Given its commitment to “constructive engagement” rather than conflict or confrontation, ASEAN was not thinking of drastic action against the military junta in Myanmar

Focus on terrorism

The Phuket meeting of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), the security platform of the Association of South East Asian Nations, was dominated by informal discussions on terrorism, Myanmar and North Korea. Though no consensus was reached on how to deal with these problems, it provided an ideal forum for the 27 major players, especially in South, Southeast, and East Asia. With the United States and the European Union joining in the dialogue, the deliberations did acquire an inte rnational significance. India and Indonesia, recent victims of terror, made common cause and put up a strong case for concerted action to stamp out terrorism. The ARF had no hesitation in condemning terrorism and endorsing Jakarta’s appeal for increased intelligence-sharing. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna used this regional conclave to raise New Delhi’s concerns over cross-border terrorism and the need to take strong action against terrorist groups operating around the world. The ARF came out with a vision statement that called for increased cooperation to promote an effective security partnership among the participants. U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton took on both North Korea and Myanmar in her interactions. In a media interview in Thailand, she went as far as to call for the expulsion of Myanmar from the regional association.

Astrological views on solar eclipse by U Eindachaka, an Arakanese monk

Dhaka:The celestial event, the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century occurred on Wednesday inAsia. Tens of thousands of people in Bangladesh poured out on the streets and gathered in nearby stadiums to watch the phenomenon that lasted nearly three hours starting 6, a.m.

Local astronomers said the eclipse that was visible only in Asia crossed through India, Nepal,Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China.

The full eclipse that lasted nearly four minutes enveloped Bangladesh’s northern districts in total darkness.

Though local astronomers and scientists had keenly waited for the rare natural phenomenon to know more about the sun, some locals believed that the rare eclipse would trigger natural disasters in the impoverished country.

As the eclipse was also visible in Burma, Narinjara contacted U Eindachaka, an Arakanese monk, living in Bangladesh, who is knowledgeable about Burmese astrology and history for his astrological viewpoints on the eclipse.

He said as the celestial event was very rare and has occurred in the season of Leo, there could be political turmoil or violence in the country and leading figures such as military leaders, political figures or the intelligentsias could be hurt or killed in the country according to the Veda, Burmese astrology.

“As such a long eclipse occurs very rarely. There can be political changes triggered by violence or war in Burma and the world could witness tense situations escalating to regional wars as well,” he predicted referring to Burmese astrology.

He added that there could be a strange change in Burma during 2010 as this kind of eclipse could affect the country within six months.

Local astronomers said that this was the longest full eclipse they had ever witnessed comparing it to eclipses in 1995 and 1980.

They predicted that another solar eclipse as long as this one would be seen on October 24, 2114.

narinjara news

Statement of Martyrs Day of NCUB

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Crowley Applauds House Renewal of Burma Sanctions

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Bill to Renew Sanctions Against the Burmese Government Passes Senate

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Lawyers defending Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi presented their final argument on Friday saying if she is being charged under the1974 constitution, she must be released and allowed to enjoy the rights mentioned in the constitution.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyers present arguments in conclusion
by Mungpi
Friday, 24 July 2009 22:24

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Lawyers defending Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi presented their final argument on Friday saying if she is being charged under the1974 constitution, she must be released and allowed to enjoy the rights mentioned in the constitution.

Kyi Win, personal lawyer and member of the defence team of Aung San Suu Kyi, on Friday presented his argument at the special court in Insein prison but the court postponed the prosecution argument till Monday.

Nyan Win, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team and spokesperson for her party, said “the session started at 2 p.m. and U Kyi Win submitted his argument. His submission alone lasted about two hours.”

The court adjourned at 4:40 p.m. as it ran out of time to continue with the hearing of the prosecution’s argument. The court fixed July 27 for the hearing of the arguments of the prosecution.

Nyan Win said Aung San Suu Kyi was unhappy with the time being limited that barred the prosecution lawyers from presenting their argument on the same day.

“She [Aung San Suu Kyi] wanted to hear the prosecution’s argument the same day and she was unhappy with postponement of the argument to Monday,” Nyan Win said.

During the session, Kyi Win argued that the 1974 constitution has been technically dissolved and Aung San Suu Kyi cannot be charged under the statutes of a defunct constitution.

Burma and Transnational Crime-CRS Report for Congress

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Burma Sanctions: Background and Options

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KNU Rejects Junta Report

One of Burma’s last remaining insurgent forces, the Karen National Union (KNU), has rejected a report by state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar which said that 22 KNU soldiers recently surrendered to the Burmese army.

The New Light of Myanmar reported on July 23 that 22 soldiers of Battalion 18 under Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 6, including high-ranking officers such as Capt Saw Lay Ke, had surrendered to the Burmese army in Thingannyinaung in southern Karen State with eight small arms and assorted ammunition.

Maj Hla Ngwe, joint secretary (1) of the KNU, the political wing of the KNLA, rejected the report, calling it “junta propaganda.”

He added: “We have already checked all our battalions in Brigade 6, and none of our troops disarmed.”

However, a Karen source at the Thai-Burmese border confirmed that a group of former KNLA soldiers had joined the Burmese army a few days ago.

“They [the defecting soldiers] are former Karen soldiers. But as far as I know, they are not currently enlisted with the KNLA,” said the source.

Burma’s state press reported that the Burmese government is providing assistance to the defecting soldiers and their 15 family members, totaling 37 people.

The 1949-founded KNU has been fighting for autonomy from the Burmese military regime for six decades and is one of the few remaining factions that has never signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese government.

According to the Burmese regime’s official figures, 17 ethnic armed groups have signed ceasefire agreements with the Burmese government since 1989.
irrawaddy

Aung San Suu Kyi’s Trial Adjourned to Monday

RANGOON — Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was “absolutely dissatisfied” that her trial was adjourned Friday because it will give the prosecution more time to prepare its case, her lawyer said.

Suu Kyi’s trial was postponed until Monday after her defense gave a 30-page closing statement, said one of her lawyers, Nyan Win.
Suu Kyi, 64, is charged with violating the terms of her house arrest by harboring an uninvited American man who swam to her lakeside home and stayed for two days. She faces a possible five-year prison sentence.
“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she was absolutely dissatisfied with the arrangement—giving more time for the prosecution to prepare the argument,” said Nyan Win, using the respectful term “daw” for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Nyan Win said that to ensure fairness, the usual practice is for courts to allow both parties to give their closing arguments on the same day.

On Monday, Suu Kyi’s two female companions, who are also on trial, will give their statements, and the lawyer for American John William Yettaw, who is charged with trespassing, is to present his argument.

The verdicts are expected sometime next month.

One diplomat attending the trial, speaking on condition of anonymity citing protocol, said Suu Kyi looked all right in court. “She was well and in good spirits. She was seen joking with her lawyers,” the diplomat said.