Washington — A key US Senator sharply critical of US economic sanctions on Myanmar announced Tuesday he would hold an October 1 hearing on their effectiveness in fostering democratic reforms there. (more…)

Bangkok — Two years ago, the sight of thousands of saffron-clad monks marching in silence, hands clasped and heads bowed, briefly sparked hopes that some loosening of military control in Burma might be in sight. (more…)

Bangkok – Buddhist monks in Burma face continuing repression, intimidation and harsh prison sentences two years after the military government’s brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. (more…)

[Mae Sot, Thailand] The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) today confirmed that 127 political prisoners have been released from prisons in Burma.  Last Thursday evening in Rangoon, state-run MRTV carried a news bulletin announcing that 7,114 prisoners were to be released “on humanitarian grounds.” (more…)

At least 115 activists, politicians and journalists were among the 7000 prisoners released by the Burmese junta last week, according to an exiled prisoner advocacy group. (more…)

New Delhi – Members of the central executive committee of Burma’s major opposition – the National League for Democracy – have requested for permission from the junta to meet detained party leaders to discuss party matters. (more…)

Yangon – the doctor of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says she is suffering from low blood pressure, after examining her for the first time since she was returned to house arrest last month. (more…)

Dhaka – Khaing Kaung San, who was chairman of the Arakanese Patriotic Literature Club based in Bangkok, was released from Thayet prison on Friday in a government amnesty after serving 9 years in prison, said his fried. (more…)

Provisions included in 1974 constitution, although it had become null and void due to the situations that happened in the country in 1988, is still in effect as they are not contrary to existing laws (more…)

Burmese opposition groups and local Burmese NGOs operating in Thailand have temporarily closed their offices for fear of further crackdowns by Thai police, according to sources along the Thai-Burmese border. (more…)

Around 100 people led by monks marked International Peace Day today by marching through the Thai town of Mae Sot, close to the border with Burma. (more…)

Sepang, Malaysia – A growing number of immigrants from Myanmar are ending up stuck, often for months, in crowded detention centers in Malaysia designed to hold people for only a few weeks. (more…)

Bangkok – Myanmar dissident groups Monday called on the ruling junta to stop using violence against ethnic minorities, warning that its current policy will lead to more human rights violations and refugees. (more…)

Auk Chang, Burma – Shortly before rice planting began this season, about 120 men, women and youngsters in the village of Auk Chang were recruited by Burma’s Union Solidarity and Development Association to build a two-storey replacement for a dilapidated school. (more…)

On the eve of the 21st anniversary of the bloody coup that crushed the 1988 student-led pro-democracy uprising, Burma’s junta announced plans to free 7,114 prisoners. MRTV, the state-owned television station, announced on Thursday night that the prisoners were being released on “humanitarian grounds.” (more…)

We Oppose the Military Regime’s Use of Violence against Ethnic Nationalities, and
Demand That the Regime Stops Forcibly Enacting of the 2008 Constitution, Which Is
Not accepted by the People of Burma—- through the 2010 Election (more…)

Mizzima News Agency needs two skilled professional TV journalists to be based in India and Thailand offices. The applicants must have at least 2 years of professional working experience in the broadcast media. If selected, the contract will be for three months (October-December 2009) that can be extended to a year. (more…)

Yangon, Myanmar — At least 25 political detainees were released Friday as part of an amnesty for prisoners in Myanmar, just over 1 percent of the total number of political prisoners believed to be held by its military government. (more…)

No causalities and injuries reported

Nay Pyi Taw —Two bomb blasts occurred in Hlinethaya Township at midnight yesterday, one in the compound of Komatsu hydraulic bulldozer & excavator Co, five yards from the fence, at 11.45 pm, and another in the compound of Family United Power hydraulic bulldozer & excavator Co, five yards from its fence at about midnight. (more…)

New Delhi – The Rangoon divisional court on Friday heard arguments on an appeal against the verdict of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and scheduled October 2 for announcing its decision. (more…)