China strengthens ties with Burma 28 NOV

Monday, 28 November 2011 -------------------------------------------- China strengthens ties with Burma, ahead of Clintons historic visit Suu Kyi moves from tragic icon to global go-between Clinton aims to bring Burma into fold Chinese Vice President vows to further ties with Myanmar To Reform, Stop Imprisoning Journalists China, Myanmar vow deeper ties NLD prepares to accept 1 million party members Foreign-based dissident organizations reorganizing their missions Hillary Clinton prepares for Burma trip Chief Minister Sacked for Bribery ------------------------------------------- China strengthens ties with Burma, ahead of Clintons historic visit By Zin Linn Nov 28, 2011 11:44PM UTC Burma Armys goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services General Min Aung Hlaing left Naypyitaw by air for the Peoples Republic of China at the invitation of Peoples Libration Army of the Peoples Republic of China yesterday, the state-media said today. Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by Lt-Gen Hla Htay Win of Commander-in-Chief Office, Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, senior military officers, Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Zaw and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hsan Oo. According to Xinhua News, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Monday hailed the countrys friendship with Myanmar (Burma) and pledged to further bilateral ties. Xi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Committee, met with Burmas Commander of the Armed Forces Min Aung Hlaing Monday morning in Beijing. The friendship, forged by leaders of the older generations, has endured changes in the international arena, Xi said. The two countries have put into effect fruitful cooperation and support each other on international and regional issues, Xi added. Chinas second-in-command Xi Jinping met Burmas military chief on Monday a few days before US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starts a remarkable tour to the reclusive state. Burma wants a regular relationship with the United States, Shwe Mann, the speaker of the lower house of parliament in the military-dominated country said on Friday, ahead of a historic visit by US Secretary of State. After the Thein Sein government gave a political space to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party, the US showed gesture of warmer diplomatic ties towards the isolated nation. Shwe Mann welcomed the first historic trip by a US secretary of state to the country in 50 years and said Suu Kyi, who returns to typical politics, would be embraced by the parliament. Hillary Clinton will become the most senior US official visiting Burma within five decades on Wednesday when she arrives on a trip seen as USs steps forward in a country that has long-lasting close ties to China. However, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last week her trip to Burma is to see whether the military-backed leadership of Burma is committed to both political and economic reform. Wed like to see more political prisoners released. We would like to see a real political process and real elections. Wed like to see an end to the conflicts, particularly the terrible conflicts with ethnic minorities, Clinton said in an interview with Fox News. Coincidentally, Burmese government peace delegation will meet with the representatives of Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in Shweli in Chinas Yunnan Province on 29 November, Mizzima News said. On November 19 and 20, Minister Aung Min had a preliminary talk with KIO leaders in Mae Sai, Thailand. During the meeting, the KIO presented videos of the three meetings between Kachin leaders and the peace delegates of the Kachin state government to put forward to President Thein Sein. Burma had held general elections last year and freed democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest after polls. Thein Sein met Suu Kyi in August as a sign of change. Thein Sein also challenges China by shutting down an unpopular dam project at Irrawaddy confluence that planned to supply power across the Sino-Burma border. Experts say Clintons trip to Burma is not only to pressure uncertain reforms in the country, but also to urge ending the ethnic war on Chinas doorway. In the midst of growing concerns about the rise of China, Clintons tour also designed for reinforcing US power in the region. Even though, China looks as if Clintons trip would not change its relation with Burma. The friendship, forged by leaders of the older generations, has endured changes in the international arena, Xinhua quoted Vice President Xis words during the meeting with General Min Aung Hlaing. China will work with Myanmar to further bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, added Xi, who is widely expected to take over from President Hu Jintao in 2013. Burma (Myanmar) and China have become more close allies while the US and European countries have sanctioned the Southeast Asian nation. Senator John McCain said he hopes Clinton during her trip to Burma will be able to make important progress in establishing democracy and winning the release of political prisoners. Consequently, Clintons current visit seems to bring unique symbol as it seeks to keep on US main concern in a Southeast Asian country closely allied with China. Nevertheless, Burmese people who displeased with Chinas exploitation in their soil contentedly welcome US Secretary of State Hillary Clintons historic visit to Burma. As Clinton is expected to meet both President Thein Sein and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, her trip may help political change in the poor country to some degree. http://asiancorrespondent.com/70802/china-strengthens-ties-with-burma-ahead-of-clinton%e2%80%99s-historic-visit/ ----------------------------------------------- Suu Kyi moves from tragic icon to global go-between Features 2011-11-28 10:19 YANGON, November 28, 2011 (AFP) - In the space of a year, Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been transformed from tragic icon of the country's oppression to hugely influential agent in its rapid reform process. Before her release from house arrest in November last year, the figure of "The Lady" shut away and silent in her crumbling lakeside mansion was a powerful symbol of a nation labouring under the yoke of a repressive junta. Now as Myanmar's nominally civilian government begins to make its way back to the international fold, the Nobel laureate finds herself in a position of extraordinary influence. President Barack Obama took the trouble to ring and consult Suu Kyi before announcing he was sending Hillary Clinton to visit Myanmar in the first trip by a US secretary of state in 50 years -- testament to her key place in the country's evolving global relations. "She plays a very, very important role. She's a connection between the West and Burma and the country's re-entry into the international community," said Myanmar analyst Aung Naing Oo, using Myanmar's former name. As the repercussions of the Arab Spring continue to convulse the Middle East, a Western diplomat said that Myanmar could be fortunate in having a credible figure to unite the country. "If she plays her cards right and she becomes the moderate leader that we hope she would, Myanmar is in a much better situation than many other countries," he said. "Not only do they have a government which wants reforms but they've got somebody incredibly respected like Aung San Suu Kyi." Elections last year brought a new government to power after decades of military rule, and though it remains dominated by army proxies, it has made a series of surprising reforms. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) applied to re-register as a political party last week after boycotting much-criticised 2010 parliamentary polls -- the first step towards contesting upcoming by-elections. No date for the vote has been set, but Suu Kyi is expected to stand, a move that has been welcomed by former general and President Thein Sein. Jim Della-Giacoma, South East Asia Project Director at the International Crisis Group (ICG), said the slight, softly spoken 66-year-old is a huge asset to the opposition. "She is the one who is communicating directly with the US Congress, who are the body most responsible for lifting key sanctions -- she has an international profile that the rest of the opposition does not have," he told AFP. A move into mainstream politics is the latest chapter in the life of a woman who did not always seemed destined for the role of national heroine. She is the daughter of Myanmar's independence hero General Aung San, but she began her own political career late after spending much of her life abroad. Suu Kyi studied at Oxford University and had two sons after marrying British academic Michael Aris, appearing to settle into life in Britain. But when she returned to Yangon in 1988 to nurse her sick mother, protests erupted against the military, which ended with a brutal crackdown that left at least 3,000 dead. She took a leading role in the pro-democracy movement, delivering speeches to crowds of hundreds of thousands. Alarmed by the support she commanded, the generals ordered her first stint of house arrest in 1989. However she remained a figurehead for the NLD, which won 1990 elections by a landslide but was never allowed to take power. In 1991, she won the Nobel Peace Prize, putting her beside Nelson Mandela among the world's leading voices against tyranny. Her struggle for her country has come at a high personal cost: her husband died in 1999, and in the final stages of his battle with cancer the junta denied him a visa to see his wife. Suu Kyi refused to leave Myanmar to see him, certain she would never have been allowed to return. After years of favouring harsh measures against the regime, Suu Kyi now looks determined to be integral to her country's journey as it attempts to shake off its international isolation. "Some people are worried that taking part could harm my dignity. Frankly, if you do politics, you should not be thinking about your dignity," she told her party this month. http://www.mysinchew.com/node/67007 -------------------------------------------- Clinton aims to bring Burma into fold November 29, 2011. WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, embarks on a historic visit to Burma this week that aims to pry open the closed nation and stir the battle for global influence on China's doorstep. Mrs Clinton will become the top US official to visit the nation in more than 50 years tomorrow as she tests the waters after dramatic but tentative reforms by the military-backed government. She is expected to meet the President, Thein Sein, and the democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mrs Clinton has said she will press for greater progress on human rights and democracy, without offering any easing of sanctions. Advertisement: Story continues below The US has been careful not to raise expectations of a breakthrough. But Mrs Clinton's visit carries unmistakable symbolism because it seeks to advance US priorities in one of the countries most closely aligned with China. Burma's ''strategic importance to the United States is closely connected to concerns about rising Chinese influence'', John Ciorciari, an expert on south-east Asia at the University of Michigan, said. ''To Beijing, Burma offers the possibility of natural resources and warm-water ports on the Indian Ocean that could be crucial in expanding China's naval reach,'' he said. Beijing has provided the main diplomatic cover for Burma's leaders but the relationship is complicated. Some Burmese are resentful of China's overwhelming economic influence and historic border conflicts. Burma's military seized power in 1962. It held elections last year, nominally handed power to civilians and freed Ms Suu Kyi. The new government has held talks with the opposition and ethnic minorities. The US and opposition were at first cynical about the moves but Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy recently said it would re-enter mainstream politics. The party won 1990 elections but was never allowed to take power. Agence France- Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/clinton-aims-to-bring-burma-into-fold-20111128-1o38x.html#ixzz1f0Yhnve6 ------------------------------------------- Chinese Vice President vows to further ties with Myanmar English.news.cn 2011-11-28 14:09:23 BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Monday hailed the country's friendship with Myanmar and pledged to further bilateral ties. Xi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Committee, met with Myanmar's Commander of the Armed Forces Min Aung Hlaing Monday morning in Beijing. "The friendship, forged by leaders of the older generations, has endured changes in the international arena," Xi said, adding that the two states have implemented fruitful cooperation and support each other on international and regional issues. China will, as always, support Myanmar's efforts in preserving national unity, promoting economic development and improving people's livelihood, he said. He also asked Myanmar to properly settle problems and maintain a sound momentum of development. "China will work with Myanmar to further bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation," he said. Xi proposed the two military forces to enhance exchange and deepen cooperation so to contribute to bilateral ties. Min Aung Hlaing said the two armed forces share traditional friendship and new opportunities in the new period. He pledged to strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with China in order to safeguard peace and stability in the two countries and the region. Min Aung Hlaing reiterated that Myanmar will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support China's stance on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-11/28/c_131274435.htm -------------------------------------------- To Reform, Stop Imprisoning Journalists By YIP WAI FONG Monday, November 28, 2011 What does it mean to be born in a sort-of junta land like Burma? If you are Burmese, you have to report to the local authorities if you decide to stay overnight at a town other than your own, or risk jail. You cannot use services such as Skype and video Gtalk, because the government has banned the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). If you are a journalist in Burma, and your job requires you to communicate with certain organizations based abroad, chances are you face jail and torture. Your jailer, the government, will barely be held accountable for violating your basic rights. This year, press freedom advocates named Nov 23 the Day to End Impunity, primarily to commemorate journalists silenced by death and the conspicuous failure to bring their killers to justice. Perhaps we should also spotlight impunity in the context of Burma, where journalists are silenced by lengthy jail term without much hope of fair trial. There are at least 14 of them currently serving sentences ranging from five to 27 years, making the country one of the world's worst places to be a journalist. An often cited case in point: 27-year-old Hla Hla Win, who is serving a sentence that is the same length as her age. She was arrested in 2009 while interviewing several people for a story commemorating the second anniversary of the monk-led uprising known as the Saffron Revolution. She was convicted because the court deemed her a criminal because of the motorcycle she rode as a passenger, her failure to register herself as a guest in the town she came to for her story and her reporting activities as an underground journalist for the Norway-based exiled news agency, the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB). Another noteworthy case is that of Maung Zeya and Sithu Zeya, the father and son imprisoned to 13 and 18 years, respectively, for taking pictures of a bomb explosion in 2010 in Rangoon, also for DVB. In Burma, plainclothes military intelligence officers scour the streets, ready to interrogate or arrest any local carrying a camera or video camera to deter reporting activities. But some journalists take the risk nonetheless, and without them, there would have been no images and videos of monks shot and battered in 2007 leaking out for the world to witness the atrocities of the then Burmese junta. The significance of the Saffron Revolution and the resultant worldwide condemnation of its crackdown cannot be diminished---for three years later, in November 2010, the first election in twenty years was held establishing the present nominally civilian government. But in the meantime, those brave and anonymous video journalists were arrested or forced to flee into hiding or exile. Their ordeal was recorded in the poignant documentary, "Burma VJ." However, despite the the Burmese government's long record of impunity, on Nov 18, it was rewarded for its "reforms" by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which approved its bid for the group's chairmanship in 2014. Asean is hoping that the move will encourage further change in the country. With Burma now basking in the limelight as a "reforming" country, let's put things into perspective, lest we forget what remains unchanged. The "reforms" so far are chiefly the government's warming to democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and its release of some 200 prisoners of conscience, a category which includes imprisoned journalists. However, hundreds are still behind bars, and the government continues to deny that they even exist. It also maintains one of the world's strictest press censorship regimes to thoroughly screen all news with political implications. Until recently, it blocked the websites of foreign news media and those run by exiled Burmese which routinely cover the country with critical fervor. Although people in the country can now access these sites, a series of draconian laws is in place to control them from engaging in any forms of political expression. In short, the people of Burma are still bereft of a voice to articulate their views on the country's poverty, corruption and state violence. In a democratic system, this voice serves to keep the government informed about reality; in Burma, the government prefers to get its information from military intelligence. This leads us back to Burma's successful bid for the Asean chairmanship. Welcoming the decision, Ko Ko Hlaing, the chief political adviser to the Burmese president, reportedly said: "Be assured that we are now growing into a democratic society and we will do all our responsibilities and duties as a responsible government, reflecting the desires of the Myanmar [Burmese] people." The question is, will they release the imprisoned journalists? Yip Wai Fong has worked as a communications and publications officer at the Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia, and is now interning at the Southeast Asia Press Association (SEAPA) in Bangkok. The views expressed here are solely her own. http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22548 ---------------------------------------- CHANNEL NEWS ASIA China, Myanmar vow deeper ties Posted: 28 November 2011 1617 hrs BEIJING: China's leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping met Myanmar's military chief on Monday and pledged stronger ties, days before US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starts a historic trip to the closed state. Clinton will become the most senior US official to visit Myanmar in more than 50 years on Wednesday when she arrives on a trip seen as a bid to advance US priorities in a country that has long enjoyed close ties to China. Xi proposed that the nations' militaries "enhance exchange and deepen cooperation" when he met the commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Min Aung Hlaing, in Beijing, the official Xinhua news agency said. "The friendship, forged by leaders of the older generations, has endured changes in the international arena," Xinhua quoted Vice President Xi as saying. "China will work with Myanmar to further bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation," added Xi, who is widely expected to take over from President Hu Jintao in 2013. Myanmar and China have long been close allies, although the relationship is complicated, with some in the Southeast Asian nation resentful over Beijing's overwhelming economic influence and historic border conflicts. Myanmar -- which since last year has held elections and freed democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest -- recently defied China by shutting down work on an unpopular dam that would supply power across the border. Experts say Clinton's trip to Myanmar aims not only to test the waters after dramatic but tentative reforms in the country, but also to shake up the battle for global influence on China's doorstep. It follows a tour of Pacific nations by US President Barack Obama aimed at reinforcing US influence in the region amid growing concerns about the rise of China. During his trip, Obama announced the stationing of US troops in Australia -- a move Beijing said may not be "quite appropriate" -- and also pushed ahead a trans-Pacific free trade agreement that for now excludes China. But US influence in Myanmar is likely to be limited. Washington bans virtually all trade with the country and any decision to end sanctions would need approval from Congress. -AFP/ac http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1168081/1/.html -------------------------------------------- NLD prepares to accept 1 million party members Monday, 28 November 2011 13:23 Myo Thant Chiang Mai (Mizzima) -- Feeling its newfound strength in deciding to register and reorganize as a political party, the National League for Democracy [NLD] is preparing to accept 1 million party members. The NLD will begin distribution of application forms in a few days, said May Win Myint, one of the new founding members who signed the NLD re-registration application permit. Even former NLD members -- including party leader Aung San Suu Kyi -- will have to fill out and submit a new membership application form, May Win Myint told Mizzima. Khin Moe Moe, another of the party's new founders, said, "The membership form asks for an applicant's age, education, race, religion and address." Poet Nyein Thit, who volunteers for NLD social projects, said that ideally new members will want to become actively involved in NLD projects at all levels. "We don't set specific qualifications: anyone who wants to become involved in pro-democracy issues -- that quality will is enough to become a member," Nyein Thit told Mizzima. Senior NLD members and new members will be treated equally. If new members have the right qualities, they can be NLD candidates and contest in the coming by-elections, said Nyan Win, the NLD spokesman. "Qualified activists, ethnic people and women will be given priority and the education of the candidate-to-be will also be considered in choosing candidates," Nyan Win said. The NLD is preparing to form canvassing committees in states and regions, officials said. On Friday, Suu Kyi met with more than 50 musicians and singers at her lakeside home in Rangoon. The meeting was held to discuss songs and music for use in NLD canvassing in the coming by-election. A composer, Ye Lwin, told Mizzima that he planned to offer his help. "I'm not an NLD member," he said. "But, I'll help Amay Suu [Suu Kyi]. We believe in her. So, I'll do what she told me to do." The NLD party advocates a nonviolent movement towards multi-party democracy in Burma, which was under oppressive military rule from 1962 until March 2011, when a new military-dominated Parliament was formed after elections The party supports human rights -- including broad-based freedom of speech -- the rule of law, an end to fighting in ethnic areas and national reconciliation. The NLD party flag features a peacock, a prominent symbol in Burma. A dancing peacock was widely used in the flags of Burmese monarchies. The NLD peacock is now associated with a decades-long struggle against the military dictatorship in which hundreds of its members served terms in prison for their political activities. The party's emblem, a traditional bamboo hat, will be replaced by a new emblem yet to announced. http://mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/6227-nld-prepares-to-accept-1-million-party-members.html ------------------------------------------- Foreign-based dissident organizations reorganizing their missions Monday, 28 November 2011 13:14 Ko Wild Chiang Mai (Mizzima) -- In response to the National League for Democracy's (NLD) decision to re-register as a political party, many dissident organizations in foreign countries are reassessing their strategies and redefining their missions. Among the organizations are the NLD -- Liberated Area; the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB); Members of Parliament Union -- Burma (MPU) and the National Council of the Union of Burma. The NCGUB includes five former MPs from the1990 general election and is led by Dr. Sein Win, the prime minister of the Burmese government in exile, who is Aung San Suu Kyi's cousin. After a meeting last week, the NCGUB decided that the word "Government" in its name is no longer appropriate. Dr. Tint Swe, the information minister of the Burmese government in exile, told Mizzima, "If Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD legally enter parliamentary politics, 'NCGUB', the name of our organization, will not be appropriate anymore." However, he said he still had reservations about the current government because a military government ruled Burma for so many years. The group would continue to fight for human rights, peace in ethnic areas and work for the freedom of political prisoners, he said. The NCGUB was formed in December 1990. Tint Swe said the Norwegian government supports the group and it will continue to support its involvement in Burmese politics. The MUP, formed 15 years ago, will continue in its current form, said Tint Swe who also serves as an MPU member. The MPU comprises 32 MPs elected in the never-honoured 1990 general election. One significant change, he said, is that "the demand to convene the parliament in accord with the results of 1990 general election does not exist anymore. But, the electoral results and the support of Burmese citizens will be milestones in our history." The MPU MPs represented the National Democracy Party, from Chin, Shan, Arakan, Mon, Lahu, Zomi parties, and independent MPs. An official of the NLD-LA Foreign Affairs sub-committee said a central executive meeting last week decided to drop the name "NLD-LA" because it is tied to the 1990 general election. "The NLD-LA may be transformed into NLD groups based in foreign countries. Eight branches of NLD-LA now exists in the U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, Norway and England. The NLD-LA would work for reconciliation between the government and opposition groups, including ethnic armed groups, he said. "We helped to hold the dialogue between the Minister Aung Min and ethnic groups. NLD-LA will be involved in seeking national reconciliation and working for the development of the country," he said. Both the NLD-LA and MPU, along with Democratic Alliance of Burma and the National Democratic Front, are member groups of the NCUB. Aung Moe Zaw, the NCUB joint secretary No.1 and chairman of the Democratic Party for New Society, said that whether the member groups will continue as members of the NCUB has yet to be decided. "The NCUB needs to review its activities and structure, I think. Meetings between chairmen and secretaries of member groups need to be conducted as soon as possible. Most of our activities are related to the results of 1990 general election so we need to review whether our activities are in line with the current situation," Aung Moe Zaw said. The NCUB was formed in September 1992 and it incudes 26 pro-democracy organizations. http://mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/6226-foreign-based-dissident-organizations-reorganizing-their-missions.html ----------------------------------------------- Hillary Clinton prepares for Burma trip Shaun Tandon; November 28, 2011 - 1:19PM AFP US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton embarks on a historic visit to Burma this week that aims not only to pry open the closed nation but to shake up the battle for global influence right on China's doorstep. Clinton on Wednesday will become the top US official to visit the nation in more than 50 years as she tests the waters after dramatic - but tentative - reforms by the military-backed government. Clinton is expected to meet both President Thein Sein and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. She has said she will press for greater progress on human rights and democracy, without offering any let-up in biting US sanctions. The United States has been careful not to raise expectations for a breakthrough. But Clinton's visit carries unmistakable symbolism as it seeks to advance US priorities in one of the countries most closely aligned with China. Burma's "strategic importance to the United States is closely connected to concerns about rising Chinese influence," said John Ciorciari, an expert on South-East Asia at the University of Michigan. "To Beijing, Burma offers the possibility of natural resources and warm-water ports on the Indian Ocean that could be crucial in expanding China's naval reach," he said. "Successful US engagement would lessen the likelihood of a strong Sino-Myanmar (Burma) alignment in years ahead." Beijing has provided the main diplomatic cover for Burma's leaders but the relationship is complicated, with some in the South-East Asian nation resentful over China's overwhelming economic influence and historic border conflicts. Burma recently defied China by shutting down work on an unpopular dam that would supply power across the border. Burma's leaders, known for deep distrust of the outside world, have reached out in recent years to India, South-East Asian nations and, now, the United States. For the United States, progress on Burma could help resolve a main stumbling block inside the Association of South-East Asian Nations, giving new influence to the fast-growing - and mostly US-friendly - 10-nation bloc. A stronger ASEAN would allow "China to grow and be secure but not use its new economic might to force neighbours' hands on issues related to sovereignty," said Ernie Bower of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. US President Barack Obama's administration, while saying it wants a co-operative relationship with a rising China, has recently gone on the offensive amid suspicions over Beijing's intentions. Obama recently announced the stationing of US troops in Australia's Northern Territory and has pushed ahead a trans-Pacific free trade agreement that for now excludes China. Burma's military seized power in 1962 but since last year has held elections, nominally handed power to civilians and freed Suu Kyi from house arrest. The new government has opened a dialogue with the opposition and ethnic minorities. While the United States and the opposition were at first cynical about the moves, Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy recently said it will re-enter mainstream politics. The party won 1990 elections but was never allowed to take power. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/hillary-clinton-prepares-for-burma-trip-20111128-1o2gu.html ------------------------------------------ Chief Minister Sacked for Bribery 2011-11-27 Burma's new government tackles its first case of official corruption outside the military. AFP Burmese women work in a rice field, Jul. 2, 2010. A Burmese regional minister has been sacked for what local merchants say was bribery connected to the rice trade. A high-ranking Burmese regional official was dismissed Friday for what local merchants said was bribery connected to the lucrative rice trade, in the first high-profile corruption case involving a non-military official since the country's new government took office earlier this year. The chief minister of southern Burma's Tenasserim region, former Lt. Gen. Khin Zaw, was removed from his post, an anonymous government source said Friday. Merchants who operate in Tenasserim told RFA Friday that Khin Zaw had been fired for exerting undue influence over the region's highly profitable rice industry and neglecting his duties as an official. "Khin Zaw, who had previously served as Mandalay division commander, gave special favors to the Mandalay-based Aung Myinthu company as the sole distributor of rice," said one merchant, who asked to remain anonymous. "He caused hardship for rice traders as well as the local populace in the Mergui, Tavoy, and Kawthoung areas." A businessman in Kawthoung told RFA that local authorities had recently spoken to officials in the capital Naypyidaw about Khin Zaw's conduct. "Khin Zaw's dismissal followed a complaint by members of parliament from the Tenasserim region who had discovered his involvement in corruption and failure to act on badly-needed development work---especially in the local transport and the education sectors," he said. Khin Zaw served in various positions in Burma's former military junta from 1988 to 2010 and was one of 14 chief ministers appointed to oversee the country's regions and states following the country's historic elections in November last year. Enacting reform Khin Zaw's dismissal for corruption is the first of a non-military official under Burmese President Thein Sein's new nominally civilian government, which took power from the military regime in March. Thein Sein's government has sacked several military officials for corruption, including Brigadier-General Tun Than, the former commander of the Rangoon Regional Military Command, who was forced to resign in July, allegedly for corruption. Since coming to power, Thein Sein has enacted a series of reforms which have been mostly welcomed by the international community, including easing media controls, legalizing labor unions, and suspending a controversial dam project backed by China. But the United States and other Western nations that have long-running sanctions on Burma are awaiting signals from pro-democracy leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was freed from 15 years of house arrest last November following landmark elections, on when to lift the restrictions. U.S. President Barack Obama, who is sending his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on a visit to Burma next month, has also sought Aung San Suu Kyi's "ideas and thoughts about the best approach" to inducing reforms in Burma. Clinton will be the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the country in 50 years. Burma, which at the time was ruled by General Than Shwe's military junta, was ranked next to worst in corruption in a report released in October last year by Transparency International, a Berlin-based monitoring group. The report, "Corruption Perceptions Index 2010," ranked Burma in a tie with Afghanistan as 176th out of 178 countries, saying at the time that the military regime "controls the whole country ... so if you want to get things done, there is no alternative but to pay bribes to whoever is in charge." Reported by RFA's Burmese Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Copyright (c) 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.http://www.rfa.org/english/news/burma/corruption-11272011155932.html