Yangon, Myanmar Myanmar will release 651 prisoners starting Friday under a new presidential pardon, with anticipation mounting that many of those to be freed will be political detainees.
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Aung San Suu Kyi told members of the Asia Society in New York that Burma is “on the verge of a breakthrough to democracy” as she accepted its Global Vision Award in a recorded video on Wednesday

The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who spent most of the past two decades under house arrest before being freed in 2010, said overseas support by Burma’s friends was important as she accepted the award.
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Government officials and rebel leaders agree on pact aimed to end one of world’s longest-running civil conflicts.

Myanmar’s government and one of the country’s most prominent ethnic rebel groups, the Karen National Union (KNU), have signed a ceasefire after decades of civil conflict.
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Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) announced on Thursday its line-up of candidates—including Suu Kyi and other prominent activists—who will compete in the April 1 by-election as Burma’s main opposition party enters the formal political process for the first time in two decades. (more…)

In a 1995 scene from the US hit comedy Seinfeld, one of the characters goes somewhat insane. He calls his office and explains that he has run away to the Burmese jungle. “Burma?” is the incredulous reply. The protagonist retorts: “You most likely know it as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me.” Cue the canned laughter. (more…)

Text of report by Kyaw Hsu Mon headlined “MWJA Plans Press Council as Censorship Eases” published by Burmese newspaper The Myanmar Times website on 9 January
The Myanmar [Burma] Writers and Journalists Association plans to establish a national press council this year, a senior member said last week.
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Rangoon, Burma – As Burma’s long time military dictatorship gradually opens, it is loosening censorship controls over media and the arts. Musicians in Rangoon are excited by their newfound freedom, but remain unsure of the new limits. The local punk music band Side Effect is dealing with the changes. (more…)

Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi (C) applauds during a ceremony at her National League for Democracy (NLD)’s headquarters in Rangoon, Jan. 9, 2012.
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A move by the Thai government to verify the millions of migrant workers from Burma has done little to improve conditions, a migrant advocacy group claims, with many still denied health insurance by employers.

Both the Thai and Burmese government have backed the National Verification Process that will award status to migrants whom to date have lived a life in limbo, largely unable to access healthcare and the workplace rights awarded to Thai citizens. (more…)

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Fifteen more Rohingya boatpeople were arrested at Shahpuri Dip, Teknaf Upazila, at midnight on December 7, according to locals and Teknaf police.

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Myanmar’s foreign trade + 28% in 9 months

Myanmar’s foreign trade amounted to US$13.4-B in the 1st 9 months (April-December) of the FY 2011-12, + 28% or over US$3-B in the same period of 2010-11, local media reported Wednesday.

During the period, the export reached US$6.833-B, up from US$6.49-B, while the import totaled US$6.61-B, up from US$3.9-B, said the 7-Day News. (more…)

Italian-Thai Development Pcl, Thailand’s biggest construction company, may change the fuel supply for a power plant in a planned $8.6 billion industrial zone in Myanmar after the government scrapped plans to use coal. (more…)

BEIJING – China’s Guangdong Zhenrong Energy Co. Ltd, an oil and commodity trader partly owned by state-run Zhuhai Zhenrong Corp, is scouting for sites in Myanmar to build a 100,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery, the company’s chief executive said.
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Siem Reap — Foreign Ministers from the 10 member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are considering a group visit to Myanmar this year to learn the latest developments there, ASEAN sources told Kyodo News on Wednesday. (more…)

In a move that could go a long way in enhancing defence ties, India has offered training spots at the National Defence Academy to Myanmar. While Myanmar is yet to respond to the offer, it has expressed interest in sending its officers and soldiers for training at the Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare Training School in Mizoram. (more…)

On Jan. 12 the Karen National Union (KNU) will hold further talks about agreeing a ceasefire. Karen communities worldwide will be holding traditional Karen peace ceremonies, calling on the military-backed government to not just agree to a ceasefire, but also agree to genuine dialogue that leads to a political solution to the conflict.
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Watching Burma’s ongoing progress towards democratic reforms and political dialogue from afar is like seeing sprinkling rain turning into a light downpour after a long drought over two decades. It is a spectacular and stunning sight thus far, partly because the long drought stirred pent-up demands and grievances for ways forward.
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