort of dialogue between the government and the opposition. There was continued repression.” – Mark Canning, British Ambassador to Burma

Military-ruled Myanmar has freed six people who recently called for the release of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but sentenced another activist to 104 years in prison, relatives and an activist group said Wednesday. (more…)

A Chinese company has been constructing roads even as it digs for nickel and uranium in the mountains of Mwe Taung in Chin state, Myanmar. (more…)

The National League for Democracy has welcomed the remarks of Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who said on Monday that he wanted to see change in Burma. (more…)

The Burmese junta have tightened security in and around Rangoon after anti-junta leaflets were distributed last week. 2009 has heralded a renewed campaign by dissidents, with the widespread distribution of leaflets carrying the message, “As people we have not attained freedom yet, we must continue our struggle.” (more…)

As one of Myanmar’s Muslim ethnic minorities, the Rohingya are victims of abuse and forced labour by the country’s military junta. Many who sought refuge in Thailand are instead seized by the army and left in international waters. The issue of Rohingya boat-people will be at the centre of the next ASEAN summit. (more…)

Five military trucks, believed to be capable of carrying up to 100 tons in weight, were driven to the Burmese side of the border from China through the Sino-Burmese border gate, eyewitnesses said. (more…)

To promote production of gems and jewellery, Burma’s Ministry of Mines said it is allocating six blocks in three states to local entrepreneurs to mine gems, an official at the ministry said. (more…)

Businesses in Burma are struggling to sell a backlog of stock buildup due to the global financial recession, which is undermining trading and the economy, said Khin Maung Nyo, a Rangoon-based economic analyst. (more…)

A LEADING Myanmar business group will send private sector agricultural trainees to Israel next month to study advanced agricultural technology. (more…)

Myanmar police arrested 277 drug traffickers last month, state media reported Wednesday, as the world’s second-largest opium producer sought to show it was cracking down on the narcotics trade. (more…)

Chairman of Tripartite Core Group (TCG) Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu arrived back here yesterday after visiting Thailand from 6 to 12 January under the programme to exchange views among the natural disaster-hit countries. (more…)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) Wednesday blamed Asian giants China and India for abuses against their own citizens but also for backing military dictatorships such as Myanmar. (more…)

The ‘National Coalition Government of Union of Burma’ (NCGUB) in exile will elect its new Prime Minister at a meeting to be held in Ireland this month. (more…)

It is less than 10 days before America’s 44th president takes office on January 20. It has come the day for the Bush’s family to bid adieu to the White House and begin a new journey of life. The significant role played by the First Lady, Laura Bush, is also coming to an end, yet her legacy will remain a living history in an administration that has precious few high spots. (more…)

Here’s some good news: Thailand’s new prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, says he shares the West’s desire for change in Burma. (more…)

British ambassador to Burma, Mark Canning, talks to The Irrawaddy about the role of the UN and Asean in Burma, the Cyclone Nargis relief effort and his expectations for the election in 2010. (more…)