MPs mandate freedom of expression in media law

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1 HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION 1200 Ks. ISSUE 685 JULY 8-14, 2013 MPs mandate freedom of expression in media law Lower house MPs approved 24 amendments to the Ministry of Information s Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill on July 4, as a parliamentary committee began assessing a separate draft prepared by the Interim Press Council that is expected to go before lawmakers later this session. NEWS 3 Ministry to help illegal migrant workers register The government has pledged to help the estimated 200,000 illegal Myanmar migrants in Malaysia register, amid concerns over the safety of workers in the Muslim nation. The minister for labour made the promise as hundreds of migrants took advantage of offers of assistance from the government and private companies to return home following recent violence in Malaysia. An injured Myanmar national is put into an ambulance outside Yangon International Airport after returning from Malaysia on June 22. NEWS 6 Uncertainty over sanctions listing US Treasury adds Lieutenant General Thein Htay to its sanctions list over his apparent involvement in arms deals with North Korea. NEWS 6 Govt tenders historic hotels Six hotels, including Candacraig in Pyin Oo Lwin, go to private Myanmar companies in a largely unnoticed tender that closed on June 25. BUSINESS 27 Central Bank Law awaits green light A draft law that will make the central bank independent could be enacted this week and will possibly lead to a doubling in the bank s staff. THE PULSE 45 The tradition of literary thieves There is a long-standing history of wordsmiths stealing each others lines and it is one that continues in Myanmar. PAGE 22 PHOTO: BOOTHEE

2 2 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Page 2 online editor Kayleigh Long kayleighelong@gmail.com THE INSIDER: The local lowdown & best of the web This date in history: July 12, 1964: The leader of South Africa s anti-apartheid struggle Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage. Seven other defendants, including the former secretarygeneral of the banned African National Congress, Walter Sisulu, were also given life sentences. Mouse man meets end The creator of the computer mouse died in California on July 2, aged 88. Douglas Engelbart revolutionised computing with the invention of the mouse, which in its original form was a wood box with two metal wheels. Engelbart once stated that it wasn t him who came up with the name, and he couldn t remember who had. He was granted the initial patent in 1970 under the far less catchy name of the X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System. In a single presentation in 1968 he unveiled the computer mouse, gave the first public demonstration of videoconferencing and discussed ideas including what we now know as the Windows-style interface, interactive document editing and hypertext links, among many others. When it rains, they pour In a push to boost the number of offseason visitors to Myanmar, a travel company is offering free beer each time it rains for more than ten minutes in Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. The promotion has been designed to change the consumer perception that the rainy season is not a good time to visit Myanmar. If it rains for more than ten minutes straight, between 6am and 6pm, each adult guest will be eligible for two chilled large (600ml) bottles of Mandalay beer on that day (or free-flow soft drinks). The offer does not apply in Yangon or coastal beach resorts. Joey Chestnut eats 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes on July 4. Photo: Reuters Man consumes 69 hot dogs Competitive eating champion Joey Jaws Chestnut set a new personal best at this year s Fourth of July Nathan s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island in New York, polishing off 69 wieners in 10 minutes. Chestnut narrowly beat his 2012 record of 68, and has now won the competition seven years in a row. Nathan s Famous Hot Dogs says the Independence Day contest has been running since 1916 when the winner consumed 13 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Chestnut was the clear winner on the day, with Matt Megatoad Stonie coming a distant second, eating just 51. Style Statement Model: Kyal Sin Hsaung. Photo: Greg Holland REGIONAL INSIDER With political friends like these... ROGER MITTON roger.mitton@gmail.com READERS of this column know that when it comes to aiming a kick at the wedding tackle of the region s high and mighty, this writer has few peers. So keep that in mind and squash any notion that some of the comments that follow might appear to be lickspittle sycophancy of the worst kind. Nothing could be further from the truth. Capiche? Right, let s now launch into what might be called the Harish & Ernie Show. I first met my old mate Harish Mehta in Singapore 23 years ago when he was a journalist for the Business Times and his main regional focus was investment prospects in Vietnam. Occasionally, he also wrote about Cambodia and years later he penned what was claimed to be the first biography of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Ten days ago, The Phnom Penh Post published an interview with Harish and his wife Julie, who coauthored a new second edition, aptly titled Strongman: The Extraordinary Life of Hun Sen. The book was something of a curate s egg and the reviews were mixed. But that s fine, we authors expect that kind of thing. After one of my plays opened, the review next day was headlined Theatre at its Worst. Some people have no appreciation of comedic parody. Harish and I do, and we take such critical reviews to the bathroom and put them behind us. So, good on you, Harish. Samdech Decho loyalists will devour your polished tract, though the same cannot be said about your co-star for this column, Ernest Bower, who also happens to be a good mate of mine. I first met Ernie, the Southeast Asia program director at Washington s Centre for Strategic and International Studies, at the Oceanaire restaurant on F Street, not far from the White House. He became a frequent lunch companion and a tried and trusted friend with arguably the best bank of contacts in America and across this region. Why, then, has he just co-authored an article with a CSIS colleague, Amy Killian, that is utterly at odds with Harish s paean? It is not easy to explain, especially in the current pre-election climate when officials urge us to remember that Cambodians are simple people unused to calmly rationalising divergent opinions. That said, let us consider Ernie s robust commentary which appeared last week on the CSIS website, where you may check it out assuming it is still accessible. The introduction, which asserts that in recent years there has been a kind of ASEAN spring, is perfectly valid. Citizens and voters across Southeast Asia have told their governments about their new and rising expectations for empowerment, governance, and rule of law, Ernie writes. Fair enough, yet bizarrely he cites Vietnam as among those enjoying this springtime of liberty, while he claims Cambodia is at the top of the list of those bucking the trend. One wonders if he remembered the number of opposition parties that exist in Cambodia? Never mind if they are minuscule or ruthlessly monitored, there are 14. In Vietnam, there are zero. Did he tot up all the Vietnamese academics, lawyers and journalists languishing in jail because they proposed a peaceful evolution to a multi-party system? Did he recall that every single one of our dear neighbour s newspapers are owned and run by the Vietnam Communist Party and are rigorously censored? And did he ask NGO leaders and diplomats to compare freedom of expression and the right to publicly criticise the government here and in Vietnam? If he had, he would not have said that when it comes to democratisation, Cambodia is not moving forward with its ASEAN colleagues and instead is home to a political instability that should concern its neighbours. Give me a break, Ernie, you make Harish s book seem objective. This is not some Laurel & Hardy Impress the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Show, it is serious business. And Cambodians deserve better from both of you.

3 News 3 MPs insert freedom of expression clause into media bill SOE THAN LYNN soethanlynn@gmail.com SANDAR LWIN sdlsandar@gmail.com THE Pyithu Hluttaw last week approved the Ministry of Information s Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill but made 24 amendments, including the addition of a clause that would protect people s free expression. The bill, submitted earlier this year, was approved on July 4 and will now go to the Amyotha Hluttaw, or upper house, for consideration. However, the parliament is also expected to consider a rival print media bill drafted by the Interim Press Council during the seventh session, and it is unclear how the two print media bills will be reconciled into a single piece of legislation. During the debate on July 4, 10 amendments were proposed by the Pyithu Hluttaw Bill Committee and five by the Pyithu Hluttaw Sports, Culture and Public Relations Committee, while representatives U Aye Myint of Insein, U Thein Nyunt of Thingangyun, U Kyaw Naing Htay on Indaw and U Nyan Win of Hlaing Tharyar also submitted changes. U Nyan Win called for freedom of expression and publication to be enshrined in the law, a proposal that was approved by lower house lawmakers. I d like to add the words, The action shall be without prejudice to the people s free expression and publication rights, in section 24 of chapter eight because I don t want people s free expression and publication rights affected due to the prohibitions of this law, he said. U Kyaw Naing Htay and U Thein Nyunt proposed similar changes to section 24 but on the recommendation of the bill committee retracted their proposals in favour of U Nyan Win s amendment. Three of the committee s amendments removed jail terms for those who could not pay fines handed down under sections 20, 21 and 22 of chapter five. U Khine Maung Yi, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Ahlone and secretary of the Pyithu Hluttaw Sports, Culture and Public Relations Committee, said that both the ministry s draft Public Service Media Law and the print media law written by the press council are in the hands of the committee. We expect to submit them to the hluttaw this session, he said. However, a Ministry of Information official said the version with the committee is likely to be amended before it is considered by MPs. Deputy director general Daw Thidar Tin said the ministry has already amended about 25 percent of the press council s draft that was submitted to the Pyithu Hluttaw Sports, Culture and Public Relations Committee and forwarded it to the Attorney General s Office. We agreed with about 50 points in the press council s draft and made some amendments to 17 points and sent it to the Attorney General s Office, which is a necessary step before it is submitted to parliament, she said on July 4, adding that it could be several weeks before it is ready to be put to parliament. The ministry made the changes about one week after the press council sent its original draft to the committee. We sent our original draft... on June 26. We have already said that we will follow the parliament s decision, council secretary U Kyaw Min Swe said. So far no parliamentarian has said they will submit the draft to the parliament on our behalf. What is most important is to convey the ideas included in our draft to the parliamentarians, U Kyaw Min Swe said. Translated by Thiri Min Htun A taxi driver waits in line at a compressed natural gas station in Yangon. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing Ministry s call for feedback on CNG price fuels rumours of impending rise AYE NYEIN WIN ayenyeinwin.mcm@gmail.com A MINISTRY of Energy spokesperson says rumours and reports of a possible change in the price of compressed natural gas, which is set by the ministry, could prove to be true. Nothing has been changed but we don t know how it will be changed in future, said U Ko Lay, from Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise s CNG Department. The rumours were fuelled by a June 24 report in the staterun Kyemon (Mirror) newspaper that stated CNG prices would be raised but did not give the new price. The report also advised people to write a letter to the ministry stating whether they believed pricing should be changed and also asked people to state whether they thought gasoline and diesel prices needed to be increased. The story sparked an immediate response from worried cab drivers, who fear that they will no longer be able to make money if prices rise. I heard that the CNG price would double, said taxi driver Ko Min Wai. There are already a lot of taxis on the road and we struggle to cover our costs. If the CNG price doubles, we will find it hard to keep going. There are not many CNG filling stations, unlike gasoline and diesel stations. And it s hard to find a shop that will fill the tank fully, he said. If the price increases, it would be better if we could at least fill up every time because otherwise we have to waste our time. Bus owner Ko Latt said that when the electricity was cut during filling, the stations used generators to power the pumps. However, in those conditions the pumps did not work to full power and could not always fill tanks. Ko Latt added that vehicles with large tanks also depleted the pressure of the pumps, meaning vehicles that came afterward were denied enough pressure to fill their tanks. I heard the CNG price will increase, but I have not seen any official announcement, he said. Some people say the CNG price will increase to K900 for 1 kilogram, up from K273. But I heard that vehicles used for public transport will not be included in the increase. If that s not the case and we have to pay more, then bus fares will increase too. The ministry has to sell CNG at an appropriate price but we don t know what that will be. U Ko Lay Ministry of Energy official He suggested that the Mirror s story might have been an attempt by the ministry to gauge public opinion to a possible increase. If people accept this, they [the ministry] will carry it out, but if people complain about a possible increase, maybe it will not happen. By July 4, the CNG price was unchanged at about K273 a kilogram. U Ko Lay said the ministry has already accepted letters from the public as a result of the Kyemon article but would not say whether the majority advocated a price rise. The ministry has to sell CNG at an appropriate price but we don t know what that will be, he added. It is hard to say what the exact CNG price is, said taxi driver Ko Min Min. It s supposed to cost K273 for 1kg but we always pay K300. If prices are increased, then the owners must compromise on daily fees. CNG-fuelled taxis are much cheaper to run than gasolineor diesel-fuelled vehicles but owners also charge more to rent them by the day about K15,000 compared to K10,000 for a diesel or gasoline car. The Mirror reported that there are more than 27,450 CNG-fuelled vehicles in Myanmar and 45 CNG filling stations.

4 4 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief (MTE) Ross Dunkley Chief Executive Officer U Myat Swe Editor-in-Chief (MTM) Dr Tin Tun Oo drtto@myanmartimes.com.mm Chief Operating Officer Wendy Madrigal madrigalmcm@gmail.com EDITORIAL newsroom@myanmartimes.com.mm Editor MTE Thomas Kean tdkean@gmail.com Editor MTM Zaw Myint editormtm@myanmartimes.com.mm Chief of Staff Zaw Win Than zawwinthan@gmail.com Editor Special Publications Myo Lwin myolwin@myanmartimes.com.mm Jessica Mudditt - jess.mudditt@gmail.com Deputy Editor MTM Sann Oo sannoo@gmail.com Business Editor MTE Vincent MacIsaac biz.news.myanmar@gmail.com Business Editor MTM Tin Moe Aung Property Editor MTM Htar Htar Khin property@myanmartimes.com.mm World Editor MTE Douglas Long editors@myanmartimes.com.mm The Pulse Editor MTE Manny Maung manny.maung@gmail.com Timeout Editor MTM Moh Moh Thaw mohthaw@gmail.com Online Editor Kayleigh Long kayleighelong@gmail.com Sports Editor Tim McLaughlin timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com Chief Political Reporter Soe Than Lynn Head of Translation Dept Ko Ko Head of Photographics Kaung Htet Photographers Boothee, Aung Htay Hlaing, Thiri Book Publishing Consultant Editor Col Hla Moe (Retd) Editor Win Tun Nay Pyi Taw Bureau Chief Soe Than Lynn soethanlynn@gmail.com PRODUCTION production@myanmartimes.com.mm Head of Production & Press Scrutiny Liaison Aung Kyaw Oo (1) Head of Graphic Design Tin Zaw Htway MCM PRINTING printing@myanmartimes.com.mm Head of Department Htay Maung Warehouse Manager Ye Linn Htay Factory Administrator Aung Kyaw Oo (3) Factory Foreman Tin Win ADVERTISING advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm National Sales Director Khin Thandar Htay sales-director@myanmartimes.com.mm Account Director Nyi Nyi Tun Classifieds Manager Khin Mon Mon Yi classified@myanmartimes.com.mm ADMIN & FINANCE Finance Manager Mon Mon Tha Saing finance@myanmartimes.com.mm HR Manager Nang Maisy administration@myanmartimes.com.mm Publisher Dr Tin Tun Oo, Permit No: Systems Manager Khin Maung Thaw webmaster@myanmartimes.com.mm A bulldozer clears fields in Thanlyin township s Alwan Sut village that were seized from farmers by the Myanmar Navy. Photo: Ko Taik MP says army will give unused confiscated land back to farmers WIN KO KO LATT winkolatt2012@gmail.com THE parliamentary land confiscation investigation committee will make arrangements to return unused farmland confiscated by the Tatmadaw to the original owners from this month, a committee member told The Myanmar Times last week. Minister for Defence General Wai Lwin told commission chairman U Tin Htut, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Zalon, that the army will definitely give back farmlands confiscated by the army in July, upper house representative U Hla Swe said. The army will give back all farmland confiscated except that on which buildings have been constructed or are under construction, he said. He also urged farmers to carefully keep all records of land tax payments to prove their ownership. If they lost their records, the recommendation 247,077 The number of acres seized from farmers by the military since 1988, according to a parliamentary committee of four neighbours will be enough to establish ownership, he said. The land confiscation investigation committee found that more than 247,077 acres has been taken by the military from farmers in Myanmar. It is unclear how much of this is in use and how much will be returned. Nay Pyi Taw-based lawyer U Khin Mg Zaw, who helps farmers involved in land disputes, said he was very glad that the Tatmadaw had agreed to return the land. However, the government should also be watchful that ward and village administrators do not do anything untoward when the land is being given back, he said. I hope that all farmland grabbed by the army is returned. Sources deny SSA extortion report in state media NAN TIN HTWE nantin.htwe@gmail.com A NUMBER of sources have rejected a report in state-run media accusing the Shan State Army-South of extortion. The June 5 report in the New Light of Myanmar and Myawady newspapers, headlined Yoma Bank (Muse) receives extortion letter, said a motorcyclist presented a letter of extortion to a receptionist of Yoma Bank in Muse, northern Shan State, at 11am on July 4. The report said the letter was from the SSA-South and its political wing, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS). It demanded the bank pay K10 million (about US$10,000) to the group no later than July 14. However, both the manager of the bank and an officer from Muse s police station said they had no idea where the report came from. We didn t accept any extortion letter, the Yoma Bank manager in Muse told The Myanmar Times on July 5. The New Light of Myanmar report said that the bank opened a case at the police station. However, when The Myanmar Times contacted the police station in Muse, the police officer said they had not received a complaint from Yoma Bank. If that happened then they would have come to us, he said by phone on July 5. The Myawaddy report purportedly contained a photo of the letter with the RCSS/SSA stamp in the top-right corner with the name of a lieutenant colonel from the group s War Region 701. A spokesperson for the Shan group, Sai Lao Saeng, said extortion was not RCSS/SSA policy. We did not do it. He said the group had lost control of War Region 701 during recent fighting with the Tatmadaw, adding that it was hard to control that region. In Shan State, there s the RCSS/ SSA, Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North, Kachin Independence Army, Palaung army and also mafia gangs who traffick drugs, he said. Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Htut did not respond to requests for comment. DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Circulation & Distribution Director Jesse Gage distmgr@myanmartimes.com.mm circulation@myanmartimes.com.mm ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Telephone: (01) , Facsimile: (01) administration@myanmartimes.com.mm The Myanmar Times is owned by Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd and printed by MCM Commercial Printing with approval from MCM Ltd and by Shwe Zin Press (0368) with approval from MCM Ltd. The title The Myanmar Times, in either English or Myanmar languages, its associated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the Managing Director of Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. Head Office: 379/383 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Telephone: (01) , Facsimile: (01) Mandalay Bureau: No.178, 74 th Street, (Bet. 31 st & 32 nd streets) Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay. Tel: (02) 24450, 24460, 65391, Fax: (02) mdybranch@myanmartimes.com.mm Nay Pyi Taw Bureau: No. 10/72 Bo Tauk Htein St, Yan Aung (1) Quarter, Nay Pyi Taw-Pyinmana. Tel: (067) 23064, capitalbureau@myanmartimes.com.mm Farmers level new allegations against Than Shwe s former PSO Major General Soe Shein using land for limestone extraction and lime production business, say farmers PYAE THET PHYO pyaethetphyo87@gmail.com FRESH allegations have been levelled against former Senior General Than Shwe s personal staff officer, who is embroiled in a dispute with farmers over about 500 acres of land in Nay Pyi Taw s Lewe township. Two farmers, U Ko Ko Naing and Ko Maung Win, submitted a formal complaint to several government ministries in early June alleging that Major General Soe Shein had broken land laws when applying for ownership of the land, which was officially listed as vacant. As The Myanmar Times reported in April, they allege that Maj Gen Soe Shein did not state that there were objections to his application to establish ownership of the land. However, they say that he has also violated land regulations by running a limestone excavation and lime production business on the land instead of cultivating perennial plants. Maj Gen Soe Shein applied for 400 acres in and expanded his holdings to 500 acres in March of this year, they said. The farmers lodged the complaint to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation s Central Committee for the Management of Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands, as well as the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry and the Ministry of Mines. [Maj Gen Soe Shein] never thinks about us, the people who have been farming this land for more than 20 years. He set up stone pillars on all four sides of the land to demarcate his ownership, said U Ko Ko Naing, who is from Htone Pho village. Under the law, you cannot apply for ownership of land that others are currently farming, he said. The Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law states that the committee is to coordinate to resolve disputes between concession holders and farmers. If negotiations fail, action must be taken under the law, it states. Ko Maung Win said an official from the committee came and visited the site but no action has yet been taken. We just want the relevant departments to settle it fair and square, Ko Maung Win said. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation said the ministry can t solve this problem but would not elaborate. Earlier this year both Ko Maung Win and U Ko Ko Naing were charged by police with mischief, trespass and criminal intimidation after Ko Soe Pe, acting on behalf of Maj Gen Soe Shein, filed a complaint against them. The case is still before the court. The pair say they lost 60 acres when Maj Gen Soe Shein took their land. They said they have tax receipts showing they paid K8 and five pyars for each acre for the farming rights to the land to the township Settlement and Land Record Department in 2009 and Maj Gen Soe Shein s assistant, Captain Hlaing Phyo Win, said he did not know anything about the case. This case is directly related to Maj Gen Soe Shein only, he said. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

5 News 5 Curfew fails to curb attacks in Thandwe A state government spokesman denies reports from residents in the Rakhine State town that up to 14 houses were damaged by mobs and several buses torched eieitoelwin@gmail.com A RAKHINE State government spokesman downplayed violence in Thandwe township last week, insisting that only one house was damaged by its owner contradicting earlier reports from residents. Government spokesman U Win Myaing also said two Muslim men were arrested on July 1 and charged with rape. They are being held at Thandwe police station. While the details of the incident remain unclear, the latest violence is thought to have been sparked by allegations that a Buddhist girl was raped as she was returning home on the night of June 29. Residents told The Myanmar Times that up to 14 houses were burned the following day by a mob that appeared to be targeting Muslim households. However, U Win Myaing said officials had responded promptly and put in place a curfew under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. One Muslim burned his own house after moving his property to another place on June 30 but [the fire] did not spread to other places. The security forces could contain it in time, U Win Myaing said. He added that the local authorities were taking necessary measures to ensure peace and stability EI EI TOE LWIN MANNY MAUNG manny.maung@gmail.com in Thandwe. The state government is trying to maintain stability in accordance with the law and to prevent more violence. However, residents said the heightened security presence and the curfew had failed to prevent more arson attacks in Thandwe. A bus station in Ann Daw ward was targeted by arsonists on July 2, with nearby residents alerting police about 9:30pm. U Nyi Nyi She, a worker at the bus station and also a resident of Ann Daw ward, told The Myanmar Times by phone that he had seen at least two buses and the main They were people that my friends and people living in my neighbourhood recognised... They were throwing rocks and carrying knives to terrify people. Ko Win Han Thein Thandwe resident building at the station torched. However, the authorities had managed to stop the fire from spreading, he said. I saw tyres had been slashed on the buses and windows smashed in, he said. The main building was completely destroyed but the fires didn t take hold. He said the perpetrators had fled the scene by the time police arrived. U Win Myaing said neither the bus station nor any buses had been torched. It s just a rumour, he said. Some people threw stones at the buses as they passed along the road but there was no serious damage. It was just a short incident and the security forces could control it. The attack on the bus station followed similar violence targeting Muslim households on June 30, which saw as many as 14 houses burnt and three homes completely torched. Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed gangs carrying knives, batons and slingshots circling No 5 ward on foot and motorbike. They then kicked in doors and smashed windows of homes, before setting the buildings alight. Resident Ko Win Han Thein, who has friends living in the area, said not all of the damaged homes belonged to Muslims. At least five of the homes that caught fire [from the other houses] belonged to Rakhine Buddhist households, he said. He provided The Myanmar Times with a comprehensive list of those whose homes had been affected. Ko Myo Thin s house was burnt down, as was Ko Than Lwin s house, he said. Daw Win Kyi, who runs a pharmacy, also had her house burnt down completely. Ko Win Han Thein said he wanted authorities to investigate the arson attacks thoroughly. He said many of the perpetrators were locals. They were people that my friends and people living in the neighbourhood recognised, he said. They were throwing rocks and carrying knives to terrify people. Many of us saw who they were. However, police have so far made no arrests over the mob violence and arson attacks. Ko Zaw Linn Naing, manager of Shwe Nan San Guest House in Thandwe s No 3 ward, said he heard that three or four houses had been destroyed, some by their owners. Now the situation is stable and there is more security, he said. But there are just a few guests at my guesthouse. Ma Hnin Phyu, a receptionist at Thande Beach Hotel at nearby Ngapali beach, said the number of guests was normal. We warned our guests not to go out after 7pm... we have had no problems, said Ma Hnin Phyu, who lives in Thandwe. I know some riots happened in Thandwe... but the situation is stable now. Min Ko Naing (left) at the 88 Generation press conference in Yangon on July 3. Photo: Zarni Phyo 88 Generation to mark uprising anniversary EI EI TOE LWIN eieitoelwin@gmail.com THE 88 Generation student group has invited ethnic minorities and expatriate Myanmar to take part in the 25 th anniversary of the 1988 uprising next month. The activist group is organising a three-day ceremony from August 6 to 8 to mark the silver jubilee of the August 8, 1988, protests, a key event in the uprising of that year. All people including members of ethnic minority groups and Myanmar people living abroad are encouraged to participate in the event, 88 Generation member Min Ko Naing said. We invite all people both those involved on that day and those not involved because the revolution concerned all our citizens, he said. Participants at the event will discuss six topics based on the two themes of peace and national reconciliation. These include the peace process, human rights and the development of democracy, realistic national reconciliation and state building. We have to find out what we will do and what we should stand for, said Ko Htay Kywe, another member of the group. After we discuss [the six points] we will come up with a political agreement that will become a roadmap for the future written by the democratic forces, he said. 88 Generation leaders said the country faces numerous challenges, including ensuring effective checks and balances and amending the 2008 constitution. We are still trying very hard to ensure everyone has their democratic rights. Ko Htay Kywe 88 Generation leader We devoted our lives to changing the country and have struggled to bring about those changes. We are still trying very hard to ensure everyone has their democratic rights, Ko Htay Kywe said. But from this year we have to make concrete decisions about what we should do in the future.

6 6 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Govt auctions off prized state-run hotels EI EI THU SOME of the country s most prized state-run hotel properties have quietly been tendered to private Myanmar firms by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. These include Thiri Myaing Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin, which was formerly known as Candacraig and is set on 7 acres of gardens. Built in 1904, it was a chummery house for the Bombay Burmah Trading Company during the colonial period and hosted Eric Blair, who would later find fame as the writer George Orwell. Two other colonial-era hotels in Pyin Oo Lwin, Gandamar Myaing Hotel formerly known as Croxton and Nan Myaing Hotel formerly Craddock Court were also included in the tender, which was announced in the state-run Kyemon (Mirror) newspaper on May 30 and closed on June 25. Other properties included Chaungtha New Beach Hotel, Mrauk Oo Hotel and New Kengtung Hotel. No bids above the floor price were received for two hotels in the tender Pyin Oo Lwin Guesthouse and Kyaukse Guesthouse owned by the Ministry of Construction. The tender attracted little attention and a number of industry sources contacted were unaware it had even taken place. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism provided the Pyin Oo Lwin s Thiri Myaing Hotel, formerly known as Candacraig, was tendered on June 25. Photo: Si Thu Lwin names of the winning bidders but not the names of their companies, the price paid, length of the contracts or tender conditions. The spokesperson also declined to say how many companies participated in the tender, whether foreign companies were eligible to take part and, if so, whether any submitted bids. The winners of the tender were: U Than Zaw Htay (Thiri Myaing Hotel); Daw Ban Moe (Nan Myaing Hotel); U Tun Tun Win (Gandamar Myaing Hotel); U Zar Ni Aung (Chaungtha New Beach Hotel); U Ye Tun Kyaw (Mrauk Oo Hotel); and U Nandar Hla Myint (New Kengtung Hotel). An official from the Myanmar Investment Commission said it had no information on the tender. The Myanmar Times contacted the six tendered hotels and senior staff at five of them said they were also unaware of the tender. However, the hotel manager at Mrauk Oo Hotel said the tender had been won by Natural Force Company, which agreed to pay the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism K166.5 million (about US$170,000) a year for 15 years. The manager said the ministry conducted the tender because the state-run hotels were losing money. He said that the hotel s 17 staff will leave when the property is handed over to Natural Force Company, with seven to retire and 10 to be transferred to Nay Pyi Taw. Women respond to police force training call WOMEN are lining up for a career in the Myanmar Police Force, an official says. More than half of all applications received for a training program for second lieutenants in Mandalay Region were submitted by women, said Police Major Soe Nyein from the regional police force office. We received fewer than 60 applications from men but more than 80 from women, he said. The applications are for the 76 th intake under the program. The Myanmar Police Force is aiming to add 200 male and 150 female police second lieutenants nationally in 2013, Pol Maj Soe Nyein said. Police second lieutenants work underneath the police major at township police stations. They are responsible for accepting, opening and investigating criminal cases. Women seem to believe that this job can offer a safe career for them. And they don t need to worry about accommodation if they get a post, Pol Maj Soe Nyein said. Applicants for the intake must be single, aged 20 to 25 and hold a degree in a foreign language, law or international relations. They must not have any political affiliations and have to pledge to serve anywhere in Myanmar. Selected applicants will enter a one-year training course at Zee Pin Gyi in Pyin Oo Lwin township. Si Thu Lwin, translated by Zar Zar Soe Uncertainty over Thein Htay sanction NAN TIN HTWE nantin.htwe@gmail.com OBSERVERS have reacted with uncertainty to the United States Treasury s decision to sanction a senior military officer for weapons deals with North Korea. On July 2, the Department of Treasury announced it had blacklisted Lieutenant General Thein Htay, head of the Directorate of Defense Industries (DDI), for acting for or on behalf of DDI to purchase military equipment and material from North Korea in contravention of United Nations sanctions. Thein Htay has disregarded international requirements to stop purchasing military goods from North Korea, the revenues from which directly support North Korea s illicit activities, Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen said in the statement. The decision specifically targets Thein Htay, who is involved in the illicit trade of North Korean arms to Burma; it does not target the government of Burma, which has continued to take positive steps in severing its military ties with North Korea, it said. Lt Gen Thein Htay was Minister for Border Affairs in U Thein Sein s government from March 2011 to February 2013 and is thought to have held the DDI position concurrently. DDI was sanctioned by Treasury for its deals with North Korea in July The listing appeared to take the government by surprise. The US has lifted sanctions against a number of key figures in the Myanmar government as a result of its reforms over the past two years and has also initiated a process of engagement with the Tatmadaw. I can t comment as we don t know what the decision was based on, presidential spokesperson U Ye Htut told The Myanmar Times on July 3. The Ministry of Defence in Nay Pyi Taw declined to comment, saying that DDI was not concerned with the ministry. John Sullivan, a spokesman at the Department of Treasury, said there was no particular hook to the timing of the announcement. The department had concerns about him as of early November 2012, [when] Thein Htay was identified as the chief of DDI and led a Burmese delegation to Beijing, China to meet with North Korea officials. The two delegations agreed to expand military cooperation between North Korea and Burma, Mr Sullivan said. The US has made ceasing military deals with North Korea a precondition for improving ties with Myanmar. In May 2012, President U Thein Sein admitted that Myanmar has purchased weapons from North Korea over the preceding two decades during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, the New York Times reported. The president also vowed that this would end. However, in August 2012 there were reports that Japanese officials had seized weaponsgrade material in Tokyo that was bound for Myanmar and was believed to have originated in North Korea. When The Myanmar Times asked U Ye Htut about the incident at the time, he replied that it was not true and Myanmar has been strictly following the rules and regulation of the United Nations Security Council. In November 2012, the government publicly reiterated its intention to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, which prohibits the procurement of military goods and assistance from North Korea, the statement mentioned. Murray Hieber, deputy director of the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, said it was unclear why Lt Gen Thein Htay was the only person cited. We don t have any independent information about his involvement with North Korea. We also don t know the level of importance of his role, said Mr Hieber. Last year, a CSIS delegation visited Myanmar and issued a trip report in which it advocated that the US engage Myanmar s military to encourage reform. Mr Hieber said he still believed this was the right course of action. It doesn t mean that [the] Myanmar military doesn t have a commitment to reform. It could simply mean that one department, DDI, which has been cited and sanctioned last year, is continuing its relation with North Korea. Additional reporting by Tim McLaughlin

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8 8 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Yangon farmers protest land dispute SU PHYO WIN MORE than 300 farmers demonstrated outside the offices of four companies in East Dagon township last week about the confiscation of more than 1770 acres of land in The land, which was seized from 351 farmers, was ostensibly to be used for a contract farming project. The farmers, from Htaung Ta Lote, Sit Pin, Thone Khwa and Ywar Thar Gyi villages in East Dagon township, protested outside the offices of Dagon International, Yuzana, Myint Zeya and Sin Shweli special rice companies. The protesters held signboards with slogans calling on the government to settle land disputes quickly, and asking for the end to legal action against farmers by companies that occupy the land, which has been seized under the military regime. Farmer U Tin Aye, who had 30 acres of land confiscated, said people in the area were deceived. When President U Thein Sein was prime minister, he came to us with the four companies and said that they would do contract farming with us, he said, which would provide us with interest-free loans and also technological and technical support. He added that U Thein Sein had told farmers that their land would not be confiscated. And yet within one month we were kicked off our land and have not been able to return until now, said U Tin Aye. He added that his land had been seized by Sin Shweli Company. Several farmers who took part in the protest told The Myanmar Times that the confiscation had left them with no hope because they had few other career options. We hope to rebuild our lives, after years of living on nothing, said U Tin Sein, whose 10 acres were seized by Yuzana. We want our land back so that we can return to work. We just want a fair resolution of this conflict, he said. With a number of major companies recently announcing that they would return seized lands to its original owners including Htoo Group and Max Myanmar farmers across the country are stepping up efforts to get fair compensation or have their land returned. We heard that Max Myanmar already paid compensation of K2.8 million an acre, and at South Dagon they are negotiating with farmers, said U Tin Win, an organiser of the protest whose 40 acres were appropriated in Htaung Ta Lote village. We hope that [the four companies] will come to us and negotiate. The last time that we tried to negotiate with the companies, we asked for K3.5 million an acre but the companies did not respond. Farmers protest over a land dispute in East Dagon township. Photo: Zarni Phyo If the companies don t want to pay compensation, we want our land back. Spokespersons for the companies said the land had been officially handed to them by the government, and they had borne the financial risk of contract farming the land. As a result, they said during a meeting with the farmers and the national parliament s land dispute investigation commission that they have no intention of returning the land. U Khine Maung Yi, a member of the commission, said the companies had lost money from the contract farming. When we were negotiating with the companies they said that they had made losses through contract farming because the farmers never paid back their loans, he said. And because the government officially gave the companies the right to farm the land, the companies say they cannot return it. But U Hlaing, who also lost 40 acres to Sin Shweli after trying to do contract farming for two years, said few farmers were ever likely to succeed under the agreements they were forced to sign. Only a few farmers owned machinery and the company made the farmers pay back 10 baskets of rice for each acre as the rental fee, he said. And we had to pay back the loans too. U Khine Maung Yi said the military government had tried to use contract farming to boost agriculture production by mechanising farming, adding that the farmers should be asking the government for compensation not the companies. If land is confiscated for a project that fails, then the land should be returned. But the government should manage this problem. International Management Group VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The International Management Group is an international organization with an office established in Yangon and is seeking for the following positions for EU-funded capacity building project. (a) National Programme Officer (national) is required for a new EU-funded project in the IMG office in Yangon. The position requires over 5 years experience in senior project management. A Postgraduate development or political science degree a requirement. Required to assist in the management of an exciting programme of grants and sub-grants. Required to assist in managing a staff of 4. Work and coordinate with international and national partner organisations. Experience with EU programming preferred. Fluent spoken and written English is required. Excellent computer skills required. Applications by . Deadline: 16th July, (b) Logistics and Procurement Officer (national) is required for a new EU-funded project in the IMG office in Yangon. Experience in procuring items such as office supplies, furniture, equipment, cars, etc., for the IMG office and project partners. Experience required in national and preferred in international procurement. Experience with EU rules preferred. Candidate will also be expected to produce documentation on procurement and payments. Experience necessary in scheduling travel and accommodation, and in organizing IMG events. The position requires at least 3 years experience in procurement and logistics. Fluent spoken and written English is required. Excellent computer skills required. The position requires working to support a team of 5 staff within a larger office. Applications by . Deadline: 16th July, (c) Financial Officer (national) is required for a new EU-funded project in the IMG office in Yangon. Sound experience in accounting, financial reporting and procedure. Experience in handling bank accounts. The position requires at least 5 years experience in programme accounting. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required as well as excellent computer skills in basic software packages. The position requires working to support a team of 5 staff within a larger office. (d) Secretary/Assistant (national) is required for a new EUfunded project in the IMG office in Yangon. Experience in office administration, basic book-keeping, and letter writing is essential. Experience in arranging workshops, bookings for travel and accommodation essential. The position requires at least 3 years experience in programme assistance or office administration. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required as well as excellent computer skills in basic software packages. The position requires working to support a team of 5 staff within a larger office. The complete Terms of Reference for the position can be obtained at the IMG website: Please send application and CV with cover letter to the IMG Office at: Room 506, 5th Floor, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condominium, No.52, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon, Yangon, via to: vacancy-myanmar@img-int.org before closing date July 16th Farmers protection bill slammed SU PHYO WIN suphyo1990@gmail.com NEW legislation to protect farmers is being dismissed as political theatre that will fail to benefit the nearly 70 percent of Myanmar s population that relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The farmers protection bill submitted to parliament on June 30 was drafted without meaningful input from farmers, U Tun Myint Aung, chair of the 88 Generation group s farmers committee, told a press conference in Yangon on July 3. Farmers are having their land confiscated and some are nearly starving, U Tun Myint Aung said. He said the root of the problem was land seizures under the military government, and said these crimes need to be addressed. The most urgent matter is to make a law that can fully protect the rights of farmers, U Tun Myint Aung added. U Myo Aung, a member of the activist group s farmers committee, said the legislation was drafted by bureaucrats and businesspeople. He said it might actually exacerbate the problems farmers face because it benefits businesses. The legislation focuses on lending, pricing and industrial farming that will assist businesses, bankers and industrial farmers, he said. An economics researcher warned that any attempt to set prices would be a very terrible move. There have been discussions around downgrading Thai bonds due to the excessive fiscal pressure arising from [Thailand s] rice price scheme, said the researcher. Although subsidising farmers is common and not necessarily bad policy, the researcher questioned where Myanmar is going to find the money to do this. Ultimately, the law does not say anything specific and looks like an electoral campaign [pledge], he said. There is a big risk that the only ones getting subsidised credit are going to be capital intensive industrial farms, while the rest of the population might not have the economic literacy, risk propensity and access to institutions needed to get credit/ grants. He said the bill is mute on land grabbing and has little economics and a lot of politics. PATH is an international, nonprofit organization that currently seeks qualified candidates for Finance & Administrative Officerin our Yangon-based office, expected to open this summer. The Finance & Admin Officer will provide office oversight and operations support in compliance with PATH administrative and financial policies. He/she will be responsible for monitoring financial transactions, preparing payroll, relevant taxes, and monthly financial report to HQ, among other things. Administrative tasksmay include office management and logistics, reception duties,note taking, records management,coordination of workshops and staff travel, and other duties as requested. Knowledge, skills and experience required:a minimum five years' experience with an international organization or NGO in a related field. Bachelor s degree in accounting or equivalent preferred; Excellent word processing and database skills; Strong communication and organizational skills; Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team; Excellent written and spoken Myanmar and English; Ability to participate effectively in meetings and Skype calls with colleagues and partners. For full position description and information on the application process, please visit the jobs section of the PATH website (

9 Marriage law authors seek public feedback CHERRY THEIN A LEGAL expert helping to draft a marriage law that would place restrictions on who Buddhist women can marry says the authors welcome suggestions and objections from the public. U Ye Kaung Nyut also urged people to read the full text of the draft before criticising it. It is right that the law is controversial for some people but they can constructively give us an objection or suggestion to help us finalise it, he said. I am surprised that women are saying it is a human rights abuse. They... don t seem to realise that the law is for them. U Mg Mg Dhammacakka Foundation They can point out whether sections of the draft law are unclear or confusing and explain on what grounds they object. But they should read carefully before they criticise. We will accept all feedback, he said. U Ye Kaung Nyut is one of five members of a legal team assisting the team of 10 Buddhist monks to draft the law. Ywama Sayadaw is head of the committee of monks, while U Dhamma Piya is its spokesperson. Feedback forms are available at Ywama and Aung San Taw Ya Tet U monasteries in Insein township. Dhammacakka Foundation president U Mg Mg, who is also involved in the drafting of the law, told The Myanmar Times that he believed most people who objected to the draft law had not read the whole text. When a famous person objected to the law, all followed suit without thinking about it themselves. It happens very often in our country, he said. He said the law does not stop Buddhist women from marrying men from other religions. Instead, he said, it restricts men of other religions from marrying a Buddhist woman unless they convert to Buddhism. I am also surprised that women are saying it is a human rights abuse. Do they think the law stops them from marrying? They don t seem to realise that the law is for them, he said. If a woman doesn t want her husband to convert under the law or she wishes to convert to her husband s religion, it is her choice but under this law both of them need to give a clear explanation about that choice. If they choose to do that then we can t help her if she has a problem in the future. He said that while many couples of mixed faiths live happily together this is often not the case. There are many social problems caused by marriages between people of different faiths. The law aims to prevent or find a way to solve these issues. I have no authority to say when the law will be sent to the hluttaw. It is the decision of leading monks and legal experts. In some townships, unidentified groups purporting to be working with leading monks have been trying to collect signatures in support of the draft law. The group distributed petitions and asked for signatures to show support for the draft law. I have no idea about the law because I haven t read it yet but I was unhappy to see them doing this so I didn t sign it, said civil servant U Myint Sein. He said he believed some groups were trying to distort the original aim of the law. Under democracy people are no longer afraid but they should be aware that democracy doesn t just mean not being afraid. People also have to be accountable for their actions. PATHLAB Diagnostic Centre Co., Ltd 168 (A), Dhama Zedi Road, Bahan Township. Ph: We need the following positions As Soon As Possible 1. Finance & Administration Manager Male/Female (1) post Bachelor s Degree or higher in Finance or Accounting. CPA prefer. Minimum 5 years experience. Good skill in financial statement analysis, management reporting, internal control, budgeting & forecast and taxation. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.good in English. Salary 600,000 kyats and above 2. Medical Lab Marketing Executive Male/Female (2) posts At least 2 years experience in Sales ( Prefer in medical field) Good command of both spoken and written English. A National Democratic Force member distributes pamphlets during a campaign rally in Yangon s Bahan township shortly before the November 2010 election. Photo: Aye Zaw Myo Election commission cancels restrictions on party activities NAW SAY PHAW WAA nawsayphawwaa@gmail.com THE Union Election Commission has abolished rules that require political parties to get prior permission for party events and speeches, political leaders said. The commission sent a letter to parties last week informing them about the change, Democratic Party (Myanmar) chairman U Thu Wai said. The rules significantly hampered attempts by opposition parties to campaign prior to the 2010 election and were a major factor in the election being widely considered to be neither free nor fair. There are now no limitations like before, U Thu Wai said. Previously we had to ask for permission even just to hold a meeting in the party office. Sometimes we didn t even get permission. This has now changed and it means they are giving more democracy. The letter said the election commission instructions of June 2010 was abolished because the peaceful protest law has come into force. U Sai Hla Kyaw, secretary of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, told The Myanmar Times that his party had never followed the rule anyway as it would have wasted too much time. It should have been like this from the start, he said. However, representatives from other parties, including the National League for Democracy, said they had been careful to follow the regulation and were pleased that it had been rescinded. National Democratic Force co-founder U Than Nyein said parties still faced some restrictions despite the latest announcement. The good news is that the commission won t control the parties anymore. On the other hand all the parties have to deal with the police station if they want to march or gather in a public area, he said. He said political parties should have more freedom than ordinary people to gather and protest. If the police don t understand this then it will create difficulties, he said. Amyotha Hluttaw representative U Phone Myint Aung agreed that while parties have more freedom, they still need to get permission to protest or gather in a public area. News 9 National diabetes survey to begin in October A NATIONWIDE survey on the prevalence of diabetes will be launched in October, members of the Myanmar Diabetes Project Team say. This team includes experts from the Ministry of Health and is supported by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation. During this one-year survey we will ask 9000 people about diabetes, check their physical condition and test their blood, said team secretary Dr Ko Ko. We are doing this survey because we would like to know the level of threat diabetes poses to the community, he said. It will be the third survey conducted by the team in Myanmar since Ministry of Health figures from 2010 estimated that 6 percent of people in Myanmar between the ages of 25 and 70 have diabetes. More recently, the Ministry of Health has estimated that about 8.3pc of the population has diabetes. The proportion is thought to be as high as 14pc in urban areas because of the differing diet and lifestyle. Dr Ko Ko said health experts were very concerned about the threat of diabetes and he believed this would be reflected in the survey findings. We need to give more awareness to the public about this disease and need to conduct more surveys about diabetes to see whether it is increasing. Shwe Yee Saw Myint Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon Leading Five Star Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar with its headquarter in Bangkok, is now seeking highly energetic and motivated candidates for the following position with the specifications below: Job Title: Human Resources Manager Personality Age above 35 years Incumbent will be Myanmar national Responsible, initiative with minimal direction, and able to handle multi-faceted projects Team player, who highly value teamwork and communicates effectively with all levels Discreet, reliable, diplomatic, confidential, transparent, with high degree of personal integrity Good health physically fit Qualifications & Skills Holds a degree in Human Resources Management and/ or Psychology or Related field Excellent People Management and communication skills, Effective Counseling Skills/ Interviewing Skills Design training materials which conform to corporate standards and conduct training programs Comprehensive knowledge of relevant employment legislation Good knowledge of all elements of local and national industrial relations issues Comprehensive computer skills, fully understands MS Office and MS Outlook Fluent English Written and spoken Work Experience Record in Human Resources Management at multinational companies Previously held the positions as Human Resources Manager or Personnel Manager Previously held the position as a Training Specialist Experience in industrial relations negotiation Interested individual is cordially invited to send CV in person or to the below address not later than 23 July, Human Resources Department Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel : Fax : hr.chry@chatrium.com

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11 12 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 New publications strive to represent minority communities Shortage of capital, limited reach and problems over language are hampering efforts to develop community media organisations for ethnic minorities FOCUS: ETHNIC MEDIA SANDAR LWIN WIN KO KO LATT THE focus remains on conflict, federalism, culture, drugs and human trafficking. But where ethnic media outlets were once considered adjunct of insurgency movements, today they are increasingly fitting into Myanmar s mainstream media environment. The Ministry of Information has granted at least six licences to ethnic minority community publications across a range of categories and remains open to more applications, said Daw Thidar Tin, a deputy director general in the ministry. Those that have formally registered and begun publishing have maintained a strong focus on all aspects of ethnic affairs, ranging from politics to culture. One of the six is Than Lwin Times, a weekly Myanmar-language news journal that launched in May 2012 in the Mon State capital Mawlamyine. Financial difficulties are common to all ethnic media. Van Nei Kim Editor and publisher Chin World Fortnightly We established our publication so we can get the right to learn our native language, and to maintain and promote our culture and traditional customs, said editor Ko Kyi Zaw Linn. Another newly licensed publication is Chin World Fortnightly, which launched about six months ago in Yangon. It is not that we are demanding autonomy. It is just that we want to get back [the sovereignty we once had], said editor and publisher Van Nei Kim, who goes by the pen name Mai Democracy. If the union government granted more power to the states and regions, it could solve the ethnic conflicts. While there are no exact statistics, there are also at least 15 ethnic minority news websites and four FM stations. All major ethnic groups have a community media organisation, many of which are run with funding from international donors rather than as businesses. Eleven of these organisations work together through Burma News International (BNI), which is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our ethnic media organisations are monitoring the peace process very closely and we were able to monitor the 2010 election, BNI development secretary U Khin Maung Shwe said at a media conference held in Yangon in May. U Thiha Saw, a member of the interim press council, said he believed it was important that people in ethnic minority areas had access to independent media outlets. I want community media published in local languages to flourish in ethnic minority regions, he said. However, the reach of many ethnic media outlets is limited because of a lack of funding, poor internet access and use of Myanmar rather than minority languages. Addressing these issues is essential for existing outlets to become genuine community media organisations. Language difference is a big difficulty. For example in Chin State locals use many different dialects and it is difficult to publish in all of them. In the past there was little effort to develop ethnic language and this has made it harder for us, U Khin Maung Shwe said. But U Set Naing, editor-incharge of Pinlon, a Taunggyi-based, Myanmar-language publication, said there were similar problems in Shan State. It is rare to find Shan people who can read Shan literature today. We are publishing our paper in Bamar [Myanmar]. Later, we intend to publish it in both languages, half [in Shan], half [in Myanmar], he said. However, he described the main difficulty as accessing funding. In Shan State, there is a lack of human and financial resources, as well as production and distribution infrastructure, for media businesses. However, we are hopeful we can launch [a weekly edition] soon, he said. It is a problem other ethnic minority publications are also grappling with. Than Lwin Times says it is losing K300,000 an issue and has been selling shares for K100,000 each to cover costs and raise capital. Financial difficulties are common to all ethnic media. We are thinking about seeking financial aid from international donors to cover some production costs, said Van Nei Kim. U Set Naing said maintaining balance in coverage of ethnic affairs in a country as diverse as Myanmar can also pose challenges for editors and reporters. We have to be careful to ensure that we are not biased. There are still racial problems and strong us-versus-them attitudes. So for example if we write about the Pa-O readers think we are supporting the Pa-O, and if we write about the Shan, they think we support the Shan, he said. But independent publishers and broadcasters are not likely to have the field completely to themselves, as the government is also looking to dramatically increase its presence in the sector. The Ministry of Information recently submitted its draft public service media law to the parliament and part of the bill deals with ethnic minority news. It also plans to launch a new television channel focusing exclusively on ethnic affairs. We will include more sections for ethnic people in our publications and broadcasting services, said Daw Thida Tin. The law will also contain sections on providing technical assistance to non-profit community publications. Karen News reporters at work in Kayin State. Photo: Supplied Ethnic media outlets look for fresh angle TIM MCLAUGHLIN timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com AS daily newspapers return and an overhaul of state mouthpieces begins, Myanmar s ethnic media outlets are quietly finding their place in the country s shifting media landscape by expanding operations and offering more balanced reporting. The largest of these ethnic outlets cooperate through Burma News International, a network of 11 independent news organisations, but there are also community newspapers and dozens of blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts manned by citizen-journalists that are reporting on ethnic regions. They are testament to Myanmar s ethnic diversity but are united in their belief that Myanmar s more mainstream news coverage has predominately reported from the perspective of the majority Bamar. But this criticism applies not only to state-controlled broadcasters and private sector weekly and daily journals. True ethnic voices can be heard from ethnic media outlets while Bamar-dominated media outlets, including [British Broadcasting Corporation], [Voice of America] and [Radio Free Asia], mainly present news and perspectives from majority Bamar points of views, said Brang Hkangda, the editor of the English section of Kachinland News. The agency operates from the Kachin Independence Organisation capital of Laiza in Kachin State and the northern Californian city of Fremont. Brang s sentiments are shared by many of his fellow journalists in the sector. It is important in the new media landscape in Burma that there is a diversity of voices that represent the country s people, said Phil Thornton, a journalist and author who has covered Myanmar extensively and in June 2011 helped to start the not-for-profit Karen News. The growing interest in Myanmar has driven up readership and ethnic media outlets are also beginning to find a seat at the country s media table gaining more acceptance by the government and mainstream outlets. But with this comes the challenge of finding a new editorial voice that avoids bias along ethnic or political lines. While most ethnic minority journalists accuse mainstream publications of bias, journalists in Yangon often view ethnic outlets as mouthpieces for armed groups and their political wings. Mr Thornton said he believes that the issue is not unique to ethnic media outlets in Myanmar but sees progress being made. He pointed to recent Karen News When we were outside [Myanmar] writing the news was very difficult. We could only get one source, from an opposition group. Nai Kasauh Mon Independent Mon News Agency articles that criticised the Karen National Union and the Karen National Liberation Army as indications that ethnic media outlets have begun to look at issues through a more objective lens. He said he hopes that a more balanced account of events will make Karen News a valuable source of information for other journalists reporting on Myanmar. It provides a great opportunity for other journalists to source information they can t access, said Mr Thornton. Founder and editor-in-chief of the Independent Mon News Agency, Nai Kasauh Mon, conceded that in the past his agency was overly focused on the views of opposition groups in Mon State. However, he said the shift from Thailand to Mawlamyine earlier this year has allowed it to report in a more balanced manner. When we were outside [Myanmar], writing the news was very difficult. We could only get one source from an opposition group. [When] trying to confirm it we would find that no one wanted to talk to media that works outside. But now in [Mawlamyine] our publication can get all the sources that we want to get, he said. Now we are more likely to maintain journalistic standards than when we were outside. It is an achievement. While these publications are looking to improve their editorial standards and coverage they are also looking to expand their operations at a time when Myanmar is capturing the world s interest. It will definitely grow in terms of reporters and news coverage, Brang Hkangda said of Kachinland News. However, he said that expansion was made difficult by the lack of properly trained journalists and secure income streams. These concerns were echoed by Mr Thornton and Nai Kasauh Mon. Karen News runs on the smell of an oily rag, Mr Thornton said of its budget, while Nai Kasauh Mon said his agency s current situation is not sufficient financially. Mr Thornton said, however, that there was no shortage of young people eager to become journalists and that the problem was access to training. With important events often happening outside state capitals, Nai Kasauh Mon said he believed a special focus should be placed on training journalists who live in remote and rural areas. The remote areas we cannot reach within one day, Nai Kasauh Mon said, adding that travelling for stories places a significant strain on his very, very small newsroom, which has six staff. These are difficulties shared in Karen State, where the decades-old civil war has left a lack of development as its legacy. To get the first-hand information or to talk to villagers, we have to travel to the area. It can take days or weeks and communication services are poor, said Karen News reporter Saw Wei Thoo, adding that reporters also have to worry about landmines and disease when visiting remote areas.

12 News 13 Kanebo pulls products that left white blotches on skin Suspect charged over Pyin Oo Lwin bombing Myanmar distributor says it will recall 10 products, including Blanchair and Inpress range SI THU LWIN The statement from Kanebo s Japanese headquarters said the recalled cosmetics contain the quasi-drug ingredient Rhododenol, which was developed by Kanebo in It suspects there is a possibility of a connection between Rhododenol and the white blotches, the statement said. A company spokesman told AFP that there had been 39 complaints from customers in Japan. Of those, 15 had shown no improvement in their conditions even after they stopped using the products, he said. Kanebo products have been sold in Myanmar for more than 14 years and it is one of the most popular cosmetics brands on the market. Daw Nilar, a 45-year-old Mandalay resident, said she had been using Kanebo products for five years and had no complaints. I ve never experienced any skin problems since I first started using these products, she said. AN ARREST has been made in connection with a June 30 explosion in Pyin Oo Lwin that resulted in three people being hospitalised, the regional police chief said. The suspect is thought to be the owner of a pink motorcycle that was seen parked near the Nay Min flour mill on the Mandalay-Lashio Highway when the blast took place about 1:20pm. The motorcycle was found to have been illegally licensed, said Police Major Soe Nyein of the Mandalay Region Police Force Office. The suspect has been charged with negligent conduct with respect to an explosive substance, hurt by an act endangering life and grievous hurt by an act endangering life, which collectively carry a potential jail term of 10 years. Pol Maj Soe Nyein said police and military officials who investigated the blast found small metal balls and an iron pipe at the scene and agreed that the bomb appeared to be homemade. YAMON PHOO THIT yamon89@gmail.com THE Myanmar distributor of Kanebo cosmetics began recalling its products on July 4 after the Japanese company announced a voluntary recall of more than 50 products, which customers complained had left white blotches on their skin. Kanebo Cosmetics said in a statement earlier the same day that it had decided to recall 54 skin brightening products because of the complaints. The recall affects 11 Asian markets, including Myanmar. A total of 370,000 items have been sent to overseas markets but at present Kanebo plans only to recall items that are on sale, news agency AFP said. Of the 54 products, 10 have been imported and sold in Myanmar, a spokesperson for Kanebo Cosmetics in Myanmar told The Myanmar Times. We have been recalling these products from our counters nationwide and other outlets starting from this evening, she said. The 10 products are mostly from Kanebo s Blanchair and Impress range, she said, adding that most sell for Customers walk past the Kanebo counter at a shopping centre in downtown Yangon on July 4, the day the Japanese company issued a recall for 54 of its products. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing K30,000-K40,000. The spokesperson said she was concerned that the recall would hurt confidence in the brand and promised to keep customers updated on any further developments. We re afraid that our customers will be worried and confused so we ll release the information as we get it, she said. We would like to make clear that these products are not bad for everyone. The recall is the result of some DESIGN CAUTION NOTICE ( REPUBLICATION ) YANMAR CO., LTD., a company organized under the laws of Japan, carrying on business as producers and having its principal office at 1-9, Tsurunocho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka , Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Design:- Perspective View Front View Left Side View Rear View Right Side View Plan View Bottom View Reg. No. 4/12564/2012 Used in respect of:-walk-behind Tractor. The said design caution was published on 17 June, 2013 under an incorrect heading and is now republished under the correct heading. Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above design will be dealt with according to law. Tin Ohnmar Tun & The Law Chambers (For. Yano International Patent Attorneys Office, Japan) Dated. 8th July, 2013 costumers complaints and I think it will depend on the skin condition of the users. Two military officials Cadet Shine Myint Maung and Sergeant Hla Myo Htike injured in the blast have undergone surgery at the Defence Services Hospital to have embedded metal removed from their bodies. Another bystander, Ma Nge, was hospitalised at Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital. In the aftermath, tight security checks have been set up involving both uniformed and plain-clothed officers. Since the explosion took place, we have been carefully checking the town s entrances with heavy security. We ve questioned suspects and we ve also checked visitor lists in hotels and guesthouses in the downtown, Pol Maj Soe Nyein said. Local businesses are also participating in the hunt for more people who may have been involved or be planning follow-up attacks. We ve carefully examined our guest lists, said one guesthouse manager in Pyin Oo Lwin. We ve also asked the staff to inform us if they see suspicious visitors. Translated by Zar Zar Soe

13 14 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, a company incorporated in Germany, of Henkelstrasse 67, Düsseldorf, Germany, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:- X-TRA Reg. No. 2681/2013 in respect of Class 3: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use, rinsing agents for laundry and tableware, fabric softeners, laundry starch, stain removing agents; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations, soaps, perfumery; essential oils; cosmetics; hair lotions; dentifrices. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Henkel AG & Co. KGaA P. O. Box 60, Yangon makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 8 July 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION CARLSBERG A/S., a Company incorporated in Denmark, of Ny Carlsberg Vej 100, DK-1760 Copenhagen V, Denmark, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:- CARLSBERG Reg. No. 428/1978 in respect of Beer, ale and porter, mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks. ELEPHANT BEER Reg. No. 1095/1995 in respect of Beer. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Speaker knocks back PR proposal WIN KO KO LATT winkolatt2012@gmail.com PYIDAUNGSU Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint has refused to accept a proposal from the Union Election Commission to switch to proportional representation as he said it did not comply with parliamentary rules. U Khin Aung Myint said that Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye had sent him a letter on May 13 asking the hluttaw to discuss proportional representation. He said the proposal had not come through official channels and could not be accepted. The proposal must be submitted in line with hluttaw laws and by-laws if a resolution is to be sought from the hluttaw, he said on July 1, the opening day of the seventh session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which brings together both the upper and lower houses. Sending a letter to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw speaker and making [an] announcement cannot override the hluttaw procedures and it is inappropriate for the hluttaw to accept the announcement as a proposal. Instead, he said he would forward the commission chairman s letter to the constitutional review committee, which will be formed during the current hluttaw session. MPs backed the speaker s insistence on the following the law exactly. I am satisfied with the decision of the speaker. I think that it showed he will not favour the Union Solidarity and Development Party, said U Ye Tun, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Hsipaw township in Shan State from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP). In the letter, U Tin Aye said that if the hluttaw did not decide to switch from first-pastthe-post in 2013 then the commission would not consider changing the voting system before the 2015 election because it would not leave enough time to prepare. The letter said that changing the system will require amendments to a range of regulations and procedures. The commission will also have to arrange training for its staff and educate political parties and the public in preparation for the 2015 election. It said that reform of the electoral system is a matter concerning all citizens and should be negotiated with the representatives of political parties and parliamentarians. U Ye Tun said the SNDP did not support proportional representation but would still take part in the 2015 election if the hluttaw decided to change the Nay Pyi Taw residents vote on November 7, Photo: Hein Latt Aung voting system. We agree with President U Thein Sein s recent comment that it is too early to practise proportional representation in Myanmar, U Ye Htun said. U Aung Kyi Nyunt, an Amyotha Hluttaw representative from the National League for Democracy Party, said his party also opposed any change. We do not support the use of proportional representation at present because it would mean that there is likely to be a coalition government in future and this will weaken the government, he said. However, the switch to proportional representation is backed by many smaller parties, which fear they will lose all representation in parliament if first-past-the-post is retained in Most observers agree that a switch to proportional representation would be beneficial for the USDP and likely limit losses to the NLD in However, the party is yet to endorse changing the voting system and vice chairman U Htay Oo declined to comment on U Khin Aung Myint s July 1 decision. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for CARLSBERG A/S P. O. Box 60, Yangon makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 8 July 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION Merck Consumer Healthcare Limited, a Company incorporated in United Kingdom, of Hedon Road, HULL, East Yorkshire, HU9 5NJ, United Kingdom, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:- SEVEN SEAS Reg. No. 6581/2011 in respect of Class 5: Pharmaceutical, medicinal and veterinary products; infants and invalids foods; nutritional supplements; vitamins, minerals and mineral salts; preparations consisting of vitamins and/ or minerals; medicinal herbs; herbal preparations included in class 5; oils and fats and derivatives of oils and fats; fish oils including cod liver oil; laxatives; protein, ginseng, being for medicinal purposes. Class 29: Edible oils and edible fats, their derivatives and products derived therefrom; nutritional supplements; preparations derived from foodstuffs in class 29 being food supplements; protein-based products. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Merck Consumer Healthcare Limited P. O. Box 60, Yangon makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 8 July 2013 UNESCO listing to boost Kuthodaw visitors: trustee SHWE WAR LWIN shwewarlwin.mmt@gmail.com THE world s largest book is about to gain a lot more readers. The inscribed stone tablets at Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay were last month listed on the Memory of the World Register of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This means the site is likely to draw many more tourists, said U Tun Thein, secretary of the pagoda s trustee board. The number of tourists studying these inscriptions has increased and we expect the number will rise more after the announcement, said U Tun Thein, who also expects the upcoming SEA Games to attract a flood of visitors. The site, at the foot of Mandalay Hill, features the entire Buddhist canon, or Tipitaka, inscribed on 729 large stone tablets. It was created to mark the convening of the Fifth Buddhist Synod, which was convened by King Mindon in The inscriptions were one of 54 additions to the Memory of the World Register that were approved by UNESCO Tourists at Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. Photo: Shwe War Lwin director-general Irina Bokova on June 18. The register now includes 299 documents and document collections from five continents. U Thein Tun said the listing will raise the country s status and potentially boost tourism-related earnings but said it also showed the need to make constant restoration works. He added that while the trustees used to charge foreign visitors US$3, it stopped doing so in 2004 when the Department of Archaeology took over responsibility for maintaining the site. Translated by Zar Zar Soe Tatmadaw negotiates academy land grab THE military is continuing to negotiate with farmers in Pyin Oo Lwin township whose land it confiscated two decades ago to expand the Defence Services Technological Academy. About 179 acres were confiscated from 98 people in 1993 for the academy. On June 18, military officials met former owners of the land for the second time to discuss compensation. The talks took place at the Yae Chan Oh ward administration office, said U Hla Tun Aung, who lost 6 acres. Negotiations are continuing. It seems the military will choose to give cash compensation rather than replacement land but we would prefer to be compensated with another plot instead of money, he said. U Nay Myo Kyaw Soe, who is leading the quest for compensation, said the group submitted complaint letters to the President s Office, the army and other departments in September So far, the military has met us twice to negotiate. We ve heard that they will compensate land owners by paying the current market price, he said. Aung Ye Thwin and Hlaing Kyaw Soe

14 News 15 Ministry rejects Myitsone return request SOE THAN LYNN It's no longer a question of just Syria. It has a lot to do with his personal credibility. soethanlynn@gmail.com THE government has insisted that villagers forced to move for the Myitsone hydro project are not worse off in their new communities but says it will make further arrangements for them in cooperation with the Kachin State government. However, it stopped short of pledging to allow them to return to their former villagers inside the Myitsone project area, despite the president having suspended the dam in September Residents have complained that housing in two new villages is substandard and the ground is not suitable for cultivation. As The Myanmar Times has previously reported, many risk arrest by returning to their old villages to graze cattle and grow crops. But Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myint Zaw told the Pyithu Hluttaw on July 3 that the ministry had managed the resettlement appropriately based on the terms and conditions of the project agreement. It is certain that their new villages are notof a lowerstandard than before. After negotiating with the state government, we will continue to conduct further arrangements for them as much as possible while the hydropower project is suspended, U Myint Zaw said in response to a question from Daw Dwe Bu of Injangyang constituency in Kachin State. She said that while the Myitsone project has been suspended for almost two years there has been little relief for people displaced by the project, who are strugglingto earn a living and fearful for their future. Men ride a motorbike through Aung Myin Thar San Pya village in Kachin State. The village is one of two established for people relocated because of the Myitsone dam hydro project. Photo: Boothee Residents from Ma Li Zut, Tang Hpre and La Byant villages were moved to Aung Myin Thar Sanpya village, while those from Dow Pan and Aung Jar Yan villages were shifted to Ma Li Yang village. Most villages in my constituency are included in Myitsone project, she said. Whenever I visit them they complain that the new villages are very different from where they lived before. The residents said that the old villages have good land to grow seasonal crops and it is convenient for their livelihoods and the education of their children.but the land in the new villages ishas a lot of stones and they can t grow crops. When the project launched, the officials pledged that the residents will have access to cultivatable land in the surrounding area until the lands are flooded. Because of the president s goodwill, the Myitsone area has not been flooded but the villagers have not been allowed to cultivate- they have even been barred from accessing their old land so now they are disgusted. She said additional villages slated for relocation that have not yet moved are also suffering. For three years the children in these villages can t go to schoolbecausethe schools have been relocated to Aung Myin Thar village. Daw Dwe Bu has previously lobbied the government to reconsider its plan for communities in the Myitsone area. In October 2012 she sent a question asking whether the displaced people could be resettled in their original villages and what plans the government was making for their future. In a reply letter, the Minister for Electric Power said that there is currently no plan to let them return to their original villages because the ministry has to follow terms and conditions of the Myitsone project agreement, she said. There are many explanations in the letter but these are just the same as what has already been done in the past. The point is that the residents want to know what their future is, she said. Responding to criticism of living conditions in the two Aaron David Miller Former Middle East new villages, the deputy minister on July 3 said the villages had a 24-hour water supply and other facilities, includinga school, hospital, monastery, church, post office, police station and fire brigade building. He said these were built under the memorandum of agreement withthe project s Chinese backer, China Power Investment,that aimed to create high living conditions for displaced residents. The ministry resettled 408 households from five villagesbetween May 28, 2010 and May 20, 2011 under the agreement. It spent a total of K16.692billion (about US$17 million) to resettle the villages, including construction of infrastructure and homes and compensations for cash crops and orchards. We also give them electricity supply every night, U Myint Zaw said. Translated by Zar Zar Soe TRADEMARK CAUTION Wondertable, Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Japan and having its principal place of business at Tokyo Opera City Tower 22F Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- Reg. No. 4/6187/2013 Reg. No. 4/6189/2013 in respect of Int l Class 43: Restaurant services; food and drink bar services; catering services; café services; snack-bar services; cafeteria services and canteen services. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited Intellectual Property Division Tel: , , Fax: , info@untlaw.com For Wondertable, Ltd. Dated: 8 July, 2013

15 Anatomy of a le 16 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Experts now agree there is almost zero chance of un newsroom@mmtimes.com.mm DEREK TONKIN THE Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon in North London was the venue for a special presentation on the evening of June 19 given by a team of archaeologists and geophysicists associated with Leeds University. This was promoted by Wargaming, a leading online game developer and publisher that funded the project to investigate and if possible recover World War II Spitfires rumoured to have been buried in 1945 and 1946 at airfields in Myanmar, notably at Mingalardon. Both Wargaming and the scientists made it clear in mid-january that reports of buried Spitfires were no more than a captivating legend and that despite weeks of carefully targeted surveys on the ground, no trace had been found of a single aircraft. The lead archaeologist at Leeds University, Andy Brockman, confirmed that there was no evidence that crated Spitfire Mark XIVs had ever been delivered by sea to Yangon, from its capture on May 3, 1945, to the departure of the Royal Air Force in late 1947 just prior to Myanmar s independence on January 4, Several British personnel have now written to discount the legend based on their own operational experience at Mingalardon. Dubious archival evidence Indeed, my own investigation has shown that the sole piece of archival evidence revealed by the entrepreneurial farmer from Lincolnshire David Cundall (who beat the competition to secure the recovery contract, but has since fallen out with both Wargaming and the scientists and so did not appear at the presentation) has now vanished without trace. It supposedly recorded that 124 Mark XIV Spitfires had been delivered to Burma and struck-off charge ( SOC ) in August Despite my persistent enquiries, no one Wargaming, Leeds University, the RAF Air Historical Branch or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that gallantly supported efforts to find the Spitfires has actually been able to provide a file reference, let alone a photocopy of the document. Lead archaeologist Andy Brockman offered the plausible explanation in response to a question I put during the evening that the record cards of aircraft shipped to Bombay and Karachi for use in Air Command South East Asia (ACSEA) may well have shown numbers of aircraft unaccounted for at the end of the Second World War which had been variously scrapped, reallocated to other theatres, or transferred to the French Air Force for use in Vietnam. The record cards could in any case have been in such a state that wholesale archival disposal of aircraft may have been the only sensible way to draw a line under the end-of-war chaos. Indeed, I now suspect that the alleged file annotation that they had been delivered to Burma was pure invention. At all events, this piece of archival evidence is of no relevance to support rumours of Spitfires buried in teak-reinforced crates 12 metres (40 feet) under the ground, an undertaking that would have required earth-moving machinery and equipment that Andy Brockman said the RAF simply did not have at the time. Its records show how difficult it was even to keep Mingalardon operational in the months after the end of the war. The numbers game and how the story went viral As the evening was primarily a presentation of the scientific evidence by the various experts concerned, which they accomplished in a way that was entertaining, informative and persuasive, there was little time to discuss how the Spitfire legend had come to be so widely believed by both the public and the media. Lead archaeologist Andy Brockman suggested that these issues might be a matter for more detailed examination and discussion on another occasion. For Wargaming, director of special projects Tracy Spaight described how initial reports in UK paper The Telegraph had gone viral, no doubt much to Wargaming s delight, though he was careful not to say so himself. Indeed, the number of supposedly buried aircraft which had first been mentioned in an article in The Yorkshire Post on May 9, 2001, as 12 brand new Spitfires, or hardly enough for a single squadron of 16 aircraft had mushroomed to several squadrons, even passing the 124 mark set in an untraceable archive and reaching 140 or more. As the number grew, so did the depth of their supposed burial, from 6 to 40 feet. These reports were accompanied by unfounded speculation that it must have been Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Lord Mountbatten who gave instructions for the burial. There was also a photograph of one particular Spitfire supposedly being crated up prior to burial. This photograph, highlighted by Andy Brockman, appeared in several newspapers for example, the Daily Mail on October 19, 2012, which captioned it Men on a mission: The Spitfire pilots of 607 Squadron at an airbase in Burma during World War II and credited it to Sean Spencer of Hull News & Pictures. In fact the photograph was almost certainly of a Mark V Spitfire with the serial number ER 213 (note this number on the box bottom right) that had been delivered to the Middle East via Gibraltar and had eventually been written off in Palestine in March US Seabees and their penchant for telling the tallest of shaggy-dog stories Just as the archival evidence was thin and unconvincing, so too were the depositions that Leeds University had studied from eyewitnesses of little or no value in support of the legend. Andy Brockman said that, after careful examination, they had had to discount evidence given by men in former US construction battalions as simply not credible. The US Navy Seabees (from CB or construction battalion) never operated in Myanmar at all and reports that a group of Seabees happened to be passing through Yangon at the time and volunteered to carry out the burials was no more than a tale of fiction by old soldiers from highly merited, fighting construction units with a reputation for telling the tallest of stories. My own research with the University of California at Santa Barbara, where photographic records from US construction battalions have

16 News 17 FEATURE gend: The Spitfires that never were covering a prized cache of World War II-era fighter aircraft in Myanmar. But how did this myth become widely accepted as fact? Team members of the Spitfire excavation team Tracy Spaight (right), director of special projects at Wargaming, and project archaeologist Andy Brockman look out over Yangon International Airport, where aviation enthusiast David Cundall believed there could be 36 aircraft buried, during a visit in January. Photo: Wargaming.net/AFP been deposited, likewise drew a complete blank. As for other eyewitnesses, their depositions were mostly hearsay or secondhand and would be discounted as evidence in a court of law. One British eyewitness, Stanley Coombe, was present at the evening occasion and although he did not speak, Andy Brockman described his evidence as important. He would, however, offer another hypothesis for the crates that Stanley Coombe had seen as a young soldier in 1946 from the back of an army truck: that they had contained Auster spotter aircraft which had indeed been delivered by sea from Calcutta in the spring of Four aircraft arrived on April 17 and another 14 on April 30. The legend deflated by senior personnel based at Mingalardon Not mentioned during the evening was the fact that several British personnel, both military and RAF, have now written to discount the legend based on their own extended operational experience at Mingalardon during 1945 and 1946 as commissioned and non-commissioned officers. They include from my own knowledge two RAF pilots, a senior air mechanic and an accountant who were all based at Mingalardon, as well as a British army warrant officer in charge of an adjacent vehicle park and an officer commanding an Indian Engineering Unit. These witnesses have all made the point that, quite simply, no burials could possibly have taken place without them knowing and, I would add, without scores of Burmese workers and staff at Mingalardon, not least pilots and ground crew under training for the Burmese Air Force that came into existence in January 1947 knowing either. Mingalardon was throughout the final years of British rule as thoroughly penetrated by Burmese intelligence agents working for General Aung San and the patriotic forces as any US military base or airfield in Vietnam was by the Viet Cong. Apart from the operational files available for public consultation at the National Archives in Kew, which were a source of evidence during the evening, I would add that the British Library at St Pancras in Central London is the depositary of a substantial number of private and other official papers, some top secret, recording events at the time. These would surely have confirmed the burial of large numbers of Spitfires if that had taken place for whatever reason. In my own research I could find not a hint of any such burial anywhere in these private papers. All s well that ends well? I am delighted that Leeds University felt able to say during the presentation that their involvement in the project had given them invaluable experience and that their engagement had coincidentally resulted in agreements about future academic cooperation with and support for Yangon institutes. Wargaming would also seem to be very pleased with their involvement and they are actively supporting the renovation project for the Dornier The number of Spitfires said to have been buried in Myanmar which was recently recovered from the Goodwin Sands, a 16-kilometre (10-mile) sand bank in the English Channel. David Cundall, meanwhile, continues his search for the Phantom Spitfires, about which I first wrote in The Myanmar Times on February 4. At the time I expressed both my incredulity that these aircraft could have been disposed of by burial in this remarkable way when they were so much in demand throughout Southeast Asia until the mid-1950s and even later. I also stated my disbelief that they could have remained undiscovered all this time when Spitfires were so much sought after by the Myanmar government after independence. Their burial could not possibly have been concealed from General Aung San s military and political supporters. I hope Leeds University will not mind if I say that I was a little surprised that they maintained their interest for so many years when the historical evidence was so thin, though I can well understand that they might feel that they could not reach any definitive conclusions until they had studied all the evidence made available to them. I also heard during my visit to Myanmar in May that there is puzzlement still in Myanmar that Prime Minster David Cameron should have raised the issue with President U Thein Sein in April 2012 without No 10 Downing Street first doing even a basic check on the reliability of the information. But the level of British engagement with Myanmar is nowadays at such a level of intensity across the political, commercial, development and even defence spectrum that the UK has no doubt long been forgiven in Nay Pyi Taw for the latent feeling that they might just possibly have been a trifle misled. So is all well that ends well? I have the niggling feeling that this saga was in retrospect a waste of time and resources, a legend based on oral myth that used the charismatic icon of the Spitfire to seduce all and sundry. It was a classic case of mass hysteria induced by irresponsible media hype and a rich source for the sociologist and psychologist seeking to explain the gullibility of so many normally intelligent people who so uncritically abandoned their common sense. We all pray though that David Cundall might still uncover something, almost anything. Derek Tonkin is chairman of the nonprofit Network Myanmar and an adviser to Bagan Capital Limited.

17 18 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG a company organized and existing under the laws of Germany with offices at D Niederdorfelden, Herzbergstr. 3, Germany, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trade mark: PROSPAN The said Trade Mark consists of the letters PROSPAN. The above Trade Mark is used in respect of the following description of goods, that is to say: Class 5 Medicines, chemical products for medical and sanitary use, pharmaceutical drugs and preparations, plasters, surgical dressings, herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin, desinfectants. manufactured, imported, sold by or on behalf of Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG in the Union of Myanmar. That a Declaration of Ownership in respect of the said Trade Mark has been registered in the Office of the Sub- Registrar, Yangon, on the day of 31st January, 2013 under No. IV/1051/2013. WARNING is hereby given that any fraudulent imitation, unauthorised or improper use of the said Trade Mark or other infringement of the rights of Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG in any manner whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Dated this 8 th day of July, U Kyi Win Associates for Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG Maha Bandoola Garden Street Yangon A man pans for gold at Myitsone, where the Maikha and Malikha rivers meet to form the Ayeyarwady River in Kachin State. Photo: Boothee Civil society groups to study Ayeyarwady River TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd. of 1-7-4, Shin-Kamata Ota-ku, Tokyo , Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: - (Reg: No. IV/11343/2012) (Reg: No. IV/11341/2012 ) (Reg: No. IV/11339/2012) (Reg: No. IV/11338/2012) (Reg: No. IV/11340/2012 ) (Reg: No. IV/11342/2012 ) (Reg: No. IV/14237/2012) THAN NAING SOE thennaingsoe@gmail.com A COMMUNITY-BASED strategic environmental assessment is being undertaken at 11 sites along the Ayeyarwady River from July to December to study the impact of development and mining on the waterway. Seinyaungso, Mekong Energy and Ecology Network, Point and the Renewable Energy Association Myanmar will jointly implement the project, said Seinyaungso chairman U Tin Thit. The assessment will determine the impact of development on the economy and environment of the river. Once it is complete the groups plan to use the findings to make recommendations to the government about how to conserve the river, U Tin Thit said. We will research the state of the river for six months at least and probably longer, he said. Seinyaungso was formed in 2010 and has about 100 members, mostly former politicians. It focuses primarily on environmental issues and in 2012 investigated complaints that pollution from the Monywa copper mine had caused health problems among area residents. The research will be conducted at Myitkyina in Kachin State; Katha, Tigyaing and Sheinmaka in Sagaing Region; Thanbo island, Mandalay and Simeikon in Mandalay Region; Yenangyaung and Bukyun in Magwe Region; and Mawlamyinegyun in Ayeyarwady Region. In order to conduct the research, residents from the study areas were given training in Mandalay on June 29 and 30. We will launch the research in our own areas... We want to ensure that the river is preserved well into the future, said Seinyaungso member U Thant Zin, who will help implement the survey in Simeikon. U Tin Thit added that a separate but related study would be conducted at the same time. A social impact assessment is being made by professionals and academics, he said. They will meet local people and ask them how their lives are affected by what s happening to the river. If we want the Ayeyarwady to flow cleanly forever, the communities will have to conserve it themselves. U Tin Thit Chairman of environmental group Seinyaungso When both studies are completed they will be provided to the relevant government departments and ministries. He said that public interest in the condition of the Ayeyarwady River had spiked in 2011 because of the Myitsone Dam project, which is a joint project between China Power Investment and Asia World. The dam was suspended by President U Thein Sein in September 2011 for the rest of his five-year term as president but CPI has been lobbying hard to restart the project. However, U Tin Thit said hydropower dams are by no means the only threat to the future of the Ayeyarwady. Whether any dam projects are implemented in future does not matter; the river has already been spoiled by mining. If we want the Ayeyarwady to flow cleanly forever, the communities that live along the river will have to conserve it themselves. U Kyaw Kyaw Oo, a Seinyaungso member from Myitkyina, said he believed mining has had a severe negative impact on the water quality of the river. In the past we could see the river floor from a depth of 6 feet, U Kyaw Kyaw Oo said. We could see colourful stones and fish but that has changed - the water is a yellowish colour now. There are many boats that dredge gold from the river and use mercury to leach the gold from the rock, but this poisons the river. (Reg: No. IV/14236/2012) in respect of services in class 43: Providing temporary accommodation; Accommodation bureaux[brokering reservations for hotels, boarding houses or the like]; Providing foods and beverages; Rental of conference rooms; Rental of facilities for exhibitions. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U THAN WIN, B.Com., B.L. for Toyoko Inn Co., Ltd. By its Attorneys Ageless P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013 KIA rejects Buddha image from peace activist KHIN SU WAI jasminekhin@gmail.com A GROUP of activists who drove to Laiza carrying a Christian cross and Buddha image made from bullets fired in the Kachin conflict has received a frosty reception from the Kachin Independence Army. The KIA refused to accept the Buddha image when the group arrived in Laiza on June 21, five days after setting out from Mandalay, and only accepted the cross after much negotiation, said U Win Cho, the leader of the peace group. He said residents in Myitkyina had also refused to host the Buddha image, which was consecrated at Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay shortly before the group set out. We met officers from the KIA, who asked why we had come. I told them we made this trip for peace and have no intention to spread our religion. I asked them to receive our presents as a gesture of peace but the officer returned to us after asking his superiors and refused on the grounds that there were no Buddhists in Laiza, U Win Cho said last week. He also said there were five different types of Christians and so they couldn t accept the cross either. Finally, they accepted it after we discussed it with them, he said. The group spent just two hours in Laiza. Its reception contrasted with that enjoyed by a 22-member group that walked from Yangon to Laiza earlier this year. U Win Cho said he was not deterred, however, and said he would return to Laiza with another Buddha image if it was convenient for the KIA. He said the Buddha image has now been temporarily enshrined in U Kaymarsaya s monastery near Mahamuni Pagoda. The Buddha image will be sent instead to the Tatmadaw, he said. The Christian cross took seven days to make and the Buddha image about one month. Both are made from bullets collected by activists earlier this year in Kachin State s Waingmaw township and weigh about 22.4 kilograms each.

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19 TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG a company organized and existing under the laws of Germany with offices at D Niederdorfelden, Herzbergstr. 3, Germany, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trade mark: PROSPAN The said Trade Mark consists of the letters PROSPAN. The above Trade Mark is used in respect of the following description of goods, that is to say: Class 1 Food preserving substances. manufactured, imported, sold by or on behalf of Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG in the Union of Myanmar. That a Declaration of Ownership in respect of the said Trade Mark has been registered in the Office of the Sub- Registrar, Yangon, on the day of 15th February, 2013 under No. IV/1526/2013. WARNING is hereby given that any fraudulent imitation, unauthorised or improper use of the said Trade Mark or other infringement of the rights of Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG in any manner whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Dated this 8 th day of July, U Kyi Win Associates for Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG Maha Bandoola Garden Street Yangon TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that The Procter & Gamble Company a company organized under the laws of Ohio and having its principal office at One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, United States of America, is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademarks:- CREST (Reg: Nos. IV/328/1986, IV/2081/1997 & IV/118/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class 3 DREFT (Reg: Nos. IV/2086/1997 & IV/115/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class 3 TIDE (Reg: Nos. IV/332/1986, IV/2085/1997 & IV/72/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class 3 IVORY (Reg: Nos. IV/326/1986, IV/2087/1997 & IV/76/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class 3 MAXFACTOR (Reg: Nos. IV/2088/1997 & IV/114/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class 3 FEBREZE (Reg: Nos. IV/4476/2001 & IV/113/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class(es) 3,5. (Reg: Nos. IV/211/2001 & IV/81/2004) in respect of:- Goods included in Class(es) 3,9,11,21,41,42. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for The Procter & Gamble Company P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 National League for Democracy members celebrate the party s by-election victory in Yangon Region s Kawhmu township on April 1, Photo: Ko Taik OPINION How the USDP can avoid a landslide loss in 2015 The Union Solidarity and Development Party can choose to tackle the National League for Democracy head on or use its control over constitutional change to negotiate an election deal YE TUN newsroom@mmtimes.com.mm THE seventh hluttaw, or parliament, session will see the formation of a committee to review the constitution, as proposed in March during the sixth session. One issue that the committee could be expected to examine is voting systems. However, the Union Election Commission has stated that it will not wait for findings of this committee and will instead submit a proposal to amend the electoral system during this session. Under Myanmar s present first-past-the-post system the candidate with the highest number of votes is the winner. If it is used in the 2015 election, I believe the National League for Democracy will win a majority of seats in parliament. This may not be a problem if they win a small majority but political stability could be affected if the NLD wins a landslide. Like most people, I want to see our country move forward in a peaceful and stable manner. The commission has said it will try to replace the first-pastthe-post system with proportional representation, which is likely to ensure that no party can win a landslide victory. However, the form of proportional representation needs to be appropriate for a country like ours where democracy is just starting to take root again. If the proposed new system is relatively simple and fair, a constitutional amendment is likely to be approved by Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and Tatmadaw MPs. However, even if the electoral system is amended, the NLD can still win a majority if the USDP does not continue to pursue a reform agenda over the next two-and-a-half years. There are some, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who seem to think that this is likely. I think the USDP has two options: to try and significantly change the political landscape before the 2015 election, or work with the NLD to ensure stability following the election. Changing public perceptions about U Thein Sein s government will require them to recognise the following points. The government must reach a political solution to end conflicts with ethnic armed groups so that they can cut military expenses, which are a burden to the country, and divert state funding to other sectors, including health, education and housing. In order to alleviate poverty, government bodies need to address land disputes effectively and fairly and not wait for the outcome of the parliament s land dispute investigation commission. Because this issue is not being addressed and government actions are biased toward those who have acquired land from farmers, including the invention or distortion of facts and figures and the threatening of farmers, many people feel that the country is not changing. The cases are still happening: During the recent two-day special session of parliament in May, a farmer from Kyaukse came and complained to me that the township administrator had forced him and others to sign a statement that said they had donated their land. Illegal or unfair decisions were made by the previous military government, such as the sale or transfer of property, and the government should help shed light on these cases and compensate those who suffered as a result. The government should put more emphasis on effectively and quickly eradicating corruption. Coorruption is deep-rooted and affects everyone. In general people tend to associate corruption with departmental offices and law courts where nothing happens without a bribe. When asked if the new government has really brought about change on the ground, this continued problem causes The USDP can give itself a fighting chance. It might not win, but it will probably not be wiped off the map. many people to say no. While education programs are needed, particularly for students, the anti-corruption law about to be passed by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw also needs to be properly enforced. The last but most important point is that USDP MPs need to be united in their support for the reform process. Most seem to be happy that they have been guaranteed five years in parliament and believe they should grab as many opportunities as they can before their term is up. With that kind of attitude the party will struggle to change the country. If these points are addressed before the 2015 election, the USDP can give itself a fighting chance. It might not win, but it will probably not be wiped off the electoral map. But there is another option: Negotiate with the NLD. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has already expressed her desire to be president. This may bring an opportunity for the USDP. For the NLD leader to be eligible for the presidency, clauses in the constitution outlining the qualifications of the president will have to be amended. Whether these amendments are passed depends on the USDP and the Tatmadaw commander-in-chief. If concessions are made on both sides, the amendments could be approved. One outcome would see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi become president and two USDP leaders become speakers of the two national legislatures. But how could this be achieved? To have the qualification clauses amended, in 2015 the NLD will not run in constituencies that the two designated USDP leaders contest so as to ensure they are elected. When the hluttaw speakers are nominated, NLD MPs will second the selection of the USDP leaders as speakers. This could ensure a degree of stability in Myanmar politics in the post-2015 election period. Of course, these deals are easier to propose than to put into action. Many obstacles will have to be overcome. For example, will Daw Aung San Suu Kyi be able to persuade hardliners in her own party to accept it? Will the USDP be able to guarantee passage of constitutional amendments through the hluttaw? Maybe it will not be possible. However, I believe if all involved focus on the realisation of a stable democratic country that brings benefits to all 60 million people, these obstacles can be overcome. Translated by Thit Lwin U Ye Tun is the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Hsipaw from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party.

20 Ceremony to mark birth of Mandalay University founder KHIN SU WAI THE founder of Mandalay College which later became Mandalay University would have been 100 years old in August and celebrations are being planned to honour his memory. U Ko Lay, whose hard work in the aftermath of World War II helped to secure tertiary education for generations of Myanmar, passed away in But his life will be marked at an event on August 23, said U Nyunt Maung, chairman of the centenary celebration s organising committee. Mandalay University was established as Mandalay College in 1947, with U Ko Lay as its vice chancellor. A similar institution had been founded by the colonial administration in 1920 following student protests but closed in 1942 because of the war. U Ko Lay had been undertaking a PhD in London when then-minister for Education U Razak, one of Myanmar s most prominent Muslims, called him back to Myanmar to establish the college. The challenges he and the other 23 founding teachers overcame to get the college up and running were significant, U Nyunt Maung said. When U Ko Lay arrived [to start the college] there were no funds, no infrastructure, no students and no teachers, said U Nyunt Maung. But U Razak believed U Ko Lay could make it happen. As he expected, Mandalay residents donated enough money to establish the college. U Tin Mg, vice chairman of the organising committee and a relative of U Ko Lay, described the university founder as his idol and hero. U Ko Lay was also renowned for his translation of Buddhist and lay literature into English, including the Glass Palace Chronicles and the works of Thakin Kodaw Hmine. He received many literature prizes and wrote a White Paper that was issued by British government. U Ko Lay, the first vice chancellor of Mandalay College when it was reestablished in Photo: Supplied He was very fluent in both Myanmar and English, U Tin Mg said. When he died he donated all of his property to Pali University [in Yangon]. U Nyunt Maung said organisers When U Ko Lay arrived there were no fund, no infrastructure, no students and no teachers. U Nyunt Maung Organiser of events to mark the centenary of U Ko Lay s birth hoped that the event will not only teach younger people about U Ko Lay s achievements but also about the history of the institution. Since then, many students have graduated from the university and achieved renown in various fields - from academia to politics and law, as well as business. Its alumni include the writer Mg Thar No, director Maung Moe Thu and the poet Tin Moe, along with U Mg D a former deputy minister of education U Khin Mg and U Robert Tun Mg, who were well known in the education field. A pre-centenary birthday ceremony was held on June 23. U Nyunt Maung said the only disappointment was that religious tension meant that authorities were reluctant to let organisers hold the ceremony as they originally planned but refused to elaborate. News 21 HR violations rising in Shan State, says rights group nantin.htwe@gmail.com NAN TIN HTWE FIGHTING in Shan State over the past two years has led to an increased number of human rights violations, a human rights group said last week. It s getting worse, said Ko Sai Khur Hseng, a spokesperson for the Thailand-based Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF). On July 4 the group told The Myanmar Times it had found fewer incidents of forced labour but more incidents of human rights violations generally due to the conflict in Shan State, which has seen residents in some areas repeatedly being forced to flee their homes. Ko Sai Khur Hseng said that when people flee to seek safety in the wake of attacks their belongings are often seized by armed groups. Reports on June 23 said fighting between the Shan State Army-North and government forces was underway in Kye Thi township, only 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the SSA-N headquarters in Wan Hai. According to an SHRF statement on June 2, four villagers were injured and a 90-year-old woman died from shock after shells hit her house. The attack also hit a temple, displacing more than 30 monks and 150 villagers. The group said government troops, which occupied the temple and were using it as a command post, had arrested and interrogated one villager, Sai Kham, 30, for more details about Shan army movements. Those who suffer are the people, Ko Sai Khun Hseng said. They are sandwiched between two groups, and they can t say anything about it. The times when the nation s leaders talk about long-lasting peace is the time when fighting happens most. Along with its political wing the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the SSA-N signed a ceasefire agreement in January 2012, though the deal has not stopped the fighting with the Tatmadaw. The recent escalation in fighting followed an extended lull in tensions. SSPP and SSA-N spokesperson Colonel Sai La told The Irrawaddy on June 28 that the group doesn t understand why the government attacks areas where we ve been based for a long time. He said government forces were trying to cut off and disturb our operational routes. Fighting is happening, Col Sai La was quoted as saying. There are no IDP camps. When fighting happens, people flee and come back when the situation settles. On June 29, a statement made by the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South said one of the top concerns for those affected by fighting was why the conflict is continuing after ceasefire agreements were made. The statement came after the group s leader Lieutenant General Yawd Serk travelled to Nay Pyi Taw for historic talks with President U Thein Sein. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson declined to comment last week.

21 22 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Government pledges to help legalise migrants in Malaysia WIN KO KO LATT NOE NOE AUNG MYANMAR will negotiate with Malaysia to enable hundreds of thousands of illegal migrant workers to live in the country within the law, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security U Maung Myint said last month. Between 60,000 and 70,000 migrant workers are living legally in Malaysia, while more than 200,000 are thought to have overstayed their visas in the country and are living illegally. The issue has recently been thrust into the spotlight by violence in Malaysia between Buddhists and Muslims from Myanmar that has prompted fears for the safety of migrant workers in the Muslim country. A number of the Myanmar s largest companies, including Htoo Group, Max Myanmar Group and Kanbawza Group, have offered to help bring migrant workers home from Malaysia. U Paw Myint Oo, chief executive of Htoo Foundation, the charitable arm of Htoo Group, said the company had set aside US$100,000 to help migrants in Malaysia, offering to bring them back to Myanmar for free. We will increase this initial amount if we need more. We have not set a time limit for bringing migrants back for free, he said. Union Minister U Maung Myint told reporters in Nay Pyi Taw that the Myanmar migrant workers speak to the media after arriving at Yangon International Airport from Malaysia on June 22. Photo: Boothee ministry is helping to coordinate contributions from donors, who he said want to help those who cannot afford to return to Myanmar. The Union Solidarity and Development Party donated K20 million and Super Coffee Mix company also contributed US$12,000 to the ministry, he said. He said the ministry would set up a 24-hour complaint mechanism based in both Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon to deal with labour-related issues for Myanmar workers at home and abroad. Since the violence broke out in June, hundreds of Myanmar migrants have returned from Malaysia some using their own money and others receiving aid from Myanmar companies. At least 700 workers had returned as of June 24, including 45 who were helped by Ayeyarwady Foundation, the charitable arm of Max Myanmar Group. Another 20 arrived home on June 25, including some injured workers. Ayeyarwaddy Foundation brought another 176 workers back for free on June 26 and sent some injured workers to Victoria Hospital for treatment. A number of the migrants who returned were not caught up in the violence but had been released from detention camps where they were being held for overstaying in Malaysia. I was arrested on April 3 for overstaying and since then I was kept in a detention camp for one week and then one month in jail with a flogging. The embassy helped me to return but I had to pay $650, said U Myint Hlaing, who worked in an air-conditioning maintenance factory in Melaka and returned on June 23. He said he had been informed that more than 80 Myanmar migrants are being held in prison in Melaka, while more than 600 Myanmar are in a detention camp there. Those who completed their sentence in prison can go back to Myanmar but most go to the detention camp because they can t afford the cost of returning home. They can stay for six months to eight months in the camp. Some are hoping for UN assistance, U Myint Hlaing said. Most returning workers said they wanted to go abroad again if they could but said they encountered numerous difficulties in Malaysia, including being cheated by job brokers. When I reached there I had many troubles for the first two years. Later my passport expired. Most workers can t go back home because they don t have money and they can just send back a little amount of money, too, said Ko Phyu Lay, who lived in Malaysia for five years. Translated by Zar Zar Soe NDSC agrees to meet each week during hluttaw THE National Defence and Security Council will meet once a week while the national parliament is in session, lower house speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said last week. The speaker said the NDSC, which comprises 11 senior members of the parliament, government and military, met on July 1 for the first time in ages and agreed to convene more regularly. The meeting was called after Thura U Shwe Mann sent a formal message to the president on June 25 asking him to call the NDSC together as soon as possible. He said that despite holding regular meetings since the formation of the new government there had been a significant break since the previous meeting. At the meeting, members of the council also agreed to use the government s own funds to help build peace with non-state armed groups rather than wait for financial assistance from abroad, Thura U Shwe Mann told reporters on July 3. They also agreed on the need to take more care over the peace-making process and to more closely coordinate between different institutions. We... agreed to use government funds and not expect foreign countries and organisations to help, he said. He said that funding for peace activities would come from the special fund in the President s Office. Soe Than Lynn, translated by Thiri Min Htun

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23 24 News THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Origin of most persecuted minority statement unclear Photo: Aye Zaw Myo TIM MCLAUGHLIN THE Rohingya of Rakhine State have been the subject of increased media coverage over the past two years, due in large part to the relaxation of censorship and outbreaks of deadly communal violence. One phrase in particular that has been pervasive in media reports on the Rohingya, who are usually referred to as Bengalis in Myanmar, states that they are described by the UN as among the most persecuted minority groups in the world. While few would argue that conditions for Muslims in Rakhine State are extremely dire, it is unclear whether the UN has ever made this statement. The point was raised in a recent statement by Network Myanmar, a non-profit group based in the United Kingdom. The UN spokesman in Yangon, U Aye Win, said that he had been asked about the statement by colleagues and to my knowledge, none of the papers that I came across has used this expression. He said he had not looked into it because until now no one has raised anything about the use of this expression. A review of the Collected reports to the UN General Assembly by the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, compiled by the Online Burma/Myanmar Library and last A Muslim woman cleans dishes outside her tent in the Mizigawon IDP camp in Rakhine State. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing updated in February 2009, found that the comprehensive collection made no mention of the Rohingya as one of the world s most persecuted minorities. The phrase, nonetheless, has become a popular one among media outlets reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State. On April 22 the British Broadcasting Corporation published a piece titled Q&A: Communal violence in Burma in which it said, The United Nations describes the Rohingya as a religious and linguistic minority from western Burma. It says the Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. An April 23 report on Al Jazeera, Report documents Rohingya persecution, similarly stated, The UN has described the Rohingya as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. News agency Agence France-Presse has also used the UN description regularly in stories filed about the Rohingya in recent years. Politicians have also evoked the UN statement when expressing concern over the situation in Rakhine State. In June, a British member of the European Parliament and vice president of the European Parliament for Democracy and Human Rights, Edward McMillan-Scott, said that the UN classes the Rohingya Muslims as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. In an opinion piece for The Huffington Post the same month, the British shadow minister for international development, Rushanara Ali, also used the line: Stripped of their Burmese citizenship in 1982 and subjected to shockingly discriminatory laws and practices, the minority Muslim Rohingya community in Burma has been described by the United Nations as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. How did the UN become attached to the statement? It is difficult to say and unclear when the term was first used. A 2006 BBC report from Mike Thompson titled Burma s forgotten Rohingya said they have been called one of the world s most persecuted people. Called by whom? Somewhere along the way it seems that it became the UN, giving the statement an air of international authority. Though there is no doubt that the Rohingya are suffering extreme persecution, when and if the UN has ever said so remains in doubt. Retired civil servants collect their pension on July 6, 2011, one week after the government announced a significant increase. All pensioners to get increase this month EI THAE THAE NAING eithaethaenaing@gmail.com ALL pensioners will be notified of increases for the financial year by the end of this month, an official from the Pension Department said last week. The increase, which is effective from April 1, varies depending on the person s salary and length of service. It was approved by parliament in March as part of a K385 billion (US$395 million) package of salary increases for civil servants. It follows a substantial increase in July 2011 that brought all pensioners onto the same rate. U Win Aung, director general of the Pension Department, said 97 percent of former civil servants had already received the increased pension. The remaining 3pc will receive notification of their increase soon, he said, adding that payments will be backdated to April 1. He said the delay was because of documentation errors and missing information related to a changeover to electronic records. In the past our system was not computerised and we didn t have these kinds of errors. Now we are using a computer program and some of the data is inaccurate. We will try to notify those people who have problems with their documentation and find out what was wrong. Retired civil servants have to withdraw their pension from the ministry or enterprise they worked for or from government banks. I retired in 1995 and my pension was increased in July 2012 and again in April this year, said one 68-year-old retiree who formerly worked as an assistant manager at the Myanmar Paper and Chemical Corporation. However, a number of people said they still had not got the 2013 increase, casting doubt on whether the documentation errors were confined to only 3pc of all pensioners. While I received the pension increase in April... some people who retired at the same time as me did not. I don t know why they haven t got the increase yet, said U Thein Zaw, who was formerly a joint assistant supervisor at a railway station. One retired high school teacher said she also had so far missed out on the increase. I don t know when it will be my turn to get the increase, said Daw San Tin. Internal Audit Manager World Vision is an international non-governmental organization which is focused on improving the well-being of vulnerable children and families in Myanmar. Your major contribution will be; 1) Audit Engagement: Plan, implement and monitor risk-based audit engagements for WV Myanmar according to WV Global Internal Audit (GIA) Risk Based Integrated Audit and general accepted internal audit standard. 2) Risk Advisory: To provide risk consultation service to WV Myanmar management. 3) Quality Assurance Improvement Program (QAIP): Develop and maintain a quality assurance and improvement and program that cover all the aspects of the internal audit activity. 4) Managing Internal Audit Team: Managing WV MyanmarInternal Audit Team efficiently and effectively. This also includes spiritual development of staff and team member 5) Assisting WV GIA Audit and external audit 6) Internal and External Coordination and Liaison To be considered you must have; At least 5 years of recognized Audit Experience Good knowledge on Systems, Business Processes, Internal Controls Very Good knowledge on Government Regulations/Rules (Legal Know-How) A professional certification such as - ACCA, CPA, CIA 3 years in supervisory level Working knowledge of Community Transformational Development Please visit for more information about each of these positions.please submit applications to myajobapps@wvi.org or drop in application box at No. (18), Shin Saw Pu Road, AhloneTownship, Yangon by July 23, 2013.

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25 26 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Business Myanmar to import gas U Aung Than Oo, deputy minister of electricity, says liquefied natural gas will be imported through private companies to help meet rising demand for electricity koshumgtha@gmail.com AUNG SHIN THE government will import liquefied natural gas to compensate for a shortage of gas for gas-fired power plants, officials said. U Aung Than Oo, deputy ministry of electricity, told The Myanmar Times on July 4 that four new gasfired plants in Yangon Region need gas so that they can begin generating electricity in October. They have a combined capacity to generate 270 megawatts. We need 230 million cubic feet per day [mmcfd] for them, he added at a ground-breaking ceremony for a combined cycle gas-fired power plant in Mon state s Mawlamyine township. On July 1 the ministry announced a tender for private investors to import liquefied natural gas. U Aung Than Oo said a total of 500 mmcfd is needed for gas-fired power plants across the country. Kim Jong-inn, an energy specialist at the Asian Development Bank, said natural gas is vital for Myanmar s energy needs. In the short and medium term, it is inevitable that Myanmar has to depend on gas power plants. But availability of gas for power generation is a really challenging issue as the gas produced from the existing fields is committed to either export or domestic use, Mr Kim said. The new M3 and M9 offshore fields are still in the exploration and development stages and industry observers say it could be several years before they reach the commercial production stage. Mr Kim said the government should extend the existing power grid to remote areas and expand offgrid renewable energy. The government approved an independent power producer (IPP) system in January and signed a memorandum of understanding with IPP Myanmar Lighting, which is operating the new plant in Mawlamyine township, in the same month. U Sein Wan, the company s chairman, said it had imported machinery from Turkey and that it will begin supplying power early next year. We are going to transmit 43.5MW in the first phase beginning in February. When we start the second phase in August we will be able to supply 98MW, he said. The final stage will be completed in 2015, the company said. This will allow it to supply 230MW throughout Mon and Kayin states, with surplus power sent to the national grid, U Sein Wan said. The company said it is investing US$174 million in the power plant and that it will need natural gas to run it. It will sell electricity to the government at K120 per kilowatt hour, U Sein Wan said. Myanmar has proven natural gas reserves of 7.8 trillion cubic feet and exports in 2011 totalled 303 billion cubic feet, according to the report New Energy Architecture: Myanmar, which was released by the ADB at last month s World Economic Forum in the capital. 12% Rate at which demand for electricity is rising in Myanmar every year, according to a report from the ADB Mr Kim said it was critical for the government to consider three factors when developing an energy policy. It should consider how much energy is needed, how various existing sources can be used and how to achieve a mixed energy plan. The latter includes long-term financing and institutional arrangements to ensure supply, he said. Mr Kim said that in the short term rehabilitation of existing power generation, transmission and distribution networks should be undertaken to recover nominal capacity and reduce system losses. U Aung Than Oo said power losses due to an obsolete transmission and distribution system could be percent. As of early this year, Myanmar consumes about 2060MW of electricity per day, with 72pc from hydro power, 24pc from natural gas and 4pc from coal. The government has signed six deals for new gas-fired plants, according to officials at the electricity ministry. Demand for natural gas is double supply. The country needs 700 mmcfd of natural gas for domestic use but only 300 mmcfd is supplied. Most, 60pc, is used for 10 gas-fired electricity plants. Another 12pc is used to make fertiliser and 10pc is used for compressed natural gas, according to the ADB report. U Aung Than Oo said the government has agreed to supply more natural gas for domestic use. We are going to get 100 mmcfd more this year this year, but that is still far short of demand. So we will likely import gas through private companies, he said. Even if electricity output doubles every five years, it will take five years to meet Myanmar s current needs, but during that time demand will also rise about 12pc a year, according to the ADB report. An engineer from China National Petroleum observing a section of the controversial pipeline that will begin transmitted natural gas from Rakhine State to China at the end of this month. Photo: Staff

26 BUSINESS EDITOR: Vincent MacIsaac CSR Asia s Richard Welford examines inclusive growth BUSINESS 28 Yangon residents are being priced out of the market PROPERTY 32 Currency Euro Malay Ringitt SG Dollar Thai Baht US Dollar Exchange Rates (July 5 close) Buying K1255 K303 K765 K32 K975 Selling K1275 K306 K775 K33 K Central bank law awaits green light AYE THIDA KYAW ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com A DRAFT law that will make the Central Bank of Myanmar independent could be enacted as soon as this week, members of parliament said. The legislation was sent to the President s Office for review on July 3. If President Thein Sein does not call for further revisions it will be enacted within one week of his office s receiving it as the Constitution stipulates, MPs said. A draft was first submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in April. The lower house then sent it to the President s Office for comment, after which it was revised, said MP U Ti Khun Myat, chairman of the lower house s bill committee. The revised legislation was brought before the hluttaw again on July 1. We amended a few details following the president s comments, U Ti Khun Myat added, explaining that the wording of the legislation was changed to ensure there was no ambiguity. We amended the law to make it clear that the central bank can intervene in the money market independently. The president s comments did not oppose this, he said. Since it was announced last November the draft legislation has passed the desks of the We amended the law to make it clear that the central bank can intervene in the money market independently. U Ti Khun Myat Member of Parliament attorney-general, government and parliament. The first version, written by central bank staff, had 17 chapters with 116 sections. It was expanded to 18 chapters with 119 sections by MPs who said they clarified the role of the central bank s governor and made the bank more autonomous in accord with international norms. U Bharat Singh, deputy director general of the central bank, said the most recent draft is clearer and that it more carefully delineates the role of the central bank s board, which will allow it to more effectively reform the money market. The main objective of the central bank law is to stabilise prices and develop better payment systems, he added. Once enacted, the law will give the nine-member board of directors independence to establish and implement monetary policy. Once it becomes autonomous, the central bank will form new departments to supervise financial institutions, conduct internal audits, oversee payments and settlements, monitor financial markets, and manage the currency and monetary policy. It plans to nearly double its staff from the current 1200 employees. The draft legislation also elevates the status of the bank s governor to that of a minister in the President s Office. A central bank spokesperson said staff were not concerned about when the law would be enacted, but added they hoped it would be early this month. After the legislation is enacted, the central bank will begin gradually implementing new procedures in its various departments, the spokesperson said. The central bank s lack of independence has been cited by some as a reason for its apparent inability to control the kyat s exchange rate with the US dollar. Some have said that its daily reference rate merely tracks the black market. A week ago the black-market rate was about K1000 to the dollar while the central bank rate was K959 to the greenback. By July 3 the official rate had climbed to K975. JCB cards set for September roll out AYE THIDAR KYAW ayethidarkyaw@gmail.com JAPANESE Credit Bureau-linked electronic payment cards can be used at 17 member banks of the Myanmar Payment Union from September, following the signing of an agreement between the two agencies on July 4. MPU launched its cards in September but supporting infrastructure, such as stable electricity and internet connections, remain untrustworthy for many potential users. It is aiming, however, to upgrade its electronic payment network in time for the Southeast Asian Games in December and before Myanmar assumes the chair of ASEAN next year. Central Bank of Myanmar deputy director general U Maung Maung said a functioning electronic payments system will encourage innovation in the banking sector and reduce reliance on cash. It will play a crucial role in providing economic and financial stability, and contribute to safety and efficiency, he said. From September the JCB debit card can be used at 292 automatic teller machines and 1772 point of sale terminals linked to 17 MPU member banks, U Maung Maung added. The central bank is also trying to encourage an electronic payments system to support growth in the retail sector, as well as to create a payment mechanism for the planned stock exchange and bond market. It has enlisted international financial institutions, as well as state-owned and private banks, to assist this process. Hideaki Matsuo, a counsellor at Japan s embassy in Yangon, said Japan has provided a broad range of support to Myanmar over the past year, including forgiving billions of dollars in debt, providing technical support to the Central Bank and several ministries and assisting the planning of Yangon city, he said. CORRIGENDUM In the Trade Mark Caution Notice for trademarks LOTTE HOTEL and LOTTE CITY HOTEL of Hotel Lotte Co., Ltd. appearing in this paper on 24 th June, 2013, at page No. 36, under trademark LOTTE CITY HOTEL, please read (Reg: No. IV/12128/2012) instead of (Reg: No. IV/12128/2013)

27 TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that PPK Holding, LLC (a Delaware Limited Liability Company) a company organized under the laws of U.S.A and having its principal office at Carlson Parkway, P.O. Box 59159, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A. is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: - (Reg: No. IV/3862/2010) (Reg: No. IV/3863/2010) in respect of :- Hotel, bar and restaurant services; services for the reservation of rooms in Int l Class 43 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for PPK Holding, LLC (a Delaware Limited Liability Company) P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION The Procter & Gamble Company, of One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, U.S.A. is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: - WHISPER (Reg: No: IV/8272/2006) in respect of :- Sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual pads and shields, feminine hygiene products (Reg: No. IV/8269/2006) SAFEGUARD (Reg: No. IV/ 8268/2006) the above two trademarks are in respect of : - Soaps for personal use, including soaps having deodorant, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties, cleaning and cleansing preparations, toilet soaps, bath soaps. PROCTER & GAMBLE (Reg: No. IV/8265/2006 ) in respect of : - Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, cosmetics, hair care products, dentifrices; Pharmaceutical, sanitary and veterinary preparations, food for babies, dietetic substances adapted for medical use; Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, printed matter; Meat, fish, poultry and game; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats; salad dressings; preserves; Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee, flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, mustard, vinegar, sauces, spices. ZEST (Reg: No. IV/8274/2006) in respect of : - Hand and bath soap. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for The Procter & Gamble Company P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, Business SPECIAL SERIES THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Focus on poverty reduction In the fourth article in a six-part series, the chairman of CSR Asia discusses how businesses can be profitable in Myanmar by including low-income people in their expanding value chains RICHARD WELFORD rwelford@csr-asia.com ONE of the most challenging aspects of designing a strategy around CSR in Myanmar is to identify ways a company can integrate an inclusive business approach into its planning. Inclusive business refers to the commercially viable and scalable incorporation of low-income populations into an organisation s value chain. It expands access to goods and services to poor people and provides livelihood opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Inclusive strategies allow businesses to achieve profits by engaging in poverty alleviation. The inclusion of low-income segments into a company s value chain is, in fact, essential for achieving sustainable development in Myanmar. CSR Asia s responsible and inclusive business framework for Myanmar identifies three areas where a business can be part of the value-creation processes that benefit the business itself as well as poor and marginalised communities: by offerring jobs, establishing a new customer market segment and creating business linkages along the value chain. Job creation: Poor people may be poor, but they are not stupid and they can become part of a skilled and competitive workforce within any business, if they are provided with appropriate training and skills development. For a responsible business, employment opportunities can aim to provide people that have little to no income with the capacity to improve their livelihoods. In order for the poor to become a valuable source for recruitment, responsible businesses will play a part in overcoming skills and capacity gaps through training and human-resource development. Poor people are simply a valuable workforce in need of investment. In engaging with poor people, often with non-traditional educational backgrounds, businesses will be rewarded with enthusiastic and loyal workers if they effectively manage the process of successfully integrating them into the workforce. Responsible companies will also address broader education issues within corporate training initiatives. New market segments: Responsible businesses will examine how they can create new market segments targeting lowincome populations by providing them with affordable goods and services. Although poor people may have low incomes, collectively they provide an important market to be tapped if appropriate goods and services are designed and distributed to them. New products and services will also offer poor people opportunities to be part of distribution networks serving rural areas that traditional distribution networks fail to reach. Making poor people a new target consumer segment requires companies to carefully think about the goods and services that are really needed. In particular, responsible businesses will try to improve their access to goods and services in areas such as health, food and nutrition, water, sanitation, Poor people are simply a valuable workforce in need of investment. The Fine Print Legal & tax insight housing, banking and insurance. Business linkages: Different parts of the value chain, including the sourcing of raw materials, production, distribution and sales, provide inclusive business opportunities through forging new linkages with people and other businesses. Poor people can be included in value-chain activities as suppliers, producers and distributors. Inclusive approaches will help them establish or strengthen their own businesses and support entrepreneurial activities. Responsible businesses will seek out opportunities along the value chain to include poor and marginalised people. They will provide help with developing entrepreneurial skills and business start-ups that can support their own value chains. They will place a particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs who have a track record of success in the region. With so many inclusive business opportunities in Myanmar, companies will need to carefully assess how they can use their capabilities to best create innovative solutions for poor people. Three industries are particularly promising: agriculture, tourism and financial services. Agriculture is one of Myanmar s most important industries, accounting for 36 percent of GDP according to the Asian Development Bank. Development of this industry also targets the population that is most affected by poverty. Tourism is growing by 30pc annually, and 1.3 million tourists are expected to visit Myanmar this year. Responsible tourism is still underdeveloped, but it has the potential to create wealth, benefit those in need and protect the environment. Access to financial products, bank accounts and credit for low-income households and small enterprises accelerates growth. Providing a safe place to save, cheap and easy ways to transfer money, affordable insurance and loans to invest in small enterprises and productive activities will drive development and enlarge markets. Robert Welford is the chairman of CSR Asia, which recently published Responsible and Inclusive Business in Myanmar. The report is available at Obtaining a mining licence for Myanmar s world-class reserves SEBASTIAN PAWLITA sebastian@pwplegal.com NAN KHIM KHAM nan@pwplegal.com APART from gemstones, Myanmar sits on world-class reserves of metals such as tin, tungsten, gold and copper. The Ministry of Mines welcomes foreign investment, but so far big international players have not made inroads. This leaves room for medium-sized companies to capitalise on the substantial opportunities but they also face the risks associated with investing in an emerging market. Mining operations are regulated by the Myanmar Mines Law of 1994 and its implementing guidelines, the Myanmar Mines Rules of These regulations lay out the application process for mining licences; rights and duties of a licence holder; rent and royalties; and employment conditions for miners. A new mining law is being debated, but so far it has not been approved. A foreign mining company that wants to explore for minerals has to contact the Ministry of Mines in order to discuss the investment and arrange a field trip. If, after the field trip, the foreign company decides to proceed, it has to submit a proposal letter which, among other things, has to state the area it wants to work in, the minerals it is interested in, intended activities (prospecting, exploration, feasibility study) and the amount of capital and technical know-how it will contribute. The investor then starts to negotiate an agreement for the exploration and feasibility study with the ministry s department of geological survey and mineral exploration. In this agreement, the investor obliges itself to explore in the designated area, at its own cost, for the minerals specified in the agreement, to pay a so-called dead rent (ie, rent for the land, irrespective of whether the mine is profitable or not) and a signature bonus, and to spend a certain amount per square kilometre of the exploration area ( minimum expenditure ) as business expenses. At the same time, the investor has to obtain recommendation letters from a number of state and local authorities stating that there are no objections to using the land. The department will advise the investor which entities to obtain the recommendation letters from. This process, which can take several months, has been criticised by foreign mining companies as too slow. The ministry appears to no longer require the investor to obtain an investment permit from the Myanmar Investment Commission for the exploration phase. Once the investor incorporaties a company in Myanmar and signs the agreement with the department, the ministry issues the exploration licence. A separate exploration (and later, production) licence is necessary for each kind of mineral that the investor is interested in. If an exploration licence is held by a local company that intends to form a joint venture with a foreigner, the ministry now appears to allow the transfer of the licence to the joint venture company. If exploration is successful, the Myanmar subsidiary of the investor will enter into a production-sharing contract with state-owned Mining Enterprise No 1, No 2 or No 3 (depending on the mineral), and obtain an investment permit from the Myanmar Investment Commission and a production licence from the ministry. Between 1 percent and 7.5pc of the sales proceeds are to be paid to the ministry as royalty. Furthermore, part of the production (negotiable, rule of thumb: 35pc) goes to Mining Enterprise No 1, No 2 or No 3, either in cash or in kind. In the future, the ministry may also allow profit-sharing arrangements (in contrast to production sharing). Sebastian Pawlita and Nan Khim Kham are consultants at Polastri Wint & Partners Legal & Tax Advisors in Yangon.

28 Business 29 Rakhine prawn farms on the brink MYAT NYEIN AYE PRAWN farmers in Rakhine State say they are facing economic ruin as a decade-long decline in yields shows no sign of abating. Rakhine Fishery Federation vice chairman U San Hla Kyaw said yields have fallen by 75 percent over 10 years and that this has driven as many as one-third of the state s prawn farmers out of business. Despite the lower competition, however, those still farming are seeing yields continuing to decline. Unlike prawn farmers in Yangon Region who can stock up on hatchlings from nurseries, Rakhine farmers rely on wild prawns to restock their ponds. Prawn farms have become so unprofitable that they cannot afford to invest in hatcheries, farmers said. The farms yielded about 40 kilograms an acre per harvest a decade ago, but this has fallen to about 10kg per acre on average and as low as 4kg per acre at some farms, U San Hla Kyaw said. Prawn farms have two harvests a year. The number of prawn farms has also fallen by about a third in one year, farmers in the state said. U San Hla Kyaw said the number of ponds had fallen from about 155,000 last year to about 110,000 this year. Low yields also meant that farmers can no longer survive with prawn farms of acres. U Maung Maung, a farmer in Rakhine State s Minbya township, said plenty of workers are needed for harvesting and farmers can no longer afford this because yields are too low. We no longer make a profit, he said. Prawn farms in Rakhine rely on larvae caught in the wild and this led to a depletion of wild prawns as the number of farms expanded over the last decade, U San Hla Kyaw said. The environment will be destroyed if we continue to catch so heavily from the wild, he added. U Hnin Oo, chairman of the Myanmar Shrimp Association, said Rakhine s prawn production has plunged because the amount of prawn larvae caught in the wild has fallen by about two-thirds. Catches of wild Tiger prawn have plunged so production is less than half what it was, U Hnin Oo said. This problem is confined to Rakhine State, he added. Farmers in Yangon Region s Kyauktan township, for example, can harvest up to 5 tonnes a hectare (2.4 acres) of Pacific white shrimp and because they rely on hatcheries their production level is steady. New airport set for take-off SHWEGU THITSAR khaingsabainyein@gmail.com CONSTRUCTION on Hanthawaddy International Airport will begin in September after the tender is awarded late this month, the Department of Civil Aviation said. U Kyaw Soe, director general of the Directorate of Airport Standards, Supervision and Inspection, said four consortiums have submitted final bids and that two would be chosen: one as the lead and another as a supporting developer. The four applicants are Singapore s Yongnam-CAPE- JGC Consortium, France s VINCI Airport Consortium, Japan s Taisei Consortium and South Korea s Incheon Airport Consortium. U Kyaw Soe said the length of the contract was not yet confirmed, but the airport will be constructed as quickly as possible. The project, located 77 kilometres north of Yangon airport, is expected to cost US$600 million and take fiveand-a-half years to complete. It will span 9690 acres and be able to handle more than 10 million passengers a year initially. Capacity could later be expanded to 30 million if the government s ambitions for the site are realised. U Kyaw Soe said that the airport will become the heart of Asia Pacific. Myanmar currently has two international airports, in Yangon and Mandalay. Both are set for major upgrades. Translated by Thiri Min Htun Job Vacancy The British Embassy is currently looking to recruit a highly motivated and energetic individual to join our team as a UK Visas & Immigration Office Manager. For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the link below: Deadline for submission of applications will be on 16 July 2013.

29 30 Business THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 SINGAPORE Temasek s global portfolio reaches a record high US$ Billion 69 Value of Temasek s global portfolio as of March this year Chia Song Hwee, Temasek s head of investment, announces the fund s results for the fiscal year ending last March, in Singapore on July 4. The value of Temasek s portfolio rose 8.6 percent year on year. Photo: AFP STATE-INVESTMENT giant Temasek said on June 4 the value of its global portfolio rose to a record high of US$169 billion in the fiscal year to March thanks to a rebound in stock markets. The fund said its holdings jumped 8.6 percent from the previous fiscal year, and are more than three times larger than at the height of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) health scare 10 years ago. Temasek which has stakes in Standard Chartered bank, Spanish energy giant Repsol and DBS bank was boosted by an equities rebound last year as the US economy picked up and eurozone fears abated. Last year, there were some signs of recovery in the global economy. The severe disruptive risks from the global financial crisis subsided, Temasek chairman S Dhanabalan said. However, he warned structural risks have not been completely resolved. Despite the turmoil over the last decade, the Temasek portfolio value more than tripled from March 2003, when the SARS epidemic hit Asia, he added. Temasek executive director Ho Ching said the value of the company s portfolio would depend on the performance of global stocks each year. We are almost entirely invested in equities, she said. This means a lot more year-to-year volatility, as we have seen over the last 10 years. Temasek also said Asia was still the anchor of its investments, with the region accounting for 71pc of underlying assets. Singapore accounts for 30pc of its total investments and China 23pc, while exposure to North America and Europe was at 12pc. Temasek, one of Singapore s two sovereign wealth funds, said its three biggest holdings were in Singapore Telecom, China Construction Bank and Standard Chartered. Stakes in the three firms make up 29pc of its global portfolio. Chia Song Hwee, head of Temasek s investment group, said at a news conference that while Temasek would continue to be anchored in Asia, it would seek new opportunities in North America and Europe despite the market uncertainty in both regions. North America continues to be the centre stage for innovation... and Europe has many good and steady companies and we stand ready to assess them, he said. China s current liquidity crisis would not affect the Chinese banks Temasek had stakes in as they were well capitalised, Mr Chia said. We invest in banks as a proxy to their underlying economies. Our view of the economy in China at least over the next 15 to 20 years continues to be positive mainly because of the demography, he added. Desmond Chua, market analyst at CMC markets in Singapore, said China s ongoing economic reforms and a potential end of massive stimulus measures in the United States this year could hamper Temasek s growth opportunities. He said the firm s rate of return could slow to 6pc in the current fiscal year from 8.86pc in the year ended last March. But he added that it won t matter to them since they think longterm. Temasek said it was looking to expand its stake in industries such as clean technology, life sciences and consumer technology. AFP DHAKA Most Bangladeshi garment plants unsafe ONLY one in 10 garment factory buildings inspected by engineers from a top Bangladesh university were structurally sound, underlining the scale of safety problems for the world s second-biggest clothes producer, the head engineer said on July 4. Building and factory owners rushed to request engineers check the buildings in the wake of the collapse of the nine-storey garment factory complex in April that killed 1129 people, Bangladesh s worst industrial disaster. Six buildings, housing garment factories, have been cleared as structurally sound after being inspected by teams of engineers from the country s prestigious Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Structural flaws, ranging from minor to severe, were discovered at another 60 buildings in and near the capital Dhaka, including two that could collapse at any moment, said Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, head of the university s civil engineering department. Of the 66, we found only six buildings to be perfect and without any noticeable distress or deviation, said Mr Rahman, whose final report into the inspections will be handed to officials. Teams requested that two buildings, housing multiple garment plants, be shut down immediately after cracks were discovered, similar to those found at the Rana Plaza, one day before it 90 % Bangladeshi garment factories found to have structural flaws in recent inspections by engineers The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions: Sr. Title and level Duty Station Position Deadline 1. Agriculture and Livestock Officer (NOB) Yangon National 8-July Partnership Assistant ( Intern) (other) Yangon 10-July Gender and Health Analyst (LICA 6) Yangon National 10-July Assistant to Project Coordinator (LICA 3) Yangon National 14-July Project Support Officer (LICA 6) Yangon National 16-July Protocol Associate (Re-advertised) (LICA 4) Yangon National 17-July Programme Officer (Rural Finance and Value Chains) (IICA 3) Yangon International 17-July Public Health Analyst (LICA 6) Yangon National 23-July-2013 For details please visit UNOPS website and click on the post you are interested in applying for. All applications must be made through UNOPS E-recruitment system. collapsed, Mr Rahman said. He adding that authorities have complied, shuttering both. We ve also asked the owners of another four structures to conduct detailed structural analysis immediately, possibly by tomorrow, as they have major structural problems, he said. Engineers checked the foundations, support columns and other structures of the buildings and the soil they were built on, as well as any documents and plans that could be produced. The collapse of the Rana Plaza highlighted appalling safety issues at Bangladesh s 4500 garment factories whose workers churn out clothes for the world s leading Western retailers. Many of the buildings were thrown up quickly, sometimes without consulting engineers, to house factories for the garment industry, the mainstay of the Bangladesh economy, accounting for 80 percent of the country s US$25 billion annual exports. Bangladesh government has embarked on a major inspection drive of its own, deploying dozens of teams to probe the safety of the factories in an effort to reassure worried retailers. The 66 garment factories were among 102 buildings that the engineering teams inspected, upon request, including banks, schools and private businesses. Many did not have design plans, drawings or records of their construction on file for inspection. Many of these buildings were residential quarters before they were converted into factories. Quite a few were built without qualified engineers and several have had multiple floors added to the structure, flouting construction norms, Mr Rahman said. Garment industry bosses as well as the government have been trying to persuade Western fashion firms not to move production out of Bangladesh in the wake of the disaster. Fearing a consumer backlash, many Western retailers have since launched their own monitoring of Bangladesh s factories, including fire safety conditions. - AFP

30 LONDON British Land snaps up property in West End BRITISH Land bought offices, stores and land next to London s Paddington Station for 470 million (US$707 million), anticipating that more tenants will be drawn to the area by a new high-speed rail line. The properties at Paddington Central were purchased from Aviva and other investors, British Land said in a statement on July 5. Britain s second-largest real estate investment trust will own 1 million square feet of space once the site has been fully developed. It will be the company s fourth-largest single asset by value. Developers including Derwent London and Great Portland Estates are seeking to profit from the construction of the Crossrail highspeed rail line connecting London s east and west. Paddington will be one of three Crossrail stations in the West End district when the rail line opens in 2018, said British Land, which is based in the city. Bigger users who want the location just can t get space, let alone space at the sort of price that we can offer, chief executive officer Chris Grigg said. British Land has permission to build 355,000 square feet of office space on the two Paddington Central development sites. The company may seek planning approval to construct as much as 30,000 square feet of additional space, Finance Director Lucinda Bell said by telephone. Paddington Central is the most significant acquisition we have made since the equity placing in March, and we are confident that investment of those proceeds will now be accretive to 2014 earnings, ahead of our original objective, Mr Grigg said. British Land raised 493 million in a share sale in March and has since spent more than 750 million on acquisitions excluding future property development spending. The existing office buildings at Paddington Central will give British Land a yield of 6.2 percent when fully leased, Mr Grigg said. That compares with 3.5pc for office buildings in the West End district that includes Mayfair and St James s, broker Savills Plc said in May. Bloomberg Property Business 31 HOUSE OF THE WEEK IN PICTURES Central London s Battersea Power Station, which was decommissioned in 1983 and has stood vacant ever since, has been purchased by a consortium of Malaysian companies with a plan to convert it into hundreds of apartments, offices, shops and a theatre. Photo: AFP Near the market A FRESH coat of paint awaits tenants of this sparsely furnished home near Hledan market in Kamaryut township. It is on the fourth floor of a tidy building that has two lifts and round-theclock security. With three bedrooms and 1630 square feet of floor space it can accommodate a family, though it has just one bathroom. The kitchen is roomy but lacks basic appliances. There is enough space adjacent to it, however, for a dining table but you will have to bring one. The apartment also lacks a fridge and stove and mattresses for the beds. It does, however, have three air-conditioning units. On the map it looks handy to central Yangon, but traffic congestion makes the airport easier to reach. The balcony at the back offers a view of other people s rooftops. Each room is painted a different soft pastel shade but the Korean-style parquet flooring is uniform throughout. The halls are narrow, but the living room is spacious. The vinyl furniture and tiny window in it are, however, disappointing. This unit will require a bit of effort to make it cosy, but its proximity to Hledan market puts everything you need within easy reach. Ei The The Naing Location : Moe Sandar Street, Kamaryut township Rent : K1.5 million (about US$1450) a month Contact : Panthakhin Real Estate and General Service (Mya) Phone : , , Photos: Kyawt Thiri Nyunt ULAANBAATOR Rents expected to triple in 5 years COMMERCIAL real estate rents in Ulaanbaatar will more than triple within five years as increases in percapita incomes lure international companies, said Harris Kupperman, who runs a fund that invests in Mongolian properties. Rental prices for the capital s main commercial strip, Peace Avenue, will top US$100 per square metre per month by 2018, up from as much as $30 currently, said Mr Kupperman, the chief executive officer of Canadian company Mongolia Growth Group, the only non-mining internationally listed company that does business in Mongolia. Real estate prices in the capital surged as the economy reached double-digit growth driven by a boom in coal and copper mining. That prompted firms such as US food companies KFC, Cinnabon International and Round Table Pizza to open shops this year, joining luxury outlets including LVMH, Moet, Hennessy, Louis Vuitton and Armani. It starts with food and beverage, but eventually you are going to have more retail, too, said Mr Kupperman, 32, whose company owns retail space in the Peace Avenue business corridor. You get 10-year leases signed by high-quality tenants and they add value to the property. They pay their rent on time, so it increases the value, and they tend to pay above market for top locations. Mr Kupperman s Torontolisted firm has invested $40 million in storefront properties, office buildings and redevelopment sites since it set up shop in February 2011, and makes $200,000 a month in revenue from these properties, he said. Retail space on Peace Avenue costs $2,500 to $3,000 per square metre, Mr Kupperman said, adding that prices could reach levels seen in Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, where prices range from $10,000 to $30,000 per square metre. Mongolia Growth plans to spend as much as $500 million over the next decade on developing highend buildings on the commercial strip, he said. Mr Kupperman remains bearish on downtown office space. Grade A rents in the area have surged to $70 a square metre from around $45 a square metre three years ago, said Alex Skinner, the head of Real Source, an Ulan Bator-based property consultancy. The central business district contains several highrise glass towers that house most of the big international firms doing business in the country. Rio Tinto, the world s second-biggest mining company, which is building the $6.6 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, has an office there. Bloomberg

31 32 Business Property THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 No end in sight to property boom Realtor warns of looming political disaster as more and more Yangon city residents are priced out of the market by surging prices MYAT NYEIN AYE REALTORS see no end in sight for surging property prices in Yangon, with some warning that the number of city residents being prices out of the market is getting dangerously high. Ko Htun Htun, the owner of Phoenix real estate agency, said he saw no signs of cooling in the market despite a two-year surge in prices that has seen properties in one township increase fourfold. Yangon s real estate market had been rising for at least the past two years, he said. Demand and prices in the outer suburbs are particularly strong, with a number of infrastructure and development projects boosting interest in those areas. He added that land in South Okkalapa township is in huge demand. Prices in South Okkalapa are rising fast and more people want to own a house there. Prices of plots in the township have increased by 400 percent in 24 months. Prices in other Luxury projects like the Strand Condominium, above, are appearing across the city, pricing most residents out of the market. Photo: Staff townships are not rising as fast as they are in South Okkalapa, but I can t think of a single area where prices have fallen. Ko Htun Htun gave the example of a 2400-square-foot property in South Okkalapa that was bought in June for K950 million and resold in early July for K1.25 billion. However, Ko Min Min Soe, a spokesperson for realtor Mya 400% Rise in prices of homes in South Okkalapa township over the past two years Pan Thakhin, said the higher prices were fuelled by speculators flipping properties quickly. He added that speculators had the capacity to disrupt the markets and damage ordinary buyers. Ko Min Min Soe said the doubling of prices for houses in some areas, such as East Dagon, had priced prospective buyers out of the market and left them reliant on renting. Daw Moh Moh Aung, general secretary of the Myanmar Real Estate Service Association, said rising prices were a potential political disaster for the government. If land prices rise continuously, where are ordinary people going to live in Yangon? They will sell their houses because the price is attractive, but then they will not have enough money to buy another place to live, she said. HONG KONG Builders slow home sales to keep prices from falling HONG KONG builders will put the breaks on home sales for the rest of the year after government curbs to rein in prices sapped demand, according to Bocom International Holdings and Centaline Property Agency. Builders including Sun Hung Kai Properties and Cheung Kong Holdings sold about 4,320 new units for HK$40 billion (US$5.2 billion) in the first half, both the lowest since the second half of 2008, according to figures compiled by realtor Centaline. A total of 7,183 units were sold for HK$66 billion in the second half of 2012, Centaline said. Developers are holding off sales after property transactions in the city plunged to a two-decade low in the second quarter in response to a doubling of stamp duties on buyers and sellers, and tightened regulations on marketing material of new apartments. Home prices have dropped 2 percent from a historic high in March, after having more than doubled since early The pace of sales will remain slow unless there s something encouraging developers to turn over assets faster, said Alfred Lau, a Hong Kong-based analyst at Bocom International. They have little incentive to sell at a time when the market s down. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, in February, doubled the stamp duty on properties costing more than HK$2 million and targeted commercial real estate. Since taking office a year ago, he also has imposed taxes on non-resident homebuyers and pledged to increase housing supply to bring prices down to more affordable levels. Concerns that more curbs will be introduced and expectations that interest rates will begin rising may send home prices down as much as 10pc in the second half, according to Midland Holdings. Total property transactions in the second quarter fell 42pc from the previous quarter to 14,291, the lowest since at least 1991, when Midland began keeping quarterly records. The government will not ease the curbs until there is a steady supply of new properties, Mr Leung said. Financial Secretary John Tsang said the city may introduce more curbs if needed. Government measures are stifling new apartment sales, Wong Leungsing, associate director of research at Centaline, said. Developers are very cautious, and at the same time many of them are unwilling to cut prices to boost sales. The government in April introduced new rules aimed at making new apartment sales more transparent. They include requiring developers to update sales records more regularly and to list properties by apartment size excluding shared space. Developers will need time to get used to the new rules, said Buggle Lau, chief analyst at Midland. They may bring the pace of sales slightly up in the second half, but we probably won t see things back to the way it once was. The government needs to lower premiums charged either on farmland bought by developers with the aim of converting it to residential use, or on projects sold atop railway stations, to encourage developers to accelerate sales, said Bocom s Mr Lau. Mr Leung has sped up approval of developers home sales applications to make more new units available to buyers, while also allowing developers to begin selling apartments sooner before construction is scheduled for completion. Hong Kong s home prices have more than doubled since early 2009 on near record-low interest rates, a lack of new housing supply and an influx of mainland Chinese buyers. All the measures to curb activities are negating whatever the government s trying to do to accelerate sales, Mr Wong said. They ll need to figure out a different way. Bloomberg TRADE MARK CAUTION AVERNA INTERNATIONAL S.A of 8, Boulevard Joseph II, Luxembourg, and FRATELLI AVERNA, Via Xiboli 345, Caltanissetta, Italy, are merger, Owners and Sole Proprietors of the following Trade Mark: AVERNA Reg.No.IV/1673/2004 Reg.No.IV/1663/2007 Reg.No.IV/1954/2010 Reg.No.IV/4095/2013 Reg.No.IV/4096/2013 in respect of Wines, spirits and liquors in Int l Class 33. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Khine Khine U, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (UK) For AVERNA INTERNATIONAL S.A and FRATELLI AVERNA 205/5, Thirimingalar Hous; Strand Rd., Yangon. Dated. July 8, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of 8510 Colonnade Center Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615, United States of America, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:- RELISTOR Reg. No. 5310/2006 in respect of Pharmaceutical preparations, namely, a drug to reverse and treat the side effects of opioids. WARNING is hereby given that any fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark in any manner whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. P. O. Box 60, Yangon makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 8 July 2013

32 Science 33 TRADE MARK CAUTION Scientists create human liver from stem cells SCIENTISTS in Japan said Wednesday they had grown human liver tissue from stem cells in a first that holds promise for alleviating the critical shortage of donor organs. Creating lab-grown tissue to replenish organs damaged by accident or disease is a Holy Grail for the pioneering field of research into the premature cells known as stem cells. Now Takanori Takebe of the Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine and a team report in the journal nature that they grew tissue resembling the (human) adult liver in a lab mouse. They first created induced pluripotent stem (ips) cells which they mixed with other cell types and coaxed into liver buds the precursor clusters that develop into a liver. The buds, each about 5 millimetres (0.2 inches) big, were then transplanted onto a mouse brain, where they were observed transforming into a functional human liver complete with blood vessels, the scientists wrote. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the generation of a functional human organ from pluripotent stem cells, said the report. The technique has yet to be tested in humans, but serves as an important proof of concept, it added. Stem cells are infant cells that can develop into any part of the body. Until a few years ago, when ips cells were created, the only way to obtain stem cells was EUROPEAN astronomers said on Friday they had devised a technique to detect water in the atmosphere of planets orbiting other stars. Using a telescope in Chile, they teased out a telltale infrared signature from water in the atmosphere of a gassy planet called HD b, which orbits its star every two days and is hot enough to melt steel. The work is another technical breakthrough in the fast-moving field of exoplanet research, they said. A total of 723 planets have been spotted outside our own Solar System since 1995, according to the website while NASA ( gov/) puts the tally at 879. Several thousand findings by the specialist Kepler orbital telescope await confirmation. So far, no exoplanet spotted has the potential to be a home away from home for us humans. to harvest them from human embryos. This is controversial because it requires the destruction of the embryo, a process to which religious conservatives and others object. ips cells are easilyobtainable mature cells that are reprogrammed into a versatile, primitive state from where they can develop into any kind of cell in the body. Mr. Takebe told a press conference ahead of the report s release that the man-made liver was observed through a replacement glass skull that was fitted around the mouse s brain. New technique finetunes quest for life on other worlds It would have to be a rocky planet, rather than a gas one, orbiting in a balmy zone which would enable water to exist in liquid form and thus nurture life as we know it. The new technique should aid the search, as it can be used by big telescopes on the ground as well as more expensive ones in orbit, said Jayne Birkby who led a team from Leiden University in the Netherlands. We knew our technique worked for simple molecules at shorter wavelengths, but in order to hunt for water, we had to go to longer wavelengths where the Earth s atmosphere really starts to obstruct the signals we are looking for, so we weren t sure we would find anything, she said in a press release. Of course we were delighted when we saw the signal jump out at us. It means we can do much more with this technique. Ms. Birkby presented the research at a meeting of Britain s The liver developed blood vessels which fused with those of the animal. It also performed certain human-specific liver functions producing proteins and processing specific drugs. We have concluded that this liver is functioning, the scientist said. We think this is enough for improving the survival after liver failure. Scientists commenting on the research described it as promising. This science opens up the distinct possibility of being able to create mini-livers from the skin cells of a patient dying of liver failure, said Malcolm Royal Astronomical Society in Edinburgh, Scotland, the RAS said. The team used an instrument called the cryogenic highresolution infrared echelle spectrograph, or CRIRES, mounted on the European Southern Observatory s Very Large Telescope in Chile s Atacama desert. In the next decade our Alison, professor of stem cell biology at the Queen Mary University of London. Human mature liver cells transplanted on their own can fail to thrive, but if immature liver cells are first combined with their normally nurturing supportive cells, they can mature in the transplanted host and function efficiently, he said in a statement issued by the Science Media Centre. Dusko Ilic from Kings College London said the promise of an off-shelf liver seems much closer than one could hope even a year ago, but the strategy has yet to be proven in humans. Whilst the title of the paper is functional human liver, these liver buds do not contain the biliary structures (which drain toxins out of the liver) or immune cells that characterise real human liver, added Stuart Forbes, professor of transplantation and regenerative medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Chris Mason of University College London said the buds may be useful for drug testing in the lab, which is currently restricted by the limited availability of liver cells from human cadavers. Mr. Takebe said the method may also work in organs like the pancreas, kidneys or lungs, but it would be another 10 years before trials are done in humans. One key requirement would be to shrink the buds to a much smaller size so they can be injected into the bloodstream and taken up by the body internally, he said. AFP This July 2, 2013 handout image shows a view of the galaxy pair MRK 1034 in the constellation of Triangulum (The Triangle). The two very similar galaxies, named PGC 9074 and PGC 9071, are close enough to one another to be bound together by gravity. Photo: AFP work will help astronomers refine their search for Earth-like planets and even life in orbit around other stars, said Ms. Birkby. It s incredibly exciting to think that in my lifetime we will reach a day when we can point up to a star and say with confidence that it has a world just like our own. AFP NOTICE is hereby given that WAKODO COMPANY LIMITED a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 7-15, 2-chome, Kajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:- LEBENS (Reg: No. IV/2810/2013) in respect of :- Lacteal flour (for babies), processed foods and drinks for weaning (for babies and infants); dietetic food and beverages adapted for medical purposes; dietary supplements for humans adapted for medical purposes; drugs for medical purposes; capsules for medicines; pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations - Class: 5 Milk products, milk powder, lactic acid drinks, yoghurt, cream, butter, cheese, ice cream and custard cream. curry, stew and soup mixes; cooked beans and peas; preserved nuts; dried nuts; drinking milk; meat; fish(not live); canned fish; meat extract of food; preserved and frozen fish; meat ball; canned vegetables, canned fruits, dried vegetables, dried fruits, frozen vegetables, frozen fruits. - Class: 29 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for WAKODO COMPANY LIMITED P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that CUCKOO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. a company organized under the laws of Republic of Korea and having its principal office at 91 Kyo-dong, Yangsan-si, Kyungsangnam-do, Republic of Korea is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:- CUCKOO (Reg: No. IV/3962/2013) In respect of: - Electromagnetic induction cookers for household purposes; Electric pressure cookers; Electric rice cookers; Electric cookers; Electric cooking utensils; Electric waterbaths for household purposes; Induction ranges; Microwave ovens; Electric ranges; Electric grills; Electric frying pan; Electric deep fryers; Electric roasters for cooking fish; Electric air fryers; Convection ovens; Electric toasters; Kettles, electric; Electric heat insulating and hot water pots; Electric coffee pots; Coffee machines, electric; Electric humidifiers for household use; Electric dish dryers for household purposes; Electric dish disinfectant apparatus for household purpose; Electric heaters for household purposes; Heating apparatus, electric; Dehumidifiers for household purposes; Water purifiers for household purposes; Water purifiers for household purposes, non-electric; Cold and hot water dispensers; Water ionizers for household purposes; Water softening apparatus for household purposes; Filters for drinking water; Filters for household water purifying apparatus; Bidets; Air purifiers for household purposes; Electric fans; Air conditioners; Hot-air and cold-air blower; Electric refrigerators; Electrically heated carpets; Cooking appliances, namely, griddles; Hair dryers; Kitchen ranges [ovens] ; Ovens, other than for experimental purposes; Gas-operated rice cookers Int l Class: 11 Frying pans, non-electric; Deep fryers, non-electric; Pressure cookers, non-electric; Rice cooking pots, nonelectric; Hot pots, not electrically heated; Non-electric casserole pans; Insulating flasks; Non-electric cooking pans; Cooking utensils, namely, grills; Non-electric coffeepots; Non-electric pots; Non-electric kettles; Electric toothbrushes; Wok, namely, cooking utensil of hemispherical shape Int l Class: 21 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for CUCKOO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013

33 34 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 World WORLD EDITOR: Douglas Long MOSCOW Seeking Snowden in Sheremetyevo Airport KATHY LALLY, WILL ENGLUND EVERY year about 25 million passengers enter Sheremetyevo Airport, and usually they come out again. Not Edward Snowden. The guy made famous by telling secrets about US surveillance programs has managed to keep his own whereabouts hushhush. Somehow he has made himself lost for two weeks in 1.6-kilometre-long transit corridor dotted with six VIP lounges, a 66-room capsule hotel, assorted coffee shops, a Burger King and about 20 Duty Free shops selling Jack Daniels, Cuban Rum, shelves of Russian vodka and red caviar that costs four times as much as it does in the city. Unless he s across the runway in private Terminal A, in the watchful company of Russian officials. Everybody wants to find him. Journalists want to interview him. The United States wants to prosecute him. And now Anna Chapman wants to marry him. Being a spy herself she s the alluring Russian redhead who was chucked out of the United States in 2010 along with nine other sleeper agents the suspicious might wonder if it s what they call in the trade a honey trap, or ensnarement by romantic relationship. Snowden, will you marry tweeted on July 3. July 4 was a quiet day at Sheremetyevo, but a normal one with the packs of journalists tiring of the unrequited chase. Athletic teams from Mongolia and China made their way through the airport en route to university games in Kazan. Families with young children waited for flights to summer resorts. Anastasia Shodieva was selling costume jewelry and stuffed animals at a souvenir stand near the Skoda car display where the journalists camped out last week. When asked about Mr Snowden, she had to be prompted. Oh, that sort-of agent? she asked, adding the affair made no difference to her. The United States wants Mr Snowden on charges of theft and disclosing classified information in violation of the I don t understand what [Snowden] was thinking. Is he a little boy with no idea about the consequences? Svetlana Chibisova Russian tour agency manager Former Russian spy Anna Chapman attends a congress of the pro-kremlin youth group Molodaya Gvardiya (The Young Guard) in Moscow on December 22, Chapman wrote on Twitter on July 3, Snowden, will you marry me? Photo: AFP Espionage Act. Scores of journalists were waiting when his flight from Hong Kong landed in Terminal F on June 23. No sign of him. Others filled seats on Aeroflot to Havana airport officials said Mr Snowden had a ticket for June 24 and flew off, taking pictures of his empty seat. The airport s half dozen buildings cover an area as big as about 100 football fields, set off a traffic-clogged road 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the city centre. A transit zone, 1.6 kilometres long, wends its way along the sides of Terminals D, E and F, which are connected by a walkway so arriving passengers can board a connecting international flight without having to pass through passport control and customs, which requires a visa. Terminal D, the most modern part, has soaring ceilings and a men s room with an age-old Russian smell to it. Tatyana Yudina, at the register of a traditional, lacquered-wood crafts souvenir stand, shrugged at the name Snowden. Last week journalists staked out a chain called Shokoladnitsa, hoping they would find Mr Snowden drinking a US$7 cappuccino or drinking an $11 non-alcoholic mojito with $9 blini and red caviar. Nyet. Russians are a little bemused at all that fuss over surveillance. Many believe the authorities can read their mail at will, listen in to their calls and sprinkle bugs around as they please. Wiretapping is so common, so this is not news, said Alina Gorchakova, a 48-year-old account manager who stopped to chat on a city street. What doesn t seem normal to many is why Mr Snowden decided to reach Ecuador, his original destination, through Russia. Once he arrived here, with his US passport revoked, Ecuador has grown less enthusiastic. Russia says he can go anywhere he likes, he only needs a destination and authorised travel documents. So why doesn t he go? Or show his face? And Svetlana Chibisova, a 45-year-old tour agency manager, found it strange that an American carrying US secrets would travel by way of Russia, where security agencies are very much in control. I don t understand what he was thinking, she said. Is he a little boy with no idea about the consequences? Often the television news doesn t add up, said Yuri Artemiev, a 73-year-old retired aviation engineer. I don t like this situation, he said. It looks like they wanted to get benefits from him being here and then something went wrong, as always. The Washington Post CAIRO Big challenges for Egypt s next president will have to tackle a raft of problems, common laws and principles enshrined in a new constiution, TAHRIR Square was largely empty on July 4. The smell of rotting garbage hung in the air. The crumpled banners, empty soda cans and old corncobs discarded by the Egyptians who had celebrated the ousting of their president lay smashed and strewn across the pavement. Those Egyptians who remained spoke of hopes for an honest president to replace the deposed Mohamed Morsi. They said they were optimistic that the military, bolstered by an uprising of millions, had given Egypt a new beginning a chance to finally get the country s revolution right after 2½ years of misfires. But even as the dust settled in Tahrir, a complex battery of challenges remained first for the military that has once again assumed responsibility for the nation s direction, and then for whoever is bold enough to take on the job that proved so disastrous for Mr Morsi. Egypt s economy is in tatters. Nearly onequarter of the work force is unemployed, and roughly half the population lives on less than US$2 a day. The country owes billions of dollars in debt, its foreign currency reserves nearly exhausted. Prices are spiking and shortages loom. Gasoline. Traffic. Bread, said Ahmed Fadel Abuzeid, an electrician who camped in Tahrir to bring down Mr Morsi. We never had the power cuts before. And we never used to have these prices. There are no easy fixes. Many Egyptians turned against the Muslim Brotherhoodbacked Morsi because of his poor stewardship of the economy, and experts say much of that blame was well-deserved. But Mr Morsi also inherited the legacy of an authoritarian regime that over decades had rotted from within: a bloated bureaucracy, a costly and inefficient subsidy system, and layer upon layer of corruption. Whether it was going to be the Muslim Brotherhood or not the Muslim Brotherhood, whoever was going to govern Egypt was really going to have their hands full, said Joshua Stacher, an Egypt expert and political scientist at Kent State University in Ohio. Any solution, economists say, will require considerable pain. In order to move from this stage to a stage in which we achieve economic growth will require measures that will not be popular, said Amirah El-Haddad, a professor of economics at the American University in Cairo. Egypt s next leader could well be beset by many of the same problems that doomed the last. A day after Mr Morsi s fall, a virtually unknown judge took over the presidency on an interim basis. But few seemed eager to make a run for a post that will be contested in elections the military has promised but has not yet scheduled. I don t know anyone in his right mind, said Egypt s foreign minister, Mohamed Kamel Amr, provoking laughter from his aides. Wait, wait - I m joking with you, he added. Don t put that. The economy won t be the only problem confronting whoever next rules Egypt. The constitution that was ratified under Mr Morsi has now been nullified, meaning this highly polarised nation must start from scratch in developing a set of common laws and principles. After the military s dramatic move on July 3, Egypt s new leaders will need to restore a semblance of constitutional authority, said Tom Ginsburg, a professor of comparative and international law at the University of Chicago.

34 35 Kenyen Officials seize 1.5 tonnes of ivory WORLD 40 Aid reaches quake-hit Indonesia villages WORLD (ASIA-PACIFIC) 43 Belgium s new king struggles to unite nation WORLD 36 BRIEFS An Egyptian man, bearing a toy tank on his head, holds a cross and a copy of the Koran in Cairo s Tahrir Square on July 4. Photo: AFP Washington Activists mark July 4 with NSA rallies Activists across the United States took to the streets and the internet to mark July 4 with protests against the National Security Agency s surveillance programs. The Restore the Fourth campaign, organized via the social network Reddit, has received support from various web platforms including Mozilla and campaigners for online freedom such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Its name refers to the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects against unlawful searches and seizures. Scattered protests took place in cities across the United States, including Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Around people also gathered in a square near the White House in Washington, DC, some brandishing placards reading Don t steal my rights to privacy! Khartoum August arrival for UN troops in Sudan An advance party of UN troops who will support the monitoring of a buffer zone along the disputed Sudan-South Sudan border should arrive by August, the top UN peacekeeper said on July 4. They will be among more than 1000 Blue Helmets who will eventually protect the border monitors, Herve Ladsous, the UN s undersecretary general for peacekeeping, told reporters in the Sudanese capital. While the first troops are expected next month, the rest will be deployed as quickly as possible to activate the border monitoring, Mr Ladsous. The troops with special border duties will be part of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), one of the contested border regions. After months of intermittent clashes, Sudan and South Sudan agreed in early March to detailed timetables for normalising relations by setting up the border buffer zone and implementing eight other key pacts, including an oil deal. Mexico City Mexico volcano grounds US airlines Four US airlines canceled dozens of flights to and from Mexico City s international airport on July 4 after the Popocatepetl volcano blew ash and steam skyward, officials said. American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines decided not to conduct operations to and from Mexico City, airport spokesman Jorge Andres Gomez told Milenio television. A fifth US carrier, Spirit Airlines, canceled its flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Dallas, Texas, from the Toluca airport, 68 kilometres west of the capital. Another spokesman for the Mexico City airport said the airlines canceled a total of 47 flights between Mexico and the United States. The airlines took the precautionary measure even though the airport decided to keep its runways open. Egypt s next leader from fixing a shattered economy to drafting a set of writes Abigail Hauslohner But to do that, it must be accepted by a vast majority of the population, he said. That means getting the support of the Muslim Brotherhood and others who backed Mr Morsi in elections just last year - a tall order at a time when many feel their democratic rights have been trampled. Muslim Brotherhood officials who spoke at a news conference of Mr Morsi supporters on July 4 said that participating in any process set up by the military is out of the question. Now you are talking about a dictatorship, said Murad Ali, a spokesman for the group. We are not accepting this. Mr Ali accused the army of trying to recreate the era of Hosni Mubarak, the militarybacked autocrat who governed Egypt for 30 years before his ouster in Rights groups and political analysts warned last week that without a process of reconciliation, stability in Egypt will be elusive. The only gain we made after Mubarak, and through Morsi, was freedom, said Hossam Mikawy, a judge in Egypt s Nile Delta. We did not make any progress in anything else. So if we lose our established freedom by not allowing the Islamists to participate, then we will have gained nothing. Military leaders, who have now ousted two governments in three years, insist they have no desire to govern Egypt directly. Mr Amr, the country s foreign minister, said he has assured his counterparts around the world of that commitment in telephone conversations. But the military also seeks to maintain its immense power and privilege, including control of a vast economic empire that it runs free of civilian government oversight. Mr Morsi largely avoided trying to tamper with that empire, and analysts said Egypt s next leaders would be wise to do the same. The military in principle wants a civilian political leadership, but it wants a leadership that respects its powers and privileges, said Robert Springborg, an expert on the Egyptian military at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. The Washington Post The only gain we made after Mubarak, and through Morsi, was freedom. We did not make any progress in anything else. So if we lose our established freedom by not allowing the Islamists to participate, then we will have gained nothing. Hossam Mikawy Egyptian judge

35 TRADE MARK CAUTION Diageo Ireland, a company organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, and having its principal place of business at St. James s Gate, Dublin 8, Republic of Ireland, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- GUINNESS Reg. Nos. 4/4697/2005, 4/3968/2008, 4/2969/ World International THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Reg. Nos. 4/9120/2005, 4/3013/2010 in respect of Class 32: Beer, ale, stout and porter; low alcholic beers; non-alcoholic beverages in this class, mineral and aerated water, soft drinks, non-alcoholic drinks containing fruit juices; preparations for making beverages. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Chit Swe, Advocate U Kyaw Moe Htet, Attorney at Law U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited saowalck@siamlaw.co.th For Diageo Ireland Dated: 8 July, 2013 People wave Belgian flags in front of the Royal Palace in Brussels on July 3. Photo: AFP BRUSSELS Philippe s role as king: to keep Belgium together TRADE MARK CAUTION Diageo Scotland Limited, of Edinburgh Park, 5 Lochside Way, Edinburgh EH12 9DT, Scotland, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- CAPTAIN MORGAN Reg. Nos. 4/7922/2004, 4/5160/2008 Reg. Nos. 4/7924/2004, 4/241/2008, 4/1943/2011 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages. PHILIPPE SIUBERSKI BELGIUM S crown prince Philippe, destined to become the nation s seventh sovereign later this month, will face a tough challenge to keep the divided country together. Philippe s father, Albert II,spent two decades at the helm of the small country, during which his most delicate task was to bridge the growing divide between Belgium s French-speaking south and Flemish-speaking north. Born in Brussels on April 15, 1960, Philippe, 53, has been heir to the throne ever since the death in 1993 of his uncle and mentor King Baudouin, Albert s older brother. In 1999, when already 39 years of age, Philippe married Mathilde d Udekem d Acoz, a charming Belgian aristocrat 13 years his junior, who brought a touch of glamour to the otherwise staid Belgian monarchy. Philippe and Mathilde have four children including Princess Elisabeth who was born in 2001 and who is in line to be Belgium s first female successor to the throne. The crown prince, who is expected to step onto the throne July 21, has two siblings: Astrid, who is married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, and Laurent, the enfant terrible of the Belgian royal family. But he also has a half-sister, Delphine, who is Albert s illegitimate daughter and was brought up outside the family. In the 1960s and 1970s, when relations between Albert then crown prince and Paola were at their worst, the couple paid little attention to their children, more often than not leaving them in the hands of friends or with the gardeners and chauffeurs of the royal household. As a youngster Philippe was timid, and remains shy. He had a Roman Catholic education in Brussels and Flanders but never shone. He went on to military school, training as a fighter pilot and paratrooper before going on to Oxford and Stanford, but as a young man remained introverted and apparently ill at ease in public. In 1993, when King Baudouin died childless at 62, it was expected 33-year-old Philippe, who was still single, would be crowned in his stead. But the political elite deemed him not ready and Albert stepped onto the throne. In the past two decades Philippe has continued to prepare to be king, gaining assurance and heading dozens of economic missions for Belgium across the globe. But he still lacks natural spontaneity as well as diplomatic skills and is often fiercely attacked in the Flemishspeaking north. He was criticised there for overstepping his royal role after denouncing the farright nationalist party Vlaams Belang, and slammed as a dilettante after pronouncing the same speech twice in South Africa. The real test, however, will be the general elections set for May 2014 where the powerful Flemish separatist party, the N-VA, is expected to do well. It wants to see the monarchy play a purely symbolic role and has already threatened to scuttle the formation of a unity government unless its demands are met. AFP Reg. No. 4/6059/2010 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers). Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Chit Swe, Advocate U Kyaw Moe Htet, Attorney at Law U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , , Fax: , info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited saowalck@siamlaw.co.th For Diageo Scotland Limited Dated: 8 July, 2013 OSLO Youth camp back, two years after Breivik THE youth wing of Norway s Labour Party last week opened its first summer camp since 2011, the year of a massacre by Anders Behring Breivik that left 69 people dead. People began gathering on July 3 for the camp, which did not take place in 2012 but has this year attracted hundreds more attendees than in In a show of defiance by the youth movement, around 800 young Norwegians had signed up, compared with a total of 560 participants two years ago. The summer camp will be run as normal to the greatest degree possible, Workers Youth League chairman Eskil Pedersen said. We re proud to hold a summer camp once again, and it s an important step for us to take. Kjersti Sidselrud, Peter Bjorn Sandmo and Hilde Kristine Pettersen set up tents on the opening day of the Workers Youth League camp in Gulsrud, Norway, on July 3. Photo: AFP The camp is not being held on the island of Utoeya this year but at the nearby hamlet Gulsrud on the banks of the same lake, as the facilities where the attack took place are being renovated. People are putting up their tents and enjoying themselves and looking forward to getting started, Mr Pedersen said. To beef up security, the organisers have been in close contact with the police before the event and officers will be present at the site. The renovation of Utoeya was postponed after some of the survivors opposed plans to tear down some of the buildings. Work will begin at the end of next year at the former site, according to Mr Pedersen. Mr Breivik s attack began in Oslo on July 22, 2011, where a massive bomb outside the main government building killed eight, before he travelled to the island to carry out a shooting spree. Most of the victims were teenagers. He claimed the killings were a protest against multiculturalism. In August 2012, Mr Breivik was sentenced to Norway s maximum sentence of 21 years in prison, which can be extended indefinitely if he is deemed to continue to pose a threat to society. AFP

36 International World 37 WASHINGTON Everybody spies, say ex-intel officers EUROPEANS may express outrage over revelations of US spying but they know perfectly well how the espionage game is played: Everybody spies on everybody, former intelligence officials say. President Barack Obama seemed to suggest as much even as he tried to defuse the uproar over the National Security Agency s alleged eavesdropping on the European Union mission in Washington, as well as embassies of other allies. I guarantee you that in European capitals, there are people who are interested in, if not what I had for breakfast, at least what my talking points might be should I end up meeting with their leaders, Mr Obama said during a visit to Tanzania on July 1. That s how intelligence services operate. My government would be kind of negligent if they were not collecting intelligence that would assist our economy. John Scheuer Former CIA officer The former head of the NSA, Michael Hayden, dismissed the outcry across the Atlantic, suggesting the United States was not alone in snooping on its friends. Any European who wants to go out and rend their garments with regard to international espionage should look first and find out what their own governments are doing, Mr Hayden told CBS television on June 30. The complaints over the spying are reminiscent of the French policeman in the classic film Casablanca, who pretends to be shocked to find gambling going on at Rick s bar, said another ex-intelligence official. The French spy on us, the French spy on England. The Israelis, the Russians, the UK, the US, the Chinese, all large countries with serious intelligence services are always spying on the governments of other countries, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. But one European source, who asked not to be named, said anger among Western allies was understandable given the mass scale of the US electronic surveillance, revealed in recent weeks by intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor. For James Lewis, a former senior US official and an expert on cyber security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, some of the criticisms ring a little hollow because the big European countries do things that are very similar to this. Saying one thing publicly about An activist protests against NSA surveillance programs in Hannover, Germany, on June 29. Photo: AFP spying and approving something else in secret is a longstanding tradition, as hypocrisy is part of the game, said John Scheuer, a former CIA officer now at Georgetown University. Mr Scheuer was involved in a program running secret prisons for terror suspects after the September 11 attacks, and he said the CIA regularly shared information with European partners that was gathered from harsh interrogations of detainees. But whenever it became public, they were shocked and appalled and they condemned us for doing it, Mr Scheuer said. And that s the way the game works. The former CIA officer said Washington could always turn the tables on its partners if it needed to. We always have in our pocket in the United States the knowledge of who is spying against us and it s always possible that if someone in Europe... pushes us too far, the president will say, Okay, here s the evidence that X country in Europe is collecting against America, he said. In the world of espionage, spying among allies is quietly accepted but there are some methods that would never be considered, like trying to shape an election in Europe, former intelligence officials said. The only genuine red lines on spying on friends apply to the major Englishspeaking countries, the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, which operate under the five eyes agreement on intelligence gathering. The spying partners ran into a hail of criticism in the 1990s when their Echelon electronic surveillance program was exposed. Among US allies, France and Israel are suspected in particular of engaging in sophisticated cyber espionage for economic gain. A national intelligence estimate from all 16 US spy agencies recently concluded that China ranked first in economic espionage against US companies, with France, Israel and Russia following. I would look at that if I was either an American, a Belgian or a Brit. My government would be kind of negligent if they were not collecting intelligence that would assist our economy, Mr Scheuer said. As for US spying on the EU mission, it was unnecessary because any information on trade talks or other issues could be obtained through ordinary means, said Mr Lewis. Why don t you just call them and talk to them? AFP

37 38 World International THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 KANDAHAR Preparing war dead a religious calling KEVIN SIEFF THE man who spends his days surrounded by dead Afghan soldiers waits in a faded shipping container across from the morgue. But Noorulah Noori rarely waits long before he is called to work. Inside the container is a bed, a fan and a hose for washing the bodies. He has prepared at least 1000 of them for burial over the past decade: victims of roadside bombs, gunshots, mortar rounds and disease, delivered to him in all the shapes death takes. Mr Noori, 33, removes the soldiers from wooden coffins that are draped in Afghanistan s flag, and he performs his duty, preparing each for burial in the Islamic tradition. He washes off blood and dirt, sprinkles perfume and covers each in a white sheet, or kafan. That s how their families will see them when they make it home. What Mr Noori sees first is much more bracing a relentless procession of bodies just off the battlefield. He takes anti-anxiety medication to help him sleep. He doesn t tell his family anything about his job at one of the Afghan military s busiest medical centres, Kandahar Regional Military Hospital. In Washington, questions about the future of Afghanistan are often phrased in terms of the Taliban s strength and the Afghan army s fighting ability. Mr Noori s perch on the war doesn t provide clear answers to those impossibly large questions. But it has made him a frontline witness to the massive human cost associated with what s formally articulated as a military transition. As his country s army inherits the war from the US and NATO, there are far more of those bodies than ever before. More than 250 Afghan soldiers and police are now killed in Afghanistan every month, many of them in the violent south where Mr Noori works. On that subject, Mr Noori takes a long view. The army will keep fighting, and men will keep dying, until there is peace, he said. Mr Noori was once employed by the group responsible for the death and destruction he sees on a daily basis. For several years, beginning when he was 19, he worked for the Taliban. In Kandahar, the province where the Taliban was born, the only job he could find was sweeping the floors of the former regime s main hospital. It was nearly two years before September 11, When war came to Afghanistan and the regime was toppled, Mr Noori swept the same floors for the new Afghan government. Because he was a lowlevel worker, his previous allegiance was forgiven. Soon, he was watching government fatalities trickle in. The man then in charge of washing bodies needed assistance. It wasn t an alluring job, but it was an important one, Mr Noori thought. It s religious work, he recalls thinking to himself. He volunteered. Since then, Mr Noori, typically clad in medical scrubs and an Afghan army windbreaker, has handled corpses nearly every day for the past decade. I ve seen more death than anyone, he said. The bodies keep coming. He gets middle-of-the-night phone calls beckoning him to the hospital so that bodies can be washed and buried as soon as possible, according to Muslim custom. He knows exactly what a bomb or a machine gun or a rocket-propelled grenade can do to a human body. Some soldiers look serene, almost untouched, and others don t look human at all. Once he saw his neighbour and close friend, Hashmat. Mr Noori mourned quietly while doing his job. Anyone would get angry to see a friend like that, he said. His colleagues ask how he s holding up, and he often shrugs them off. No matter what the body looks like, he does his job, said Sergeant Mohammad Hussein, the head of the morgue. It s difficult. The truth is that Mr Noori can t sleep without medication. He dispassionately describes himself as physically and mentally exhausted. He keeps the bed in the storage container, he said, because after washing three or four bodies, he needs to lie down. This year, just after the Taliban announced the beginning of its spring offensive, bodies came in one after the next. One afternoon, an ambulance arrived from Helmand Province carrying three dead, all killed by separate makeshift bombs. Mr Noori was suddenly frenzied. He called to a group of soldiers for help lifting the bodies for washing. But the men walked away brusquely. They don t have the courage to help, he said to himself as he worked alone. There is a tenderness to the way Mr Noori does his job, washing the men s hair as if he were caring for a small child. But the circumstances can be brutal. Sometimes, he has to wash severed limbs separately. Sometimes, Doctor Mohammad Hussain Nasiri (left) and morgue worker Noorullah Noori place an Afghan flag over the coffin of Mohammed Nasir, a fallen soldier, in a makeshift morgue at Kandahar Regional Military Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on April 27. Photo: The Washington Post the clean white sheets turn red as soon as they re placed on bodies. Sometimes, he sees fresh scars where doctors tried to operate, but failed or ran out of time. On warm days, all the death and heat make the job nearly unbearable. Spring and summer are when the fighting is most intense, particularly this year, when US troops are doing minimal combat and Afghan soldiers are dying at a higher rate than Western forces ever did. In the summer, it s too much, Mr Noori said. Questions about the Taliban s strength occupy Mr Noori s mind. Because he is an employee of the Afghan military but not a soldier, he lives off -base, on the outskirts of Kandahar City. Every day, he drives one hour to Camp Hero, the sprawling military installation where the hospital is located. He knows his unguarded living conditions make him vulnerable to insurgents, especially former Talibs, who target those working for the Afghan government. His colleagues, who live at Camp Hero, worry about him. If they find him, they will kill him immediately, Mr Hussein said. But Mr Noori has taken an approach to his own life that seems to blend defiance and fatalism. He said he isn t scared of the Taliban, but that he s ready for death when death comes. When the hospital calls him in during early morning or late nights, he slips out of bed quietly so that his wife does not wake. He has never described his job to her in any detail, because he worries she would begin to associate his early morning departures with the death of soldiers. She wouldn t be able to take it psychologically, said Mr Noori, who has an infant daughter. He said he can take it, though he thinks often of the families who will be on the receiving end of his work, in whatever Afghan province the soldier called home. They deserve to see the bodies clean and neat, he said. They are the ones who have suffered. The Washington Post NEW DELHI India launches food subsidy program RAMA LAKSHMI INDIA S government approved an ambitious welfare program on July 3 that will guarantee cheap food grains for nearly 800 million citizens, a populist measure that is likely to burden the country s foundering economy but could benefit the ruling Congress Party in national elections scheduled for next year. The cabinet has unanimously approved the food security ordinance, Food Minister K V Thomas told reporters in New Delhi. The interim ordinance was signed into law last week and put to a vote in the next session of parliament. The food security measure is expected to be a key vote-getter for the Congress Party s beleaguered and corruption-tainted government. But many analysts say the expensive scheme will further weaken Asia s third-largest economy, coming as it does just as India has posted its lowest economic growth in a decade. The rupee is also at a historic low compared to the US dollar and investment is slowing. The mammoth scheme to provide rice, wheat and coarse grains such as millet and maize to the poor at below-market prices will increase the government s annual food subsidy bill to more than US$21 billion, up from more than $15 billion, a senior official said several weeks ago. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because the program had not yet been approved. It also includes a pledge to distribute cash if the grain is not delivered, especially to the homeless, pregnant women, lactating mothers and the elderly. The measure will widen India s already unmanageable fiscal deficit, exacerbating worries abroad, analysts say. It is an invitation to fiscal disaster and a negative review by international rating agencies, said Shankkar Aiyar, an economic commentator. It is an invitation to fiscal disaster and a negative review by international rating agencies. Shankkar Aiyar Indian economic commentator Other emerging economies like China, Brazil and Indonesia are working to enlarge capacity [and] create infrastructure, jobs, better incomes and growth. But India seems to be travelling back in time, creating a grid of doles. About two-thirds of India s 1.2 billion people live on less than $2 a day, according to the World Bank. The country is a major rice and wheat producer, but it is also home to one-fourth of the world s hungry poor, according to the World Food Programme. An independent survey in 2011 found that four out of 10 Indian children were severely malnourished. Several state governments run similar cheap or free food-grain schemes for the poor, but the July 3 order makes it a guaranteed, uniform legal right across the country. Advocates of the new measure say it may not end hunger overnight but will create a legal right for the poor to go to court instead of going to bed hungry. But some critics say the real issue is no longer hunger but the need for more nutritious food, such as milk and eggs. Guaranteeing food was a commitment we had made to the poor people of this country, said Ajay Maken, the general secretary of the Congress Party, recalling a campaign promise from the last national elections in Anyone opposing food security is opposing the welfare of poor people. The Washington Post

38 ISLAMABAD Pakistan s new govt ends execution moratorium PAKISTAN S new government has ended a moratorium on executions, an official said on July 4 as Amnesty International raised concerns about the shocking and retrograde step. Under the previous government led by the Pakistan People s Party (PPP), no one except a soldier convicted by court martial had been put to death since But the PPP suffered a crushing defeat in historic elections on May 11, which swept to power the centreright Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. A presidential order imposing a moratorium on the death penalty, issued in 2008, expired on June 30. In Pakistan all executions must be approved by the president. The PPP s Asif Ali Zardari is due to step down in August and the parliament controlled by the PML-N will elect a new head of state. The new government has decided to deal with all cases of execution on merit, said Interior Ministry spokesman Umer Hameed. The government has given clear instructions to see all such cases on a caseby-case basis and there will be no general amnesty for the convicts waiting for execution, he said. London-based rights group Amnesty International on July 3 called for an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Any government green light to resume executions in Pakistan would be a shocking and retrograde step, putting thousands of people s lives at risk, said Polly Truscott, Amnesty s deputy Asia Pacific director. Amnesty estimates that Pakistan has more than 8000 prisoners on death row, most of whom have exhausted the appeals process and could now be facing execution. The sheer number of people at risk makes the new government policy of turning back to the death penalty even more horrendous, said Mss Truscott. The Interior Ministry spokesman said up to 450 convicts are awaiting execution and their cases will be examined. The government will show sympathy towards convicts who fall into a special category such as women and the elderly, he said. Pakistan s crowded prisons lack basic facilities for inmates and the country normally deals harshly with prisoners. It also suffers daily Islamist militant attacks blamed on extremists linked to the Taliban and al-qaeda, as well as chronic crime in its largest cities. Resuming executions would do nothing to tackle crime or militancy, but instead just perpetuate a cycle of violence, said Ms Truscott. AFP A girl walks past a billboard promoting Russian top opposition figure Alexei Navalny programme for the upcoming mayoral election. Photo: AFP MOSCOW Russia to charge Yaroslav mayor with extortion WILL ENGLUND RUSSIA S highly political law-enforcement authorities took aim on July 3 at their biggest target yet in a campaign to destroy the opposition, launching an attack on the country s most prominent independent officeholder - a man who had placed his faith in the ballot box. The mayor of the city of Yaroslavl was taken from his car at 1:20am, and by first light, investigators were saying they planned to charge him with extortion. By midday, they said they had found stacks of cash in his apartment. By afternoon, claiming that other suspects had agreed to plea bargains, they had labelled Mayor Yevgeny Urlashov the criminal mastermind of a plot to shake down a road maintenance company. This is about politics, Mr Urlashov said at 5:45am as he was led out of a police van in front of reporters. Yaroslavl is a venerable, sleepy city of just 600,000 on the upper Volga River, a four-hour train ride from Moscow, but Mr Urlashov s detention and the implausibly rapid development of his case jolted opposition organisers around the country. The mayor was the one nationally known independent politician who had tried to work inside the system and managed to beat Vladimir Putin s ruling United Russia Party in an election. Mr Urlashov won his office in a landslide last year, and he has been the brightest hope of those who hoped to use the ballot box to strip influence from Mr Putin s vertical of power. The arrest of Urlashov shows once again that it is impossible to reform the system from within, Ilya Yashin, an organiser of recent public protests, wrote on Twitter. Real reform requires the removal of Putin from power. The criminal charge pending against Mr Urlashov adds to a growing list of cases in which prosecutors answerable to Mr Putin have turned to the courts to silence the political opposition. In Kirov on July 3, the judge hearing the trial of the anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny Urlashov will be on national television, which will be telling lies about this fabricated case and showing all those blockheads from the Investigative Committee trying to destroy his popularity. Alexei Navalny Russian blogger refused to let the defence present evidence. In Yekaterinburg, web journalist Aksana Panova pleaded guilty to tax avoidance but not guilty to extortion and theft. In Moscow, the trial of defendants accused of organising a riot at a 2012 protest is continuing. In a tweet, Mr Navalny, who is also planning to run for mayor of Moscow in upcoming elections, said his chances in court are nonexistent. Extra police flooded the streets of Yaroslavl during the day, but the Interior Ministry said it was only for a drill. Mr Urlashov s supporters gathered for a protest get together a rally would have required a permit on the evening of July 3. Mr Urlashov s detention came only hours after he met with a delegation from the Council of Europe that is visiting Russia to inquire about civil society. One of the visitors is Andreas Gross, who wrote a scathing critique, released earlier this month, of the imprisonment and death of the whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. On July 2, Mr Urlashov had agreed to join forces with the Civic Platform Party organised by Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and to appear with Mr Prokhorov in Yaroslavl on July 7. Mr Prokhorov said July 3 that having masked police agents take the mayor away in the middle of the night was a move designed to instill fear in Mr Urlashov and his constituents. The seizure of the head of the city who was legitimately elected by the people is a blow at the civil rights and freedom of every citizen of Russia, he said in a statement. A month ago, Mr Urlashov said at a rally that he intends to run for governor of the Yaroslavl region next year, when gubernatorial elections are reinstated after a 10-year gap. The city dominates the region, and his popularity would make him a formidable candidate in a fair vote. At that same rally, though, he warned that he expected efforts to undermine him, most likely through charges of corruption or drug possession. The mayor insisted on July 3 that the accusations against him are groundless. He has consistently complained about the cost of the road contract and the poor work by the company that holds it. The firm has strong ties to the local United Russia organisation and signed the criminal complaint against him. We do not give up and do not fear, he told reporters in a phone call from the police station, as reported by the website Yarnovosti. com. His attorney said that, contrary to police reports, there had been no money in the mayor s apartment. The case against Urlashov looks like a fabrication, was set up as a fabrication and is a fabrication - with 99 percent probability, Mr Navalny wrote on his blog. Urlashov will be on national television, which will be telling lies about this fabricated case and showing all those blockheads from the Investigative Committee trying to destroy his popularity. The Washington Post WASHINGTON International World 39 Can Mobiles Spark War? FROM activists organising prodemocracy protests on Twitter to farmers checking crop prices on their Nokias, the positive impact that cell phones have had in the developing world has gotten plenty of press. But it turns out there s a dark side to wireless connectivity: It can kill you. A new study by Jan Pierskalla of the German Institute of Global and Area Studies and Florian Hollenbach of Duke University looks at the relationship between mobile phones and political violence in Africa. They found that from 2007 to 2009, areas with 2G network coverage were 50 percent more likely to have experienced incidents of armed conflict than those without. The clearest overlaps between cell coverage and violence were observed in Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The authors think improved cell-phone coverage helps insurgent leaders overcome the collective-action problem, when people are reluctant to join groups when there s a high level of personal risk. But better communication helps leaders recruit reluctant followers. Still, as Mr Pierskalla points out, the relationship between cell-phone coverage and violence is specific to regions and countries that are prone to violence in the first place. So unless you live in Mogadishu, it s a safe bet that the arrival of ever more powerful phone reception isn t going to lead to bloodshed. Foreign Policy TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that PETCH NGARM COMPANY LIMITED a company organized under the laws of Thailand and having its principal office at 246 Sirinthorn Road, Bangplad, Bangkok 10700, Thailand is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:- (Reg: No. IV/2154/2013) in respect of :- Watches, watch chains Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for PETCH NGARM COMPANY LIMITED P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION NOTICE is hereby given that Shiseido Company, Limited a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo , Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademarks:- SENKA (Reg: No. IV/1054/2013) (Reg: No. IV/1055/2013) SPEEDY PERFECT WHIP (Reg: No. IV/1056/2013) The above three trademarks are in respect of :- Soaps, toiletries, fragrances, perfumeries, and cosmetics; sun care preparations; beauty care preparations; bath preparations; essential oils; skin care, hair care, body care, and make-up products Class:3 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Shiseido Company, Limited P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: Dated: 8 th July, 2013

39 40 World International THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 HARARE Zimbabwe court rejects calls to shift vote date NAIROBI ELECTIONS to choose a new government in Zimbabwe will go ahead on July 31, the disputed date that President Robert Mugabe had unilaterally set, the country s top court ruled on July 4. The court dismissed appeals by both Mr Mugabe and his nemesis Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to have the date postponed following pressure from regional leaders. Elections should proceed on the 31st of July 2013 in terms of the proclamation by the president in compliance with the order of this court, chief justice Godfrey Chidyausiku ruled. Given [Mugabe s] advanced age of 89, ZANU-PF will view the election as a critical bridge for asserting the prominence and credibility of the party in the post- Mugabe era. Charles Laurie Risk analysis researcher The presidential vote will be held on the same day as parliamentary elections to replace an uneasy powersharing deal between Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai in place since Mr Mugabe had lodged an appeal to shift by two weeks the date that he had himself set, after regional bloc the Southern African Development Community asked him to allow more time for preparations. Mr Tsvangirai, who accuses Mr Mugabe and his allies of failing to implement promised reforms ahead of the vote, had wanted an even longer extension to allow time for the overhauls, and lodged a separate petition. But after perusing the papers, and hearing counsel in this matter, the court unanimously concludes that the applications should be and are hereby dismissed, said Mr Chidyausiku. Mr Tsvangirai s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party dismissed the ruling as a political decision, not a legal one. The court s ruling came as the two presidential rivals readied to launch their election campaigns. The party of 89-year-old Mr Mugabe launched his campaign and election manifesto on July 5 at a stadium in the capital Harare. He will be bidding for another five years in power, to add to the 33 years he has already notched up. But first he will have to beat his longtime rival Mr Tsvangirai, who unveiled his own election campaign on July 7 in the eastern town of Marondera. Charles Laurie, senior Africa researcher at UK-based risk analysis company Maplecroft, said party stalwarts will fiercely seek to ensure Mugabe s victory, with an eye to positioning themselves for possible succession bids. Given the leader s advanced age of 89, ZANU-PF will view the election as a critical bridge for asserting the prominence and credibility of the party in the post-mugabe era, said Mr Laurie. Despite grumblings over the date, Mr Tsvangirai and his MDC appear gearing to square off against Mr Mugabe at the end of the month. There are fears that Mr Mugabe, who has been ruling the country by decree since parliament s dissolution on June 29, could introduce other laws to scuttle the planned electoral reforms. AFP A Kenya Wildlife Service officer numbers elephant ivory tusks on July 3. Photo: AFP Kenyan officials seize 1.5 tonnes of ivory OFFICIALS in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa seized almost 1.5 tonnes of ivory hacked out of poached elephants, they said on July 3, the latest in a series of seizures by Kenyan authorities. The ivory was stashed in 69 bundles of several pieces and had been disguised as sun-dried fish, said Kenya Wildlife Service spokesman Paul Udoto. The smugglers tried to use smelly dried fish to hide the ivory some 770 pieces weighing 1478 kilogrammes (3252 pounds) from sniffer dogs of the customs officers. Some bags had worked polished pieces of ivory, while others had raw ivory, Mr Udoto said. The seizure comes just two days after US President Barack Obama signed an executive order launching a US$10 million bid to cut wildlife trafficking in Africa, with $3 million in assistance earmarked for Kenya. Export documents from the seizure show that the consignment had entered Kenya from Uganda on June 12, 2013, and was destined for Malaysia. In January, 2 tonnes of ivory worth $1 million on transit from Tanzania to Indonesia were seized also at Mombasa, a regional trade hub. Ivory trade is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Poaching has risen sharply in Africa in recent years. Besides targeting rhinos, whole herds of elephants have been massacred for their ivory. The illegal ivory trade, estimated to be worth between $7 billion and $10 billion a year, is mostly fuelled by demand in Asia and the Middle East, where elephant tusks and rhinoceros horns are used in traditional medicine and to make ornaments. AFP ROME Coward or scapegoat? Italian cruise captain goes on trial FRANÇOISE KADRI WITH his slick hair and macho-man image, the captain of the Costa Concordia has been portrayed as a villain who crashed and then abandoned his cruise ship in a tragedy that claimed 32 lives. But as Francesco Schettino s trial opens in Italy on July 9, some lawyers are saying he should not be the sole defendant and Costa Crociere, Europe s biggest cruise operator, should share the blame. The 52-year-old Mr Schettino is accused of crashing the giant liner on the night of January 13 last year, as he was trying to perform a risky salute manoeuvre just off the Tuscan island of Giglio. With 4229 people from 70 countries onboard, the Costa Concordia hit a rock, veered sharply and then keeled over near the shore, sparking a panicky and heavily delayed nighttime evacuation. Mr Schettino is accused of leaving the ship before all the passengers had been evacuated, earning him the nickname Captain Coward in the tabloid press. He has defended himself saying that the ship was already tilting at a 90-degree angle and that he was coordinating the rescue from the shore. Mr Schettino says he slipped and fell onto a lifeboat. The court will rule on the charges he faces of multiple manslaughter, abandoning ship and causing environmental damage but the trial by media has already delivered its guilty verdict. A widely quoted piece of evidence against him is a phone call in which a coast guard official is heard upbraiding Mr Schettino and ordering him to get back on board, for fuck s sake. Several passengers have said they saw Mr Schettino drinking on the night of the tragedy in the company of an attractive young blonde, later identified as Moldovan passenger Domnica Cemortan. At his home in Meta, a picturesque town of seafarers on the Amalfi Coast near Naples, locals initially defended the captain but have become increasingly critical in recent months. One of his former teachers at the prestigious Nino Bixio Nautical Institute said Mr Schettino was a risk-taker and pointed out that the ship was travelling far too fast at the moment of impact. There s a character problem there, Antonio Ferraiuolo said in a recent interview. While acknowledging he could be a showoff, several former colleagues have however defended Mr Schettino when questioned by investigators. Fellow Costa captain Mauro Mautone said he was a very serious, reliable, well-trained person. Another, Mario Moretta, said Mr Schettino was well-trained and with an excellent skill-set. Mr Schettino s lawyers, Domenico and Francesco Pepe, have said they will show the court that no single person was responsible for the disaster. They plan to probe the role played by Costa managers, the type of steel used to build the ship, as well as the apparent malfunctioning of sealed doors and back-up generators on board. Another group of lawyers calling themselves Justice for the Concordia, who are suing Costa on behalf of dozens of survivors, have said the company s managers should also stand trial. Costa has accepted responsibility as Mr Schettino s employer and has been ordered to pay 1 million euros (US$1.3 million), a controversial ruling that excludes the company from the criminal case. Mr Schettino himself has spoken very little since the tragedy, spending most of his time in his home after a court ordered him to stay in Meta. In one of his few comments, he has said that he is looking forward to the chance to explain himself in court and that his conscience is at peace. I will go to trial knowing that I can explain what happened, calmly, Mr Schettino said. AFP

40 International World 41 GENEVA Slump in mafia murders shows Italy s gangsters going clean ITALIAN mafia homicides have fallen by almost half in recent years, underscoring the gangsters ongoing shift into what look like legitimate business sectors, researchers said on July 2. Anna Alvazzi del Frate, research director of the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey think tank, told reporters that mafia killings in Italy dropped by 43 percent between 2007 and 2010, and the trend was continuing. We think that this may be related to the increasing involvement of mafia groups in business relations, for example through money laundering, including involvement with the white-collar sector, Alvazzi del Frate said. According to the Small Arms Survey s annual study which provides snapshots of firearms issues around the globe the risks of using extreme violence now appear to outweigh the perceived benefits for Italy s crime syndicates. This may lead them to avoid visibility and not draw law enforcement s attention, Alvazzi del Frate said at the study s launch. The problem of infiltration of organised crime into legal business is a very, very serious problem, she said. However, despite the reduction in lethal violence, mafia 43% the drop in mafia killings in Italy between 2007 and groups continue to maintain extensive firearm arsenals. Among other issues probed by the think tank was the relationship between conflicts and illicit market prices for ammunition. It does seem that rising illicit market prices do reflect an expectation that the security situation is bad and is likely to deteriorate, said Small Arms Survey researcher Nicolas Florquin. For example, prices in Lebanon for ammunition for M16 and Kalashnikov assault rifles jumped in April 2011, a month after the outbreak of the civil war in neighbouring Syria. They then dipped slightly, before holding steady, then rising fast from November 2011 to September 2012, when the Small Arms Survey s study concluded. It s ammunition prices, and not Kalashnikov prices or military rifle prices generally, that tell us more about conflict dynamics, which is a better indicator of changes in local situations, said Glenn McDonald, a senior researcher at the think tank. We see that ammunition prices are in fact following levels of fatality in Syria, he noted. The study showed that the global trade in small arms is worth around US$8.5 billion a year, with the illicit market making up almost half that sum. Almost three-quarters of the globe s 875 million firearms are in civilian hands. Approximately 526,000 people die gun-related deaths every year, but only 10pc are on the battlefield, the study said. AFP STRASBOURG EU lawmakers lift far-right French leader s immunity THE European Parliament on July 2 lifted immunity for French National Front leader Marine Le Pen, opening the way for her to face charges for likening the sight of Muslims praying in the street to Nazi occupation during World War II. The far-right leader, who was present for the vote in the parliament s chamber in Strasbourg along with her father and National Front founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, told France s BFMTV that the vote was a violation of her freedom of expression. She said the lifting of her immunity dishonours the European Parliament. I am a political adversary who is more dangerous than the others because of my results in the polls, she said. I will now defend myself in court and I am absolutely convinced that it will rule in my favour and defend my right to tell the French the truth about the situation. Ms Le Pen said that her views were shared by a majority of French people and that the lawmakers vote will bring to the fore the issue of daily violations against secularism in France. Prosecutors in Lyon in central France are investigating Ms Le Pen for alleged incitement to racial hatred over I am a political adversary who is more dangerous than the others because of my results in the polls. Marine Le Pen French National Front leader WELLINGTON Animated cartoon demystifies climate change THE Red Cross has launched a light-hearted education campaign aimed at those it describes as most vulnerable to climate change: Pacific islanders living on low-lying atolls threatened by rising seas. Red Cross disaster management specialist Tom Bamforth said the Pacific s complex weather patterns were well understood by scientists, but the knowledge was not filtering down to local decision-makers. To address the situation, the organisation has completed an Marine Le Pen, the president of France s far-right National Front party, sits in European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on July 2. Photo: AFP the remarks she made in a speech to National Front supporters in In the speech she denounced the holding of Muslim prayers in the streets of France where a dearth of mosques has forced many to pray outside. For those who like to talk about World War II, to talk about occupation, we could talk about, for once, the occupation of our territory, she said during the speech. There are no armoured vehicles, no soldiers, but it is an occupation all the same and it weighs on people. First elected to the European Parliament in 2004, Ms Le Pen won 18 percent of the vote in the first round of France s presidential election in 2012, the party s highest-ever score. The parliament s judicial committee last month voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of lifting her animated feature entitled The Pacific Adventures of Climate Crab, which uses humour to explain the science behind climate change in simple terms. If you talk about the South Pacific Convergent Zone, the Southern Oscillation or even El Niño and La Niña, very few people know what they actually mean, Mr Bamforth said. This animation is part of an attempt to interpret between what scientists are saying and what it actually means for local communities. Some Pacific island nations are only 1 metre (3 feet) above sea level and their long-term survival is threatened by waters rising due to global warming. Mr Bamforth said regional weather was becoming more extreme, and a better understanding of climate science would help islanders plan for disasters such as cyclones. There have been recent droughts in places like Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands where they have run out of potable water, he said. immunity a vote French lawmakers abstained from to avoid any accusation of a political settling of scores. As with many national parliaments, members of the European Parliament enjoy immunity from criminal and civil liability for opinions expressed as part of their duties. That immunity has been revoked dozens of times in the past. Her father Jean-Marie Le Pen had his European Parliament immunity revoked in 1998 when he said that Nazi gas chambers were a detail in the history of World War II. He has several convictions for racism and anti-semitism. The National Front s third European Parliament member, Bruno Gollnisch, was also in the chamber in Strasbourg on July 2. He complained that Marine Le Pen had not been able to address lawmakers, but was quickly rebuffed by European Parliament vice president Gianni Pittella who said that the rules stipulated she could have spoken to the judicial committee. Ms Le Pen was asked to appear three times but did not do so. The person concerned has not been able to express herself. This procedure is like the old Soviet Union rather than one fitting with the rules of this house, Mr Gollnisch said. The independent watchdog site VoteWatch Europe called Ms Le Pen one of the least active European lawmakers. She has never authored any report or resolution and her public speeches in the chamber are extremely rare. With a year to go before the next European elections, the National Front is neck and neck with the French Socialist party and the centre-right UMP with 21pc of voting intentions, according to a survey by the Ifop polling agency. AFP If we know there s going to be an El Niño weather event then we can start putting out messages about water conservation and water harvesting and these sort of things. The video at was launched in Fiji on July 2. A second short film called Cloud Nasara, focusing on Vanuatu, will be launched later this month. It features a reggae parrot and dancing cloud parties. AFP TRADE MARK CAUTION Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., a company incorporated under the law of Belgium, and having its principle place of business at Grand-Place 1, 1000 BRUSSELS, Belgium, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- STELLA Reg. Nos. 4/2127/2001, 4/8362/2006, 4/5389/2010 Reg. No. 4/5462/2010 STELLA ARTOIS Reg. Nos. 4/4002/1997, 4/8361/2006, 4/5388/2010 in respect of Class 32: Beers. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , , Fax: , info@untlaw.com For Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Dated: 8 July, 2013 TRADE MARK CAUTION DIAGEO SINGAPORE PTE LTD, a company incorporated under the laws of Singapore and having its principal place of business at 112 Robinson Road, #15-01, Singapore, , is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:- Reg. Nos. 4/487/2004 in respect of Class 33: Arak (arrack); beverages (Distilled); Spirits (beverages); Alcoholic extracts; Alcoholic beverages (except beer); Distilled beverages; Wine; Fruit extracts (alcoholic) Yellow wine; Alcohol (Rice); Beverages containing fruit (Alcoholic). Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Chit Swe, Advocate U Kyaw Moe Htet, Attorney at Law U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited saowalck@siamlaw.co.th For DIAGEO SINGAPORE PTE LTD Dated: 8 July, 2013

41 TRADE MARK CAUTION Diageo Brands B.V., a company organized and existing under the laws of The Netherlands and having its principal place of business at Molenwerf 10-12, 1014 BG Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- KEEP WALKING Reg. No. 4/9225/2008 RED LABEL Reg. Nos. 4/5874/2002, 4/1884/2004, 4/4365/2008 BLACK LABEL Reg. Nos. 4/1377/2003, 4/1882/2004, 4/4363/2008 BLUE LABEL Reg. Nos. 4/6110/2004, 4/9221/2008 GOLD LABEL Reg. Nos. 4/10042/2005, 4/2758/2009 PIMM S No.1 CUP Reg. Nos. 4/5393/2006, 4/4271/2009 GREEN LABEL Reg. No. 4/9223/2008 Reg. Nos. 4/2154/2004, 4/4367/2008 Johnnie Walker Black Label 3-D bottle get-up Reg. Nos. 4/1379/2003, 4/1873/2004, 4/4355/2008 JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK Reg. No. 4/994/2009 DOUBLE BLACK Reg. No. 4/995/2009 GOLD LABEL RESERVE Reg. Nos. 4/4368/2008 JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL Reg. Nos. 4/7076/2005, 4/2757/2009 GILBEY S Reg. No. 4/3825/2009 Reg. No. 4/3826/2009 Reg. No. 4/3824/2009 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers). JOHNNIE WALKER Reg. Nos. 4/5401/2006, 4/4224/2009 BLACK & WHITE Reg. Nos. 4/2342/1991, 4/5320/2000, 4/4839/2003, 4/1874/2004, 4/4356/2008 BUCHANAN S Reg. Nos. 4/2341/1991, 4/5324/2000, 4/4765/2003, 4/1883/2004, 4/4364/2008 WHITE HORSE Reg. Nos. 4/5396/2006, 4/4219/2009 Reg. Nos. 4/5395/2006, 4/4218/2009 DIMPLE Reg. Nos. 4/5389/2006, 4/4213 /2009 HAIG Reg. Nos. 4/5390/2006, 4/4214/2009 OLD PARR Reg. Nos. 4/5392/2006, 4/4216/2009 Reg. Nos. 4/6/1950, 4/4802/2003, 4/1876/2004, 4/4358/2008 SANDY MAC-Label Reg. Nos. 4/885/1923, 4/4770/2003, 4/1878/2004, 4/4360/2008 in respect of Class 33: Whisky. SWING Reg. Nos. 4/5400/2006, 4/4223/2009 in respect of Class 33: Whisky and other fermented liquors and spirits. GORDON S Reg. Nos. 4/5918/2004, 4/5788/2007, 4/5240/2010 in respect of Gin, cocktails, bitters, sloe gin, whisky Int l Class 33. TANQUERAY Reg. Nos. 4/4790/2004, 4/5786/2007, 4/5238/2010 in respect of Wines, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails in Int l Class 33. Reg. Nos. 4/2343/1991, 4/4807/2003, 4/1877/2004, 4/4359/2008 Johnnie Walker Red Label 3-D bottle get-up Reg. Nos. 4/1381/2003, 4/1880/2004, 4/4361/2008 Reg. Nos. 4/5399/2006, 4/4222/2009 in respect of Class 33: Wines, spirits and liqueurs. Reg. Nos. 4/5398/2006, 4/4221/2009 in respect of Class 33: Fermented liquors and spirits. JOHNNIE WALKER Reg. No. 4/9222/2008 Johnnie Walker Blue Label 3-D bottle get-up Reg. Nos. 4/1390/2003, 4/1881/2004, 4/4362/2008 Johnnie Walker 3-D bottle get-up Reg. Nos. 4/1885/2004, 4/4366/2008 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages Reg. Nos. 4/5388/2006, 4/4212/2009 VAT 69 Reg. Nos. 4/5/1950, 4/4837/2003, 4/1875/2004, 4/4357/2008 Reg. No. 4/9224/2008 in respect of :- Class 18: Articles included in Class 18 made of leather or imitation leather; travelling bags; backpacks (for climbers), umbrellas, duffel bags, bootbags, holdalls; wallets; bags; belts; purses; credit card holders; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Class 25: Clothing, footwear and headgear. in respect of Class 33: Scotch whisky. Continue to page 43

42 Asia-Pacific World 43 BEIJING Chinese general warns India against new trouble KELLY OLSEN AN outspoken Chinese general known for his nationalist views warned India on July 4 against stirring up new trouble in a long-running border dispute. The Indian side should not provoke new problems and increase military deployment at the border areas and stir up new trouble, Major General Luo Yuan told reporters. Mr Luo, the deputy director general of the world military research department at a People s Liberation Army academy, described himself at a briefing as a reasonable hardliner. His articles appear prominently in state media and he has 320,000 followers on Sina Weibo, a popular Twitter-like micro-blogging site. He made waves last year with comments questioning the legitimacy of Japanese sovereignty over the Ryukyu Islands, a chain that includes Okinawa and hosts numerous United States military bases. India is the only country in the world that says that it is developing its military power because of China s military threat, said Mr Luo, who was wearing a business suit. So I believe that India should be very cautious in what it does and what it says. A high-altitude frontier dispute between the nuclear-armed giants in the Himalayas has simmered for decades but intensified in May over troop movements in the region. New Delhi alleged Chinese troops intruded nearly 20 kilometres (12 miles) into Indian-claimed territory. A three-week standoff ensued and was resolved after talks between local military leaders and a withdrawal of troops from both sides. The border situation was now generally under control following a visit to India in May by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Mr Luo said. Covering a wide range of topics, Mr Luo touched on China s history of humiliation by foreign powers in the 19 th and 20 th centuries. No other major country in this world has been subjected to foreign aggression and invasion by other major countries, so that is why no other country is more eager than China to become strong, he said. Besides India, Mr Luo also took swipes at the US and the Philippines over a territorial row China has with the Southeast Asian country. Calling the US biased, he said Washington has added fuel to the fire by cooperating with Manila amid the maritime dispute. The role of the Philippines in the South China Sea is actually, in my view, a troublemaker, he said. On June 30, Manila accused Beijing of a massive military buildup in the sea, which is also the site of rival claims by Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Asked by AFP if Beijing s close ally North Korea which this year threatened to attack the US with nuclear weapons was also a troublemaker, Mr Luo suggested, albeit indirectly, that it was. He referred to a speech Chinese President Xi Jinping gave in April saying there should be no tolerance for those fostering chaos for selfish gains, wording widely seen at the time as criticising Pyongyang without mentioning it by name. So we can imagine which country it is or which countries they are that are engaged in undermining peace and stability in our neighbouring environment for their own selfish gains, Mr Luo said. AFP From Page 42 BAH Aid reaches quake-hit Indonesia villages Reg. Nos. 4/4788/2004, 4/5784/2007, 4/5236/2010 in respect of Dry gin in Int l Class 33. Reg. Nos. 4/5917/2004, 4/5787/2007, 4/5239/2010 in respect of Wines (alcoholic), spirits (beverages), liqueurs and cocktails in Int l Class 33. Reg. Nos. 4/4789/2004, 4/5785/2007, 4/5237/2010 AID began to trickle in to devastated villages in Indonesia s Aceh province on July 4 where thousands have been left homeless after a powerful earthquake that killed at least 30 people. The 6.1-magnitude tremor sparked landslides, flattened buildings and injured hundreds in the natural-disasterprone province, where a tsunami triggered by an earthquake in 2004 claimed more than 170,000 lives. The quake, which struck on July 2 in Aceh s mountainous interior, caused a mosque to collapse in one village, killing six children as they took part in a Koran-reading session. The Red Cross said that some 5000 people fled their homes and many were in desperate need of food, blankets and shelter. Many villages in the worstaffected districts of central Aceh and Bener Meriah had been cut off following the quake. By July 4 many landslides blocking roads had been cleared and aid was beginning to arrive, said the national disaster agency. Today our priority is to put Photo: AFP A men stands in front of earthquake-damaged houses in Blang Mancung, Indonesia, on July 3. up tents for people who have taken refuge. They are also in desperate need of blankets, said agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. He said on July 4 that 30 people were confirmed dead, another 12 were still missing and 275 had been injured. More than 300 buildings have also been damaged, according to the agency. Four trucks from the local branch of the Red Cross were on their way to the worst-hit areas, said Fauzi Husaini, an Aceh-based official from the aid group. They were carrying hundreds of mats, tarpaulins, mosquito nets and blankets, as well as cooking equipment, clothes and toiletries, he said. Aid was yet to reach the village of Bah, where searchand-rescue teams were using shovels to clear a landslide under which four victims were believed to be buried, said an AFP reporter at the scene. It is now in the hands of God, said Maliki, the father of a 12-year-old boy believed to be buried in the landslide. But I still want to see my son, whether he is alive or dead. AFP BRIEFS Reg. Nos. 4/3661/2005, 4/4988/2008 in respect of Spirituous liquors Int l Class 33. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Chit Swe, Advocate U Kyaw Moe Htet, Attorney at Law U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited saowalck@siamlaw.co.th For Diageo Brands B.V. Dated: 8 July, 2013 Kuala Lumpur Fat Malaysian orangutan put on diet An obese orangutan has been put on a strict diet by Malaysian wildlife authorities after two decades of gorging on junk food handed out by tourists, a report said Friday. Jackie reportedly weighs 100 kilograms (16 stone), twice the normal weight of an adult female in the rich jungle habitats of Borneo island. The 22-year-old ape was relocated more than three months ago by the wildlife department in the state of Sabah - which lies in the northeast of Borneo - because visitors to the Poring forestry park kept feeding her. Department director Laurentius Ambu was cited in a newspaper report saying that Jackie s familiarity with her human caretakers led her to seek out tourists at the park s visitors area. I am glad that Jackie is a much happier orangutan now, Ambu was quoted as saying in The Star. Tokyo Bosses forced woman to wear bunny ears A 61-year-old Japanese woman was forced to wear bunny ears as a penalty for missing her sales targets, with photos of her humiliation used in company training programs, reports said. The woman, who was not named, was employed by cosmetics maker Kanebo in southwestern Oita. She sued the company, claiming mental distress after her bosses instructed her to don costumes if she did not meet her targets, including over-sized rabbit ears on one occasion, several papers reported. Four of her seniors took pictures of her in the outfits and used the snaps in presentation slides during training programs, the Mainichi Shimbun said. The woman claimed the company s actions had caused mental suffering that resulted in physical sickness and had demanded 3.3 million yen (US$33,000) compensation, the paper said. A court upheld her complaint, but ordered the company to pay just 220,000 yen, the Asahi daily said on July 2. Beijing Xinjiang security tightened on riot anniversary Security was ramped up in the capital of China s Xinjiang region, state media reported on July 5, the fourth anniversary of ethnic clashes which killed around 200 people. Two incidents earlier this month in the area, where mostly Muslim Uighurs are the largest group but members of China s Han majority dominate the economy, left at least 35 people dead. Wearing helmets, officers patrolled the capital holding guns and shields, said a report by the state-run Global Times. China commonly steps up patrols for the July 5 anniversary of the inter-ethnic riots but the report added: Last week s violence in the region has made authorities particularly watchful. AFP

43 44 the pulse THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 THE PULSE EDITOR: MANNY MAUNG E G T Y O U R F I N G E R S O N I T Traditions of the literary thief Wordsmiths stealing one anothers work is a long-standing but infamous tradition and one that lives on in Myanmar One of the surest of tests is the way in which a poet borrows. Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different. TS Eliot The Sacred Wood (1921) THE days may be gone when censorship meant writers lived in constant fear that their words would never be published. But one writer recently experienced the opposite problem: His work was published but his name wasn t on it. Nay Min Aung said in November last year he submitted some poems and articles to his friend, a journalist, asking him for assistance in getting the works published. But when the pieces appeared in print, he was surprised to find they had been put under the journalist s pen name. The journalist took my poems and articles to get published on Hello art journal and Ganbiya (Mystery) magazine, Nay Min Aung said. All too soon, my poem was published in the journal but under his byline. The journalist, who was taking credit for Nay Min Aung s work, asked him to write more, informing him whenever his poems and articles were published but never paying the honorariums that came with publication. I was happy to see my works zonpann08@gmail.com ZON PANN PWINT published but unhappy that they were published under somebody else s name, he said. In all, Nay Min Aung said about 10 poems and articles were published under the journalist s pen name. Since 2006, Nay Min Aung has published five children s stories. He is passionate about writing and left his home in Taunggyi in Shan State in 2006 to pursue his vocation in Yangon, which was where he met the freelance journalist. I was satisfied with devoting myself to writing so I didn t complain, Nay Min Aung said. But he did take the theft as a confirmation that his work deserved to be in print. I sent my stories to the publishing house myself later, he said. That Nay Min Aung was aware that his work was being stolen and did not complain to the newspaper makes his case unusual; that he went along with it shows how powerless many writers are in the quest to get their words in print. Poet Thitsar Ni, who said his early works were also published under someone else s pseudonym without his knowledge, said it s not an uncommon occurrence, adding that writers who are less well known are seen as particularly easy marks. Amateur writers from out of the town are easy victims, he said. They send the original piece to the editors of the magazines via an agent in anticipation that their writings will be published [but sometimes their] short stories and poems are published under a pseudonym or the name of the editor, he said. They can t complain when there is no proof and they need to be brave to speak out, Thitsar Ni said. Thitsar Ni s experience with plagiarism is slightly different to Nay Min Aung s, in that it was not his words but

44 the pulse 45 his ideas that were lifted. He said when he started to write poems in 1965, he used to send them to several magazine publishing houses in Yangon. The chief editor rejected my poems but one of the editors from the publishing house wrote a different poem, the style and of which were very similar to those of my poem that had been rejected, he said. Thitsar Ni declined to reveal the name of publishing house, but said such instances are not isolated occurrences. There are a few editors who copy the ideas of poems written by others and rewrite them slightly. Or, he added, they print the whole work written by someone else under a pseudonym, as happened with Nay Min Aung. Not all editors stoop to such lows, of course. U Myo Myint Nyein, editor of Shwe Amutae magazine, says when assessing submissions he is always considerate of the labour that has gone into the work. For me, I am not reluctant to select a manuscript for publication. But I drag my feet to reject a single story sent by a writer, out of respect for his honest effort, U Myo Myint Nyein said. He added that any changes made to a work by an editor should be made to help make it worthy of publication, not to take ownership. U Myo Myint Nyein said he did once find himself unwittingly publishing a poem under false pretences. A famous poet sent a poem to me and I published it in my magazine, he said. After publishing it, the well-known poet Maung Sein Win (Padeekone) complained to me about the poem, saying that his work had been copied exactly by someone else. That poet shifted some words of Maung Sein Win s poem and sent it to me as his work. In literature, U Myo Myint Nyein said it is acceptable for writers to be influenced by the books they like and for their writing styles to be influenced by the style of other writers they like. But it s not acceptable for someone to copy another person s ideas, words or work and pretend they are their own, he said. To guard against just this problem, U Myo Myint Nyein said his magazine makes it compulsory for contributors to sign their writing, stating their works are their own. And excellent work received out of the blue from an unknown name sometimes elicits suspicion. If a story is too good, I don t publish it at once, he said. I wait until two or three more stories [from the same writer] come, he said. U Myo Myint Nyein said that while copyright is a grey area in Myanmar, artists have a moral obligation not to copy other people s works. Sadly, he said, not all do. Copying each others books and writings, without the consent of the original authors, is a frequent occurrence in the literary field, he said, adding it also happens in film too. He cited a director who based a film on a writer s novel without consent, something the writer discovered only after the film s release. Lacking legal options, artists must band together to protect one another s work. After a recent compilation of short stories was found to contain a piece by writer Khin Hnin Yu that had been published under a different but wellknown author s name, the journal Flower News published an article condemning the writer who took credit for Khin Hnin Yu s story. In 2003, writer U Tin Oo (Tuition) caught a writer and translator publishing writer U Min Thant s work as his own. U Tin Oo wrote a three-page article and sent it to the editor of Padauk Myay magazine, where the plagiarised story had appeared. The editor at first wanted to keep the matter secret. Finally, U Tin Oo said, [The person who stole the words] put an apology letter in five prestigious journals and magazines, including The Myanmar Times and Mahaythi magazine. But U Tin Oo said such thefts don t always lead to apologies. I think such incidents rarely happen in the literary industry. Unfortunately, it happens too often that we don t even know that our work is being copied. They can t complain when there is no proof... and they need to be brave to speak out. Thitsar Ni Poet Darko from Side Effect perfoms in Yangon in June Photo: Greg Holland Sold-out Berlin show is Side Effect of local fame LWIN MAR HTUN name@myanmartimes.com.mm INDIE band Side Effect will be rocking their way through Germany, Denmark and Sweden this month on a six-show tour. Most of the dates will see the Yangonbased band spreading their music by playing in the supporting slot for European acts. But they re also headlining the first show of the tour, scheduled for July 10 in Berlin and tickets are already sold out. That day is our day, Darko, vocalist and guitarist for the band, told The Myanmar Times before flying out. We ve practised all our old and new songs over and over. Sometimes, I forget my words on stage, but if it happens that day I ll keep singing and moving because we ve practised again and again. If he does flub a few lyrics, no doubt the crowd will be able to help him out. Three of their new songs, with English lyrics, were released July 5 for digital download by a record label in Germany, giving fans a chance to learn some new favourites before the shows. We recorded those three songs on last year s German tour, Darko says. It will be easy to get to know our songs all around the world. It s a good thing for us. After the tour opener, the band will play two more concerts in Germany, opening for rock band Die Ärzte. The July 10 concert is only for us. Nearly all the audience is coming to see us. I don t have much worry over that day. But the July 12 concert is different from July 10 because that day is for the Die Ärzte band and all the audience members have come to see them. So, I have to attract their fans to become interested in our music. Playing to an audience who is waiting for someone else is never easy. At last year s tour, no one gave a big applause for the opening band, Darko said. But someone was paying attention. Die Ärzte invited Side Effect to return to Germany by getting in touch with Alexander Dluzak, who organised last year s concert, which has led to other European dates. After a third show in Germany on July 14, Side Effect will continue to Denmark for shows on July 19 and 20, where they ll be playing alongside The Binnacle List from Denmark. The show was set up by an organisation which was arranging events for Myanmar people in Denmark, Darko said, and The Binnacle List will be opening up for Side Effect at this show. The musical style of The Binnacle List is very close to Side Effect s music, so we really appreciate their thought for us, said Darko. After Denmark, both Side Effect and The Binnacle list will head to Sweden, though the exact dates of the show there had yet to be decided at the time of press. We were contacted by a member of Swedish band Quit Your Day Job, Darko said, which won t be playing but has worked to arrange the concert. Darko said all involved are looking forward to the trip, and has fond memories of their last trip overseas. Although we performed in a club, the lighting and sound arrangements were perfect, he said. The professionalism of the My band is also my family and we are going to stick together with music. Darko Side Effect front-man German crew marked the biggest difference from their usual shows, he said. He also noticed a difference in the fans. In Germany, people want to know about new things. When we went there, they wanted to know what a Myanmar band was like, and they came to see us. He said it s harder to break through in Myanmar, where people don t want to see a band they don t already know. He s grateful, however, that enough people, both at home and abroad, have supported Side Effect s music and made this tour possible. My band is also my family and we are going to stick together with music. I can t imagine going to European countries with my own money. We re not superstars. By the end of the month, though, they may be a few steps closer.

45 46 the pulse local THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Vanishing treasures on display Pansodan Gallery s U Aung Saw Min proudly shows off his new arts journal. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing A new avenue for arts zonpann08@gmail.com ZON PANN PWINT PANSODAN Street in downtown Yangon has long been a favourite haunt of artists, writers and book lovers, says artist U Aung Soe Min. That s why, as a badge of honour, he has named his new arts and culture journal Pansodan. My journal is dedicated to Pansodan Street where we have spent such a long time seeking knowledge, he said. The 16-page journal, which is expected to launch in mid-july, will be a weekly bilingual publication featuring articles in both Myanmar and English. U Aung Soe Min says the print run will remain small. The journal is specially aimed at the limited number of readers who look for knowledge about arts and TRADE MARK CAUTION Diageo North America, Inc., of 801 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT , U.S.A., is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks:- Reg. Nos. 4/4690/2005, 4/5161/2008 CROWN ROYAL Reg. Nos. 4/4694/2005, 4/5162/2008 CÎROC Reg. Nos. 4/6842/2005, 4/5455/2008 GO AGAINST THE GRAIN Reg. Nos. 4/2298/2006, 4/3519/2009 culture. But he feels those who do buy copies will be rewarded. The weekly journal is aimed at filling a gap in the art field. People want to know more about Myanmar art and culture but there is a very limited number of journals and magazines which provide in-depth coverage. Topics will include reviews of exhibitions, artist profiles and commentary on literature, the arts and culture written by scholars from here and abroad. U Aung Soe Min is already well known among Pansodan regulars as the owner of Pansodan Art Gallery, a fixture of the street at No 286 since 2008 and soon to relocate into a larger space at No 144. Nance Cunningham, who cofounded Pansodan Art Gallery, and Camille McDorman will edit the English section, while poet Maung Lin Yaik and U Aung Soe Min will edit the Myanmar section. The journal will be published every Friday with copies priced at K1000. Reg. Nos. 4/4693/2005, 4/2672/2008, 4/5006/2011 Reg. Nos. 4/4689/2005, 4/2669/2008, 4/5003/2011 Reg. Nos. 4/4688/2005, 4/2668/2008, 4/5002/2011 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages, namely, wines, spirits and liqueurs. NYEIN EI EI HTWE nyeineieihtwe23@gmail.com AN art show highlighting the gradual disappearance of Myanmar s treasures opened at Gallery 65 on Yaw Min Gyi Road (Dagon township) on June 6. The driving force behind hosting the exhibition is to show the audience the artwork that illustrate the nation s threatened treasures, U Myint Maung Kyaw said. The show included painting and photographs of natural attractions, as well as the lifestyles, customs and dress of different ethnic groups. Photographers from the each part of country who watch the changing environment sent their photos to our exhibition, and we added our own artwork and graphic designs, U Myint Maung Kyaw said. We didn t know whether our exhibition would attract people but the purpose was to New show offers portrait of the artists as young students SHOOTING has wrapped on a new show about the trials and tribulations of art students in Myanmar. Shot at Laurel Art Academy, which produces Myanmar movies, videos and drama series, Pannuyaung Thansin (Pink Melody) is based on real events. It tells the stories of those who have chosen to make their way to the art world and the difficulties they encounter as a result. The founder and director of the series said the new show is a way to encourage others who are thinking of devoting themselves to art. I want to give the message that parents should not neglect their children s hope, ambition and interest, Daw Thidar Lin said. Parents should raise their show our treasures to both the government and the public. Composer Myint Moe Aung gave out DVDs of music videos, which include poems set to music, to attendees. I set song essays for the Save the Ayeyarwady exhibition last year but compiled new essays for this event, said Myint Moe Aung. The DVDs include three poems: one from famous poet Min Thu Won, and the remaining two by Myint Moe Aung. My poems are intended for my mom and son, he added. The organisers are already planning a third instalment of the exhibition in November, U Myint Maung Kyaw said. The Vanishing Treasures of Myanmar 2 exhibition closes July 8, and was organised by designer U Myint Maung Kyaw, composer Myint Moe Aung, environmentalist Myint Zaw, writer Ko Tar and writer Juu. The exhibit follows an earlier show in March. children to live their whole lives with their interests. The show features actors Naing Naing, Kyaw Soe, Naw Li Sar and Aye Thidar, as well as the students of Laurel Art Academy themselves. It will be shown in 20 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Also included will be performances by a well-known singer, art students and dancers. This series was a first experience for Laurel Art Academy and for me too, Daw Thidar Lin said. I put on 32 performances for the audience and tried to connect each episode together. I hope people like it. Pannuyaung Thansin will be shown on MRTV and 5 Plus although dates are yet to be confirmed. Nandar Aung Photographer s camera smashed at Shwedagon Pagoda Reg. Nos. 4/4691/2005, 4/2670/2008, 4/5004/2011 in respect of Class 33: Alcoholic beverages. SMIRNOFF Reg. Nos. 4/4692/2005, 4/2671/2008, 4/5005/2011 Reg. Nos. 4/4687/2005, 4/2667/2008, 4/5001/2011 in respect of Class 33: Wines, spirits and liqueurs. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law. U Chit Swe, Advocate U Kyaw Moe Htet, Attorney at Law U Nyunt Tin Associates International Limited, Intellectual Property Division Tel: , , Fax: , info@untlaw.com Partnership in practice with Ms. Saowaluck Lamlert, Attorney at Law Siam Premier International Law Office Limited saowalck@siamlaw.co.th For Diageo North America, Inc. Dated: 8 July, 2013 A EUROPEAN Pressphoto Agency (EPA) photographer Lynn Bo Bo has requested the Myanmar Press Council review an incident that took place on July 1 when, he alleges, Shwedagon Pagoda trustees pushed him to the ground, causing his camera lens to break. Lynn Bo Bo was working on assignment, taking photos of visiting Thai Princess Siri Don at Shwedagon Pagoda when the incident occurred. A member of pagoda trustee pushed me and I was down but he shouted at me, pointing an umbrella at me, said Lynn Bo Bo. He says he is angry at the way he was treated by the trustees, and wants a guarantee that the pagoda they will no longer treat photographers and journalists in such a way. Lynn Bo Bo says he went to the Dagon township police station shortly after the incident took place but was told it was not a matter that concerned them. I didn t understand their questions and explanations. They asked me if the trustees yelled at me but I answered no, and they said it is not a criminal matter so would not take any action on that, Lynn Bo Bo said. They said that, since I didn t know the person s name, it would be difficult to take action against him. Nyein Ei Ei Htwe

46 the pulse 47 Living well in Myanmar Better than a good doctor is a good lifestyle CHRISTOPH GELSDORF MD livingwellmyanmar@gmail.com Sufferers of Parkinson s disease are being encouraged to combat the disease through movement, including dance. Photo: Bloomberg Movement is medicine : Dance for Parkinson s disease THE first thing to notice at Lucy Bowen McCauley s dance class for people with Parkinson s disease is the range of symptoms among the 15 people seated in a wide circle around the room. There is a guy with the severe hand tremors that I associate with the degenerative neurological disorder. But there s also a woman who moves with a stiff, awkward gait, a woman confined to a wheelchair and another man who shuffles and suffers from a pronounced, repetitive twitch of his mouth. A few people appear to have nothing wrong at all. Most of them are friends and relatives there to support Parkinson s sufferers, I would find out later, but one is a fellow who has calmed his symptoms with a deep-brain stimulator implanted in his head. That is Parkinson s -- a range of terrible, idiosyncratic, life-altering symptoms caused by the loss of various neurotransmitting chemicals in critical parts of the brain. The music starts, and it is clear these people are united by more than just the bad break they share. Their brains - all our brains, actually - love music, rhythm and dance in some primal way that creates joy and nourishes the body. Especially a body wracked by tremors or slowed by herky-jerky arms and legs. We just trump the disease while we re here, McCauley says after the class at Maryland Youth Ballet in Silver Spring. It s the perfect antidote. Movement is medicine, powerful preventive stuff that keeps your arteries clear and your muscles strong. Here, exercise is therapy, perhaps no match for Parkinson s disease over the two decades that it generally inflicts misery on its 1 million victims, but certainly a dose of nonprescription relief in the short term. In a 2009 review of the relatively scant medical literature on dance as therapy for Parkinson s, researchers found it as effective as other forms of exercise and noted additional advantages: Music may serve as an Exercise literally produces chemical changes in your brain that are beneficial. Joyce Oberdorf National Parkinson Foundation external cue that facilitates movement; dance involves stopping and restarting movement, something that is difficult for some people with Parkinson s; dance requires multitasking; and dance is social -- an activity that fosters relationships and keeps people with Parkinson s from withdrawing from communities. It s like Miracle-Gro for your brain, says Joyce Oberdorf, president and chief executive of the National Parkinson Foundation. Exercise literally produces chemical changes in your brain that are beneficial, especially when you re a quart low on dopamine, as people with Parkinson s are. Music and rhythm also appear to benefit people with dementia in some similar ways. Calling for more study, the Parkinson s researchers nevertheless concluded that the benefits of dance for those with PD appear to be of large enough magnitude to be clinically meaningful. Parkinson s sufferers and their advocates long ago decided that is true. The movement started in Brooklyn in 2001, when the organiser of a Parkinson s support group persuaded the Mark Morris Dance Group, an internationally known professional troupe, to offer dance instruction to people with the disease. Since then, it has spread to more than 100 communities in the United States and eight other countries, according to the Dance for PD Web site. The Parkinson Foundation also offers dance classes at its 23 chapters across the country, and other groups offer them as well. After a series of warm-ups and stretches, McCauley and another teacher, Alvaro Palau, take their students through dance steps while they hold onto barres and, finally, through some moves around the floor. The music, Mack the Knife, Memories and the like, is decidedly from the past, but even that has a purpose. According to Oberdorf, it cues up a time when these people moved more freely, helping them visualise a body that once was able to do more. To end the class, they hold hands in a circle and, one by one, each bows theatrically to the person next to him or her. It is a wordless gesture of thanks, of empathy, of support that is impossible to miss. Then they all bow once more, together, toward the center of the circle, and head outside into the rain. Bloomberg REGARDLESS of whether I am treating patients at my clinics in Yangon or Northern California, I can t suggest a medical intervention with more potential benefit than improving a patient s lifestyle. In the last 150 years, however, Western medicine has become the globally dominant curative modality precisely because it offers a series of specific responses to diseases of specific organs. The appeal of fixing a problem using pills or surgery is the basis for most of our national healthcare systems and has created the global biomedical complex. From a purely statistical point of view, however, we don t have any magical tablets that are better at keeping you well than leading a healthy lifestyle. Is there a way in which you can reduce your chances of having a heart attack, getting cancer, suffering from joint pain, struggling with dementia or becoming incapacitated from a stroke? Yes, it s called optimising your lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce: - the chance of having a heart attack by 83 percent - the chance of having a stroke by 79pc - the chance of all cancers by between 36 to 64pc - the chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 93pc - the chance of high blood pressure by 78pc - the chance of heart failure by 47pc - your overall chance of dying by up to 65pc So what does a leading a healthy lifestyle mean? There are five basic choices: Eat vegetables, beans, nuts, fish and olive oil; don t smoke; exercise 90 minutes each week; don t become overweight; and drink a glass of alcohol (but not more) every day. A good doctor should hassle you about these choices at every visit. A great doctor will help you take the steps to achieve these goals. Of course, you don t need a doctor for any of it you just need to decide that lifestyle maximisation is right for you and your family. I ll address aspects of lifestyle in more detail in future issues of this column. However, a suggested initial approach is to think about which of these five choices sound most attractive and address those first. It s less important to fix everything right away than it is to take it slow and increase the likelihood of doing most things right for many years. By doing this, the statistics will start to be on your side. Oily fish helps fight breast cancer EATING a portion of tuna, salmon, sardines or other oily fish once or twice a week reduces the risk of breast cancer, according to a review published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Researchers based in China looked at 26 previously published studies covering more than 800,000 volunteers in the United States, Europe and Asia whose health was monitored and who gave details about their eating habits. Oily fish is rich in so-called n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, or n-3 PUFAs, which are involved in the immune system, blood-vessel activity and chemical messaging in the brain. The group of n-3 PUFAs has four members, known by their initials. EPA, DPA and DHA are mainly found in oily fish and ALA is chiefly found in nuts, seeds and leafy vegetables. The analysis showed that women with a high intake of n-3 PUFAs had a 14 percent reduction in risk of breast cancer compared with those who had a low intake. But the protective effect came only for fatty acids that come chiefly from fish, and not for ALA acids. Those who showed the most benefit were women in Asia, whose diet was richer in fish than in Europe and America. In statistical terms, every 0.1-gram increase in fish fatty acids a day was linked to a 5pc reduction in breast cancer risk. As a guide for daily living, this means one or two portions of oily fish a person a week. Breast cancer has been dubbed a silent killer of women because it is often diagnosed too late. The disease accounted for 23pc of total cancer cases among women and 14pc of cancer deaths in 2008, according to figures in the study. Genetic heritage also plays a role in breast cancer, most notoriously in variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, although how this interacts or not with food, lifestyle and environmental factors is unclear. The Washington Post

47 48 the pulse THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 JAM IT! A night for seconds GREG HOLLAND J AM IT! produced yet another long, sweaty night of diverse music at Eucalypt restaurant and bar on June 29. The condensation dripping off the roof and the beer paddling pool in front of the stage are now becoming a monthly fixture at the restaurant thanks to the promotion and the large dedicated crowds that turn out to see this eclectic mix of local musicians. No U Turn proved once again there was no looking back as they steamrolled forward, delivering an uncompromising set of punk rock blasts. No U Turn know exactly how to kick start a night of mixed music and the crowd was fully encapsulated by the performance. Harnessing this energy were local emerging hip hop stars One Way, channelling what seemed to be full support of Snoop Dog s re-emergence as reggae artist, Snoop Lion. The three members were all donned in Rastafarian regalia and wore T Shirts stating Proud of being Myanmar. They delivered a slick and flawless set of proper hip hop not Chris Brown or NeeYo inspired, but a Beastie Boys charged style of Hip Hop that demonstrated their energy and flair. Cyclone proved just as damaging, with G-Tone and crew setting rhythms and rhymes that would have had most peoples tongues in knot. At one point, G-Tone did stumble, but the forgiving crowd was there, rapping wax-lyrical back at him to set him at his pace again. RAD Promotions were really ticking the diversity box when the next act came on stage. Fever 109, were a mass of long hair, Black Sabbath and Lamb of God T shirts, sweat, riffs and did I mention sweat? Sometimes death metal can be super seriously boring and sometimes you come across a band like Fever 109 who, while remaining a serious group of musicians, have so much fun doing what they are doing, despite how relentlessly brutal their musical output is. The riffs were crushing: the drums were like machine gun fire in my right ear as the bass sounded like mortar shells in TRADE MARK CAUTION KDDI Corporation, a Company incorporated in Japan, of 3-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:- KDDI Reg. No. 3979/2013 Reg. No. 3980/2013 in respect of Class 9: Electric and optical fiber cables; electrical communication machines, instruments and equipment, namely, telephones, cellular telephones, telephone exchangers, facsimile machines, radiotransmitters, radars, modems, encoders and antennas; electronic machines, instruments and equipment and parts and fittings thereof, namely, computers, computer peripherals, electronic circuits, semiconductor devices, computer programs for use in operating, controlling, maintaining and managing a local or global computer network and for use in superimposing digital map contents transmitted through a computer network, and pre-recorded electronic circuits, disks and CD-ROMs, all carrying aforesaid computer programs; vending machines; measuring device instruments and equipment, namely, thermometers, rulers, projectors, plastic testing machines, temperature indication sheets, namely, thermosensitive temperature indicator strips; cinematographic films containing drama or comedy, slide film and photographic slide transparencies, slide film mounts, pre-recorded video discs and tapes containing comedy, drama or games; video game machines for commercial use with television; games devices adapted for use with television receivers only. Class 36: Leasing of office space for use in relation to computer hardware. Class 37: Installation, maintenance and repair of computer hardware and consultancy services relating thereto. Class 38: Cable television broadcasting; Cellular telephone communication; communication by telephone; communication by transmission of messages and data my left. All the while, I had Fever One s lead singer s pitch perfect guttural growls and high pitched squeals blasting me in the face. There is an unspoken rule among metal heads that once the music surpasses a certain heaviness, any male with long hair must remove their T-shirt and whip their hair around. This rule went unbroken about 20 seconds in Fever 109 s performance. Thankfully, engineers and product designers in the manufacturing of music equipment had the foresight to make their guitars and mic s withstand heavy moisture, because if these instruments were not sweat proof, RAD would have had quite the dilemma on their hands. Once again, JAM IT! threw a flawless show and hosted a wide range local talent, proving there is a lot to sing about despite what your musical preference is. via computer terminals; communication by transmission of sound and image via satellites, cable, microwave and optical fiber; communication by videotext; consulting service for telecommunication; electronic mail services; facsimile transmission and communication; paging services by radio, telephone or other means of electronic communication; satellite communication; synthetic digital communication, namely, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network); telegram transmission and communication; teleprinter exchange transmission and communication; television broadcasting; television conference communication; radio broadcasting; cable radio broadcasting; news agencies services for broadcasting of news items to news reporting organizations; news agencies services for electronic transmission of news items to news reporting organizations; rental and/or leasing of communication equipment in general, namely, telephones and/or facsimile machines; and agencies for operating communication equipment, namely, leasing of communication equipment; and providing information in the field of communications and broadcasting via global computer network. Class 42: acupuncture; beauty salons; bone-resetting by judo technique; computer programming and/or maintenance of computer software; creating and maintaining web sites for others; dentistry; designing and planning for establishment of communication networks by communication satellite; designing of computer systems; diagnosis and instruction service about introduction and utilization of computer; editing books in the field of computers; engineering service in the field of global computer networks; hairdressing salons; health services in the nature of moxa cautery (moxibusion); marriage partner introduction and/ or dating services, namely, marriage bureau, and providing information thereof, providing wedding chapel ceremony and reception facilities and providing information on wedding chapel ceremony and wedding reception facilities, funeral services and providing information thereof, providing graveyard and/or charnel houses and providing information thereof, designing facilities which are composed of machines, apparatus and/or equipment including their parts, namely, designing of industrial designs, interior designs, graphic art designs, package designs; massage and/or therapeutic fingerpressing; medical services; physical examination; preparation of medicines; Providing accommodation and/or lodgings and providing information on restaurant service; providing No U Turn perform in Yangon on June 29 as part of the JAM IT! line up. Photo: Greg Holland cooking information; providing geographical information, namely, global positioning systems; providing information on beauty salons and hairdressing salons; providing information on biotechnology, providing information on ingredients, effect, usage, pharmacology, reciprocal actions and the like of medical products; providing information on color coordinates for the designs of the interior and the exterior; providing information on computer programming; providing information on diagnosis and instruction service about introduction and utilization of computer, namely, providing plans, development, providing maintenance and consultation of computer software; providing information on fortune telling by using communication services of mobile phone and/or computer terminals; providing information on health; providing information on medical treatments; providing information on science and technology; providing meteorological information; providing technological information on electronic parts; public baths and providing information on public baths, providing information of articles in newspapers and magazines via computer terminals; rental and/or leasing of computers (including central processing unit and programmed-data carrying electronic circuits, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes and peripheral equipment for computers); research and development of communication system between computers. technical consultation, design, research and development in the fields of computer system, computer software, computer network, telecommunication, reciprocal communication and broadcasting; research and development of communication technology; research for building construction and/or city planning; research, development and consultation on telecommunication equipment; serving food and drink, namely, restaurant services; testing and/or research for prevention of pollution and providing information thereof, electrical testing and/or research and providing information on chemistry. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L. for KDDI Corporation P.O. Box 60, Yangon makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 8 July 2013

48 the pulse 49 BANGKOK Adventures in dining: flying chickens and robot waiters who serve FROM chickens catapulted across tables to meals dished up with a generous portion of sexual health advice, Bangkok is doing a roaring trade in unusual dining experiences. The Thai capital, renowned as much for its commitment to fun as it is for fiery cuisine, has embraced the odd, amusing and bizarre in a bid to lure customers through the door. In the city suburbs, staff at Ka Tron restaurant delight customers by loading cooked chickens into a catapult and firing them across a stage where they are caught on a spike by a waiter riding a unicycle. Despite the pressure that comes with live performance, their catch rate is impressive. We have been going 26 years and we have probably fired hundreds of thousands of chickens, but we have only dropped a few hundred, said restaurant owner Nattaset Rattanapipob. It may be far from an everyday restaurant job, but the waiters say the trick seems to be working for the punters. The way we do things is better, said waiter Sorasak Pomkalong. Across town a Japanese restaurant has deployed its own gimmick - two large robots wheel up and down the tables delivering meals to diners. Once the novelty wears off, customers at Hajime can then order the robots to dance. But as with all things mechanical, robot waiters come with a risk of malfunction. During the first few hours of the day if the robot is stuck we have the support teams standing by, said Pimol Paitaku, marketing manager at Hajime restaurant. It works most of the time. Bangkok has plenty of unique dining experiences including Cabbages and Condoms which serves sexual health and family planning advice alongside noodles with the tagline our food is guaranteed not Inventive dining in Bangkok, as patrons are served by robot waiters in Hajime restaurant in Bangkok. Photo: AFP to get you pregnant. To emphasise the point, once customers have paid they get their changed returned with a complimentary condom. And while Thais are serious about their food, people in the City of Angels appear willing to try anything. They are looking for unique experiences, whether that is something no-one else has eaten or some kind of performance, or something that attracts the eye, said food blogger Dwight Bkk Fatty Turner. So I think all of those things combined makes Bangkok a very special city to eat in. AFP Local rockers Bloodsugar Politik does Hanoi double-take NUAM BAWI hknuambawi@gmail.com YANGON-BASED indie-punk band Bloodsugar Politik have been invited to play in Hanoi for a second round of their fast-paced, punchy tunes. Front man of the band, Han Htue Lwin says he s thrilled but also a little mystified at the invitation from the American-owned Cargo Bar in Hanoi. I m not sure if they even saw us the last time we played there, but maybe they heard our music and liked it, said band front-man Han Htue Lwin. It s a fantastic opportunity and we re way more confident this time. Talking about their debut in Vietnam last year, he said they had no idea what to expect. We just went with no previous experience to something like this, he remarked. But to be invited again perhaps suggest we didn t do too bad! I m not sure if they even saw us the last time we played there but maybe thety heard our music and like it. Han Htue Lwin Bloodsugar Politik The unique thing about Bloodsugar Politik is that they write their song lyrics in English, potentially reaching a wider audience in South East Asia, and certainly making them popular with the local and expat populations back home. The tattooed trio that make up Bloodsugar Politik actually a side project of the better known Big Bag include vocalist and guitarist, Han Htue Lwin, bassist Ye Zaw Myo and drummer V No Tun. Bloodsugar Politik released their first album called One Second Sentence in 2012 and is available on the itunes store. Their next Vietnam concert will be held July 12 and 13. Tickets and pricing are available from Holy Grail producer wins royalties case against Pythons IN PICTURES POLAND: Talk about a traffic stopper: three pole dancers in central Poland have been honing their skills out in the streets, throwing their legs around signposts to the surprise and delight of many a passerby. Photo: Janek Skarzynski THE producer of the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail has won his battle in Britain s High Court to boost his share of the profits from the hit spin-off musical, Spamalot. Mark Forstater welcomed the ruling, which he estimates will net him about quarter of million dollars, but said he was sad that his friendships with the comedy stars had ended. Spamalot was created more than a decade ago by Eric Idle of Britain s Monty Python comedy troupe. Described on posters as being lovingly ripped off from the 1975 Holy Grail movie, it has been a huge success in London and on Broadway. While both sides agreed that Forstater was entitled to some of the merchandising and spin-off income from the original film, the dispute was over how much. Michael Palin and Terry Jones, who formed Monty Python in the 1960s with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman, appeared in court to give evidence against their former producer. I have always been adamant I was correct. I have been proved right justice has prevailed, Forstater, 69, said afterwards. There is a sadness though about having to face people who were my friends in court. He added: The friendship has gone. Terry Gilliam and I used to share a flat. We go back 51 years. AFP

49 50 the pulse tea break THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Universal Crossword SUDOKU PACIFIC Edited by Timothy E. Parker BEJEWELED By Tom Payne ACROSS 1 Picket line crosser 5 Disparaging remark 9 On the of (approaching) 14 Rio (John Wayne flick) 15 Spanish house 16 One who s in your business? 17 Black-and-white treat 18 Sign of what s to come 19 Hemispherical home 20 Scrubbing target 23 The Cramps Interior 24 Duo s word 25 Ill will 27 Madmen, south of the border 30 Classroom delivery 32 Well, be! 33 Humphrey the VP 36 Like the stepsisters in Cinderella 39 Word with driver s or booster 41 Sea gem 42 Three-sided rapier 43 Sumptuous light-years 46 Motel alternative 47 Equality 49 Some deer 51 Unstressed vowel sounds 53 Business outfit? 55 I ve got it now! 56 Place to learn some manners 62 Language in Calcutta 64 In of (supplanting) 65 Aquarium dweller 66 Land of the Raj 67 Big name in jazz singers 68 Gripe, gripe, gripe 69 Swiss city that borders France and Germany 70 Padded pad, perhaps 71 Roman welcomes DOWN 1 Clutter creator 2 Wife of Mr. Dithers 3 Assist illegally 4 Poor me! 5 Clean with steel wool 6 Epitomes of innocence 7 One logging in 8 Madras monarch 9 Winners gestures 10 Famous Siamese twin 11 It lays out the dough 12 Leave the house 13 High-strength adhesive 21 Keister or fanny 22 Crunch creator 26 Pouting puss 27 Speak like Sylvester the Cat 28 Substitute spread 29 One way to show support 30 60s tripper Timothy 31 Is fallible 34 Snooty 35 Get the better of 37 Advance on credit 38 Pinings 40 Warming 45 Snappy 48 Like some profiling or relations 50 Cornell locale 51 Address in colonial India 52 Expensive dishes 53 Something in a trash heap 54 Unextraordinary 57 Guinness who was knighted 58 Incite anger 59 Kingly name in Norway 60 Barbarous one 61 Baby seats? 63 Hard (1988) DILBERT BY SCOTT ADAMS PEANUTS BY CHARLES SCHULZ CALVIN AND HOBBES BY BILL WATTERSON PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Laugh all the way to the bank when you rent this space. The tea break page is being re-formatted in readiness for our move to a daily cycle. It may look something like this in the future. Our market research shows that a page like this attracts a large number of readers, who loyally read it every day. Ring Khin Thandar Htay our National Sales Director to book this space permanently and laugh all the way to the bank with the extra business coming in your door. Telephone us now on

50 the pulse food and drink 51 Rice salads: Quick, easy and healthy I LOVE making rice salads as a change of pace from traditional rice and curry dishes. They make a refreshing and tasty one-bowl dish. They can be vegetarian or can be made to satisfy the meat-lover as well simply by adding sausages, minced meat or bacon. In this week s first recipe, I have used curry powder in a rice salad. Its golden colour makes an attractive presentation next to the fresh green appearance of the snow peas, and the aroma smells yummy. Frying the curry powder carefully in oil gives an even nicer smell to the dish. Curried rice and snow pea salad. Photo: Phyo PHYO'S COOKING ADVENTURE For added flavour, you can cook the rice in chicken stock or vegetable stock rather than plain water. If you do, make sure to use stock without any MSG. Finishing off the rice with a few dashes of sesame oil or fried peanut oil means you won t miss that artificial taste one bit. This week s second recipe is a light and refreshing rice salad. Fresh herbs are so nice to eat with plain rice dressed with a small bit of oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. The sharp flavours of herbs are calmed by the sweetness of the raisins and nutty taste of walnuts, making this rice salad the perfect accompaniment for a BBQ dinner. CURRIED RICE AND SNOW PEA SALAD INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) 2 cups uncooked rice 1 tablespoon curry powder 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 cup water 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup frozen peas grams snow peas 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds salt and pepper to taste DRESSING 2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice PREPARATION Wash the rice and dry well. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder quickly and fry until the aroma comes out. Add dry rice and toss, making sure all grains are evenly coated with curry powder. Transfer rice to a rice cooker and add frozen peas, stock and water to cook. You can also choose to steam them instead. When rice is cooked, spread gently on a large plate or tray to cool. Meanwhile, mix ingredients for dressing thoroughly. Bring 1 cup water to a boil and blanch snow peas for 3 minutes. Remove them and run them under ice-cold water to prevent them from overcooking. Drain and dry. In a large bowl, combine rice, snow peas and pumpkin seeds, then sprinkle the dressing over. Toss gently with salt and black pepper for taste. RICE SALAD WITH HERBS AND WALNUTS INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6) 2 cups rice 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves 1 cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves 1 cup loosely packed coriander leaves 5 spring onions (white parts only) 1/3 cup walnuts in shells 1/3 cup raisins DRESSING 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice PREPARATION Cook rice in a rice cooker or by steaming, and spread gently on a large plate or tray to cool. Meanwhile, pick the leaves off all herbs, discarding stems. Wash leaves and pat dry. Crush walnuts, discard shells and roast nuts. Mix ingredients for dressing. Add salt and black pepper for taste. TIPS Take care when frying curry powder so you don t burn the powder or Rice salad with herbs and walnuts. Photo: Phyo yourself. When the oil is hot enough, take the pan away from the stove before adding the curry powder. Stir well and when you put the pan back on the stove, bring the heat back up slowly. In the second recipe balsamic dressing can be used instead of lemon juice. An easy way to mix either dressing is to put the ingredients in a jar and shake well. QUOTE Rice is great if you re really hungry and want to eat 2000 of something. Mitchell Lee Mitch Hedberg ( ) was an American stand-up comedian known for his unconventional words of wisdom. NEXT WEEK Italian style pumpkin and prawn rice. BBQ chicken to rival KFC DEEP fried chicken is pretty hard to beat and remains a favourite to the Myanmar palate. It s no surprise that yet another BBQ chicken brand is set to open in the country. The BBQ Chicken restaurant will open its first store in Myanmar on July 12 on Bogyoke Aung San Road in Yangon, and will serve, yep, you guessed it. The chain has been made famous throughout Korea and will be franchised in Myanmar through the privately owned Myanmar Culinary Holdings Company. Management, the chefs and I have all studied at the BBQ Chicken University in Korea and we will open our restaurant instilling the highest standards, company representative, U Naing Win Aung told a press conference on July 4. BBQ chicken, Korean-style. Photo: Zarni The company even provided samples of the Golden Olive Chicken to the media gathered there. The chicken was fried in olive oil and the ingredients encompassed more than 30 ingredients from Korea delicious but possibly so many ingredients that they actually cancelled each other out in the end. The main difference is the franchise s ability to introduce different types of condiments to the palate, such as using vinegar to contrast the sweetness of the chicken. I think it would go well with a cold beer and a hot bowl of rice. There will be more western-style offerings on the menu, but go for the chicken. It s the standout item. BBQ Chicken restaurant has two floors and seats about 150. Pricing will finalised at the open. Lwin Mar Htun Golden view to golden food TIM MCLAUGHLIN tmclaughlin@gmail.com THE newly opened Golden View restaurant is hoping to lure Myanmar diners to teppanyaki - Japanese form of cuisine that involves cooking on an iron grill, known to American diners through the popular chain Benihana. Golden View is making a strong case with excellent food that is reasonably priced. Beef, chicken and prawn teppanyaki is priced at a comparitively low K4500 and comes with rice and a large portion of grilled vegetables. Ample sushi rolls include the well known favourites including California, spicy tuna and volcano and hand-rolled temaki. Sushi prices range from K2000 to K8000. Fruit juices are available for K the green apple is especially good - and the homemade black sesame ice cream is on the house. The flare from the cooks is limited: No onion volcano or flying prawns on display but the food is great. The beef and chicken were both prepared perfectly with plenty of delicious sauce. The volcano roll and shrimp temaki were well above the quality of sushi found at any other mid-range Japanese option in Yangon. Unfortunately, the location on the busy U Aung Myat Street in the Golden View Tower opposite Kandawgyi Park means it gets little foot traffic and parking is difficult. Diners will find themselves in a near empty restaurant to which they can see two ways: either as a place lacking atmosphere, or as a great VIP space where they get great service. You will almost certainly be able to get a grill-side seat and the large cooking surface makes it ideal for large parties. True to the name, the top floor has a very nice view of the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. An additional perk: A 10 percent discount is being offered throughout monsoon season. No 23 Golden View Tower (A), corner of U Aung Myat Rd & 123 St, Shine Condo, Yangon. Telephone: Food: 8 Drink: 9 Service: 10 Atmosphere: 7 X-factor: 8 Value for money: 9 A teppanyaki chef controls the flames. Photo: Tim McLaughlin Total score: 8.5/10

51 52 the pulse socialite THE MYANMAR TIMES July 8-14, 2013 Thomas Shnieder, Shane Brady Dea Adersen, Allison Morris De Bar Quiz Whitt Gatcheol, Alex Bookbinder, Kirt Mausert, Tim McLaughlin Saw Wai, Aung Bar Lay, U Win Pe, Ma Yadanar Htun, Mi Mi Win Pe, U Win Tin (front) Ko Aung Bar Lay and Ma Yadanar Htun s wedding reception Eucalypt Bar No U Turn One Way Fever 109 Nan Lwin, couple and Ma Shwe Yin Mar Oo Ma Khin Thandar Htay, Ma Maw Maw San and Douglas Long Global Art School launch Tin Moe Lwin Yu Thandar Tin Bangkok Airways s dinner reception Mahair Goh Ko Zaw Latt, Ma Wai Thit Lwin and daughter Porrutai Smutkiri and Chananchida Chansivanont Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein Ariya Prasarttong Oisoth Miss Shampoo launch Daw Chaw Kalyar Kyi The Lady Gems & Jewels launch Dr Myat Thu Han and Ko Zaw Lin Shane L Sai Ze Yu Thandar Tin and San Yati Moe Myint Nan Khin Zayyar Su Pan Htwar Daw Ni Lar Win Yu Kyi

52 the pulse socialite 53 Nyein Ei Ei Htwe AS monsoon season intensifies it s not the wet weather that s bothering Socialite so much as the traffic. The jammed streets have been making it difficult for Socialite to get to her parties and there have been a few close calls where she s nearly missed appointments. Luckily, she made all the major product launches for the week, checking out the HTC new handset launch and the opening ceremony of the Lady Gems and Jewels shop. She gave the quiz night a go at De Bar, and went rockin with the party people at Jam It! Finally, congratulations to one of Socialite s ex-colleagues Yadanar Htun, who sealed the deal and married her beau, Ko Aung Bar Lay. Richard See HTC product launch Ko Soe Ngwe Ya and Sherman Brilliant Daw Tin Tin Aye Ronald Aung Moe Swe Dell product launch May Chae Aung, Nann Shwe Sin, Su Lay and Khin Thuzar Johnnie Koh U Khine Soe Anothi Wettayokorn and Model Japan Product launch Pan Yadi Chit Nandar Lin and Phyo Phyo Khine

53 54 the pulse travel THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES YANGON TO NAY PYI TAW MON 6T 401 7:00 7:55 FMI A1 7:30 8:30 UB-B1 11:30 12:30 UB-C1 16:30 17:30 TUE FMI A1 7:30 8:30 UB-B1 11:30 12:30 UB-C1 16:30 17:30 WED FMI A1 7:30 8:30 UB-B1 11:30 12:30 UB-C1 16:30 17:30 THUR FMI A1 7:30 8:30 UB-B1 11:30 12:30 UB-C1 16:30 17:30 FRI FMI A1 7:30 8:30 UB-B1 11:30 12:30 6T :30 16:25 UB-C1 16:30 17:30 SAT FMI A1 8:00 9:00 SUN FMI A1 15:30 16:30 NAY PYI TAW TO YANGON MON UB-A2 8:50 9:50 UB-B2 13:00 14:00 UB-C2 18:00 19:00 TUE UB-A2 8:50 9:50 UB-B2 13:00 14:00 UB-C2 18:00 19:00 WED UB-A2 8:50 9:50 UB-B2 13:00 14:00 UB-C2 18:00 19:00 THUR UB-A2 8:50 9:50 UB-B2 13:00 14:00 UB-C2 18:00 19:00 FRI UB-A2 8:50 9:50 UB-B2 13:00 14:00 6T :00 17:55 UB-C2 18:00 19:00 SAT UB-A2 10:00 11:00 SUN UB-A2 17:00 18:00 YANGON TO MANDALAY MON YJ 891 6:10 8:45 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 K :30 8:40 W :00 9:05 6T 401 7:00 10:35 W :30 8:55 YJ 001 8:00 8:55 K :00 9:25 YJ :00 12:25 YJ :00 12:55 YH :30 13:10 K :00 13:25 YH :30 16:50 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 TUE YJ 891 6:10 8:15 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 K :30 8:40 K :45 8:10 W :00 9:05 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 W :30 8:55 8M :00 10:10 W :00 11:25 K :00 13:45 YH :15 14:15 YJ :00 12:55 K :00 13:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 WED YJ 891 6:10 8:15 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 K :30 8:40 W :00 9:05 W :30 8:55 K :30 9:35 YJ 001 8:00 8:55 K :00 9:25 YJ :00 12:25 YJ 751/W :00 12:55 YH :15 13:25 K :00 13:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 THUR YJ 891 6:10 8:45 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 YJ 201 6:30 7:55 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 K :45 8:10 K :30 8:40 W :00 9:05 W :30 8:55 8M :00 10:10 YJ :00 12:55 YH :15 14:15 K :00 13:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 FRI YJ 891 6:10 8:15 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 K :30 8:40 YJ 211 7:00 8:25 W :00 9:05 W :30 8:55 K :30 9:35 K :00 9:25 W :00 11:25 YJ 751/W :00 12:55 YH :15 13:25 K :00 13:25 K :00 14:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 SAT YJ 891 6:10 8:15 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 K :30 8:40 W :00 9:05 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 YJ 761 7:00 8:55 W :30 8:55 YJ 001 8:00 8:55 K :00 13:45 YH :15 14:15 YJ 601/W :30 12:55 K :00 13:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 SUN YJ 891 6:10 8:15 YH 917 6:10 8:40 Y :15 7:30 6T 401/K7222 6:30 8:35 K :30 8:40 W :00 9:05 YJ 143/W :30 8:35 W :30 8:35 K :30 9:35 K :00 9:25 8M :00 10:10 YJ 751/W :00 12:55 YH :15 13:25 YJ :30 12:55 K :00 13:25 W :30 16:25 K :30 16:35 6T 501/K :30 16:35 YH :30 16:40 MANDALAY TO YANGON MON Y :10 9:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 K :55 11:00 YJ 892 9:00 10:55 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 6T :00 12:00 YJ :00 11:55 K :40 16:05 W :45 17:10 YJ :00 17:55 YJ :35 18:00 YH :50 18:15 W :40 18:45 K :40 18:05 YH :15 18:40 6T 502/K :50 19:00 K :50 19:00 TUE Y :10 9:25 YJ 892 8:30 10:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 K :40 18:05 W :40 18:45 YH :40 18:45 K :50 19:00 6T 502/K :50 19:00 W :05 18:30 YJ :35 18:00 8M :20 18:30 YH :00 19:25 K :00 19:25 WED Y :10 9:25 YJ 892 8:30 10:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 Y :30 10:30 YJ :00 11:55 K :40 16:05 YJ :00 17:55 W :45 17:10 K :40 18:05 W :40 18:45 YH :40 18:45 K :50 19:00 6T 502/K :50 19:00 YH :25 18:50 YJ 752/W :50 19:15 THUR Y :10 9:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 YJ 892 9:00 10:55 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 YJ :00 12:25 YJ :35 18:00 K :40 18:05 W :40 18:45 YH :40 18:45 6T 502/K :50 19:00 K :50 19:00 8M :20 18:30 YH :00 19:25 FRI Y :10 9:25 YJ 892 8:30 10:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 Y :30 10:30 YH :45 18:10 K :40 18:05 W :40 18:45 YJ :00 13:25 YH :40 18:45 K :50 19:00 6T 502/K :50 19:00 YJ 752/W :50 19:15 W :05 18:30 K :40 19:05 SAT Y :10 9:25 YJ 892 8:30 10:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 Y :30 10:30 YJ :00 11:55 YJ :35 14:00 W :45 17:10 K :40 18:05 W :40 18:45 K :50 19:00 6T 502/K :50 19:00 YH :40 18:45 YJ 602/W :10 17:35 YH :00 19:25 SUN Y :10 9:25 YH 918 8:40 10:45 YJ 892 8:30 10:25 YJ 143/W :50 10:45 6T 402/K :55 10:55 K :55 11:00 W :10 11:05 W :20 10:45 Y :30 10:30 YJ :30 17:55 W :40 18:45 YJ 725/W :50 19:15 6T 502/K :50 19:00 K :40 18:05 YH :40 18:45 K :50 19:00 8M :20 18:30 YH :25 18:50 YANGON TO NYAUNG U MON YH 917 6:10 7:45 YJ 891 6:10 8:00 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 W :00 8:20 6T 401 7:00 8:55 YH :30 16:05 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :30 17:25 TUE YJ 891 6:10 7:30 YH 917 6:10 7:45 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :30 17:25 YH :30 17:25 WED YJ 891 6:10 7:30 YH 917 6:10 7:45 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 K :45 8:05 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :30 17:25 YH :30 17:25 THUR YH 917 6:10 7:45 YJ 891 6:10 8:00 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :30 17:25 YH :30 17:25 FRI YJ 891 6:10 7:30 YH 917 6:10 7:45 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 K :45 8:05 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 YH :30 17:25 K :30 17:25 SAT YJ 891 6:10 7:30 YH 917 6:10 7:45 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :30 17:25 YH :30 17:25 SUN YJ 891 6:10 7:30 YH 917 6:10 7:45 6T 401/K :30 7:50 K :30 7:50 YJ 143/W :30 7:50 W :00 8:20 W :30 17:10 6T 501/K :30 17:20 K :15 16:25 K :30 17:25 YH :30 17:25 NYAUNG U TO YANGON MON YH 917 7:45 10:45 K :05 11:00 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 YJ 891 8:15 10:55 W :35 10:45 6T 401 9:10 12:00 W :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 TUE YJ 891 7:45 10:25 YH 917 7:45 10:45 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 K :05 11:00 W :35 10:45 W :25 18:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 WED YJ 891 7:45 10:25 YH 917 7:45 10:45 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 K :05 11:00 W :35 10:45 K :40 18:00 W :25 18:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 THUR YH 917 7:45 10:45 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 K :05 11:00 YJ 892 8:15 10:55 W :35 10:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 FRI YJ 892 7:45 10:25 YH 917 7:45 10:45 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 K :05 11:00 W :35 10:45 K :40 18:00 W :25 18:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 SAT YJ 892 7:45 10:25 YH 917 7:45 10:45 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 K :05 11:00 W :35 10:45 K :40 18:00 W :25 18:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 SUN YH 917 7:45 10:45 YJ 892 7:45 10:25 6T 401/K7222 8:05 10:55 K :05 11:00 YJ 143/W :05 10:45 W :35 10:45 W :25 18:45 YH :25 18:45 6T 502/K :40 19:00 K :45 19:00 YANGON TO MYITKYINA MON YJ :30 12:55 K :00 10:55 K :00 14:55 TUE K :30 11:05 W :00 12:55 K :00 14:55 WED K :00 10:55 K :00 14:55 THUR YJ 201 6:30 9:20 K :30 11:05 K :00 14:55 FRI K :00 11:30 W :00 12:55 YJ 211 7:00 9:50 K :00 14:55 SUN YJ :30 14:20 K :00 11:30 K :00 14:55 MYITKYINA TO YANGON MON YJ :35 17:55 K :10 16:05 K :10 18:05 TUE K :20 16:00 K :10 18:05 W :35 18:30 WED K :10 16:05 K :10 18:05 THUR K :20 16:00 K :10 18:05 YJ 202 9:35 12:25 FRI K :45 15:15 YJ :05 13:25 K :10 18:05 W :35 18:30 SAT K :10 18:05 SUN YJ :35 17:55 K :45 15:15 K :10 18:05 YANGON TO HEHO MON YH 917 6:10 9:35 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 6T 401 7:00 10:35 W :30 9:40 K :30 9:30 K :30 8:45 W :30 11:40 YH :30 13:55 YJ :00 12:10 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 TUE YJ 891 6:10 9:00 YH 917 6:10 9:35 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 W :30 9:40 K :00 11:15 YJ :00 12:10 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 YH :30 15:55 WED YJ 891 6:10 9:00 YH 917 6:10 9:35 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 K :30 8:45 W :30 9:40 W :30 11:40 YJ 751/W :00 12:10 YH :15 12:40 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 YH :30 15:55 THUR YJ 891 6:10 9:30 YH 917 6:10 9:35 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 K :30 8:45 W :30 9:40 YJ :00 12:10 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 YH :30 15:55 FRI YJ 891 6:10 9:00 YH 917 6:10 9:35 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 K :30 8:45 W :30 9:40 YJ 751/W :00 12:10 YH :15 12:40 YH :30 15:55 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 SAT YJ 891 6:10 9:00 YH 917 6:10 9:35 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 YJ 761 7:00 8:10 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 K :30 8:45 W :30 9:40 K :00 11:15 W :30 11:40 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 YH :30 15:55 SUN YJ 891 6:10 9:00 YH 917 6:10 9:35 6T 401/K7222 6:30 9:30 K :30 9:30 YJ 143/W :30 9:20 K :30 8:45 W :30 9:40 YJ 751/W :00 12:10 YH :15 12:40 6T 501/K :30 15:40 W :30 15:40 K :30 15:45 YH :30 15:55 HEHO TO YANGON MON YH 918 9:35 10:45 K :30 8:45 YJ 892 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 6T :50 12:00 K :50 15:05 W :00 17:10 YJ :50 18:00 W :55 18:45 YH :30 18:40 6T 501/K :00 19:00 K :00 19:00 TUE YJ 892 9:15 10:25 YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 K :50 16:05 W :55 18:45 YH :55 18:45 K :00 19:00 6T 501/K :00 19:00 YJ :50 18:00 WED YJ 892 9:15 10:25 YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 K :40 14:55 W :00 17:10 W :55 18:45 YH :55 18:45 6T 501/K :00 19:00 YH :40 18:50 K :00 19:00 THUR YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 K :50 15:05 YJ 892 9:45 10:55 W :55 18:45 6T 501/K :00 19:00 K :00 19:00 YJ :50 18:00 YH :55 18:45 FRI YJ 892 9:15 10:25 YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 K :40 14:55 YH :55 18:45 W :55 18:45 YH :00 18:10 6T 501/K :00 19:00 K :00 19:00 SAT YJ 892 9:15 10:25 YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 YJ :50 14:00 K :40 14:55 K :50 16:05 W :00 17:10 YH :55 18:45 W :55 18:45 6T 501/K :00 19:00 K :00 19:00 SUN YJ 892 9:15 10:25 YH 918 9:35 10:45 6T 402/K7223 9:45 10:55 K :45 11:00 W :55 11:05 YJ 143/W :35 10:45 K :40 14:55 W :55 18:45 YH :55 18:45 6T 501/K :00 19:00 K :00 19:00 YH :40 18:50 Air Bagan Ltd.(W9) Tel : , , , Fax : Air KBZ (K7) Tel: ~80, ~39 (Airport), Fax: Air Mandalay (6T) Tel : (Head Office) , , Fax: Airport: ~3, Fax: Asian Wings (AW) Domestic 6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan YJ = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways UB = FMI UB Charter YANGON TO SIT T WE MON 6T :30 13:55 K :00 14:20 TUE 6T :30 15:55 WED 6T :30 15:55 THRU K :00 14:20 6T :30 15:55 FRI 6T :15 13:15 SAT K :00 14:20 6T :30 15:55 SUN 6T :30 12:55 SIT T WE TO YANGON MON 6T :15 16:15 TUE K :35 15:55 6T :15 17:40 WED 6T :15 17:40 THUR K :35 15:55 6T :15 17:40 FRI 6T :35 15:00 SAT K :35 15:55 6T :15 17:40 SUN K :55 10:50 6T :15 14:40 YANGON TO MYEIK MON K :00 9:05 YJ 301 7:00 9:10 YH 633 7:00 9:15 TUE K :00 9:05 YJ 301 7:00 9:10 6T 707 7:30 9:30 WED K :00 9:05 YJ 301 7:00 9:10 YH 633 7:00 9:15 THUR K :00 9:05 YJ :30 13:40 YH 633 7:00 9:15 FRI K :00 9:05 YH 633 7:00 9:15 SAT K :00 9:05 YJ :00 13:10 6T :15 13:15 SUN K :00 9:05 YJ 301 7:00 9:10 YH 633 7:00 9:15 6T 707 7:30 9:30 MYEIK TO YANGON MON K :30 13:35 YH :25 13:25 YJ :25 13:35 TUE 6T :55 13:55 YJ :25 13:35 K :30 13:35 WED K :30 13:35 YH :25 13:25 YJ :25 13:35 THUR YH :25 13:25 K :30 13:35 YJ :55 18:05 FRI YH :25 13:25 K :30 13:35 SAT K :30 13:35 YJ :25 17:35 6T :40 17:40 SUN K :30 13:35 YH :25 13:25 YJ :25 13:35 6T :55 13:55 YANGON TO THANDWE MON 6T :30 15:05 FRI 6T :15 12:10 THANDWE TO YANGON MON 6T :20 16:15 FRI 6T :25 15:00 Domestic Airlines Tel: , , ~3. Fax: Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5) Tel: , , Mobile: , Fax: Yangon Airways(YH) Tel: (+95-1) , , , Fax: FMI Air Charter - Sales & Reservations Tel: (95-1) , / (+95-9) Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines Subject to change without notice

54 the pulse travel 55 YANGON TO BANGKOK MON PG 706 7:15 9:30 8M 335 9:00 10:45 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 8M :30 18:15 PG :20 20:15 Y :05 19:50 TG :45 21:40 TUE PG 706 7:15 9:30 8M 335 9:00 10:45 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 WED PG 706 7:15 9:30 8M 335 9:00 10:45 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 THUR PG 706 7:15 9:30 8M 335 9:00 10:45 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 FRI PG 706 7:15 9:30 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 8M :30 18:15 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 SAT PG 706 7:15 9:30 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 8M :30 18:15 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 SUN PG 706 7:15 9:30 8M 335 9:00 10:45 TG 304 9:50 11:45 PG :30 12:25 TG :55 16:50 Y :05 19:50 PG :20 20:15 TG :45 21:40 YANGON TO DON MUENG MON FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 TUE FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 WED FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 THUR FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 FRI FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 SAT FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 SUN FD :30 10:20 FD :15 14:05 FD :50 19:35 YANGON TO SINGAPORE MON MI 509 0:25 5:00 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 8M :30 16:05 3K :30 16:05 MI :40 21:15 TUE 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 3K :30 16:05 8M :30 16:05 VN :25 17:10 MI :40 21:15 WED 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 8M :30 16:05 3K :30 16:05 MI :40 21:15 THUR 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 3K :30 16:05 8M :30 16:05 VN :25 17:10 MI :40 21:15 FRI 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 3K :30 16:05 8M :30 16:05 8M :05 19:30 MI :40 21:15 SAT MI 509 0:25 5:00 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 8M :30 16:05 3K :30 16:05 8M :05 19:30 MI :40 21:15 SUN 8M 231 8:00 12:25 Y :10 14:40 SQ :25 14:45 3K :30 16:05 8M :30 16:05 VN :25 17:10 8M :05 19:30 MI :40 21:15 YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR MON 8M 501 7:50 11:50 AK :30 12:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 TUE AK :30 12:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 MH :55 21:10 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES WED AK :30 12:50 8M 501 7:50 11:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 THUR AK :30 12:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 FRI AK :30 12:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 MH :55 21:10 SAT AK :30 12:50 8M 501 7:50 11:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 SUN AK :30 12:50 MH :15 16:30 AK :45 21:00 MH :55 21:10 YANGON TO BEIJING TUE CA :15 21:55 WED CA :15 21:55 THUR CA :15 21:55 SAT CA :15 21:55 SUN CA :15 21:55 YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU MON CZ :40 22:15 WED CZ :20 15:50 THUR 8M 711 8:40 13:15 FRI CZ :40 22:15 SAT CZ :20 15:50 SUN 8M 711 8:40 13:15 YANGON TO TAIPEI MON CI :50 16:15 TUE CI :50 16:15 WED CI :50 16:15 THUR CI :50 16:15 FRI CI :50 16:15 SAT CI :50 16:15 SUN CI :50 16:15 YANGON TO KUNMING MON MU :40 18:00 TUE CA :15 17:35 MU :40 18:00 WED MU :20 18:35 CA :15 17:35 THUR CA :15 17:35 MU :40 18:00 FRI MU :40 18:00 SAT CA :15 17:35 MU :40 18:00 SUN CA :15 17:35 MU :40 18:00 YANGON TO CHIANG MAI THUR W :20 16:10 SUN W :20 16:10 YANGON TO HANOI MON VN :10 21:30 WED VN :10 21:30 FRI VN :10 21:30 SAT VN :10 21:30 SUN VN :10 21:30 YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITY TUE VN :25 17:10 THUR VN :25 17:10 SUN VN :25 17:10 YANGON TO DOHA MON QR 619 8:15 11:15 THUR QR 619 8:15 11:15 FRI QR 619 8:15 11:15 YANGON TO PHNOM PENH WED 8M :50 19:15 SAT 8M :50 19:15 YANGON TO SEOUL MON KE :35 08:05+1 TUE KE :35 08:05+1 WED KE :35 08:05+1 0Z 770 0:35 9:10 THUR KE :35 08:05+1 FRI KE :35 08:05+1 SAT KE :35 08:05+1 0Z 770 0:35 9:10 SUN KE :35 08:05+1 0Z 770 0:35 9:10 YANGON TO HONG KONG MON KA 251 1:10 6:00 TUE KA 251 1:10 6:00 THUR KA 251 1:10 6:00 SAT KA 251 1:10 6:00 YANGON TO TOKYO MON NH :30 06:40+1 WED NH :30 06:40+1 SAT NH :30 06:40+1 YANGON TO INCHEON MON 8M :45 8:05 TUE 8M :45 8:05 WED 8M :45 8:05 THUR 8M :45 8:05 FRI 8M :45 8:05 SAT 8M :45 8:05 SUN 8M :45 8:05 MANDALAY TO BANGKOK TUE TG 782 9:30 11:55 FRI TG 782 9:30 11:55 SAT TG 782 9:30 11:55 SUN TG 782 9:30 11:55 MANDALAY TO DON MUENG MON FD :45 15:00 TUE FD :45 15:00 WED FD :45 15:00 THUR FD :45 15:00 FRI FD :45 15:00 SAT FD :45 15:00 SUN FD :45 15:00 MANDALAY TO KUNMING MON MU :40 17:20 TUE MU :40 17:20 WED MU :40 17:20 THUR MU :40 17:20 FRI MU :40 17:20 SAT MU :40 17:20 SUN MU :40 17:20 BANGKOK TO YANGON MON 8M 336 6:15 7:00 FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 TUE 8M 336 6:15 7:00 FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 WED FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 THUR FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 FRI FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 SAT FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 SUN FD :15 8:00 TG 303 7:55 8:50 PG 701 8:50 9:40 TG :00 13:45 PG :45 17:35 FD :50 17:35 TG :50 18:45 8M :15 20:00 PG :15 21:30 Y :10 21:55 DON MUENG TO YANGON MON FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 TUE FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 WED FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 THUR FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 FRI FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 SAT FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 SUN FD :15 8:00 FD :10 11:45 FD :35 17:20 SINGAPORE TO YANGON MON SQ 998 7:55 9:20 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 Y :35 17:05 8M :15 20:00 TUE SQ 998 7:55 9:20 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 Y :35 17:05 WED SQ 998 7:55 9:20 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 Y :35 17:05 THUR SQ 998 7:55 9:20 8M :10 10:40 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 Y :35 17:05 8M :15 20:00 FRI SQ 998 7:55 9:20 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 MI :10 23:35 Y :35 17:05 SAT SQ 998 7:55 9:20 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 Y :35 17:05 SUN SQ 998 7:55 9:20 8M :10 10:40 3K 585 9:10 10:40 8M :25 14:50 MI :20 15:45 8M :15 20:00 MI :10 23:35 Y :35 17:05 BEIJING TO YANGON TUE CA 905 8:05 13:15 WED CA 905 8:05 13:15 THUR CA 905 8:05 13:15 SAT CA 905 8:05 13:15 SUN CA 905 8:05 13:15 KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON MON AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 8M :50 13:50 AK :05 16:15 TUE AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 MH :45 15:55 AK :05 16:15 WED AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 8M :50 13:50 AK :05 16:15 THUR AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 AK :05 16:15 FRI AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 MH :45 15:55 AK :05 16:15 SAT AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 8M :50 13:50 AK :05 16:15 SUN AK :55 8:00 MH :05 11:15 MH :45 15:55 AK :05 16:15 GUANGZHOU TO YANGON MON CZ :45 16:35 WED CZ :40 10:30 THUR 8M :15 15:50 FRI CZ :45 16:35 SAT CZ :40 10:30 SUN 8M :15 15:50 TAIPEI TO YANGON MON CI :00 9:55 TUE CI :00 9:55 WED CI :00 9:55 THUR CI :00 9:55 FRI CI :00 9:55 SAT CI :00 9:55 SUN CI :00 9:55 KUNMING TO YANGON MON MU :30 13:55 TUE CA :40 13:15 MU :30 13:55 WED CA :40 13:15 MU :20 11:30 THUR CA :40 13:15 MU :30 13:55 FRI MU :30 13:55 SAT CA :40 13:15 MU :30 13:55 SUN CA :40 13:15 MU :30 13:55 CHIANG MAI TO YANGON THUR W :20 18:10 SUN W :20 18:10 HANOI TO YANGON MON VN :35 18:10 WED VN :35 18:10 International Airlines Air Asia (FD) Tel: , Air Bagan Ltd.(W9) Tel : , , , Fax : Air China (CA) Tel : , Air India Tel : ~98, Fax: Bangkok Airways (PG) Tel: , , Fax: Condor (DE) Tel: up to 39 (ext : 810) Dragonair (KA) Tel: , , Fax : International FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China KA = Dragonair FRI VN :35 18:10 SAT VN :35 18:10 SUN VN :35 18:10 HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGON TUE VN :40 13:25 THUR VN :40 13:25 SUN VN :40 13:25 BANGKOK TO MANDALAY TUE TG 781 7:25 8:50 FRI TG 781 7:25 8:50 SAT TG 781 7:25 8:50 SUN TG 781 7:25 8:50 DOHA TO YANGON WED QR :05 07:00+1 THUR QR :05 07:00+1 SUN QR :05 07:00+1 PHNOM PENH TO YANGON WED 8M :15 21:40 SAT 8M :15 21:40 SEOUL TO YANGON MON KE :40 22:30 TUE KE :40 22:30 0Z :50 23:25 WED KE :40 22:30 THUR KE :40 22:30 FRI KE :40 22:30 0Z :50 23:25 SAT KE :40 22:30 0Z :50 23:25 SUN KE :40 22:30 TOKYO TO YANGON MON NH :30 15:30 WED NH :30 15:30 SAT NH :30 15:30 HONG KONG TO YANGON MON KA :45 23:30 WED KA :45 23:30 FRI KA :45 23:30 SUN KA :45 23:30 INCHEON TO YANGON MON 8M :40 22:15 TUE 8M :40 22:15 WED 8M :40 22:15 THUR 8M :40 22:15 FRI 8M :40 22:15 SAT 8M :40 22:15 SUN 8M :40 22:15 DON MUEANG TO MANDALAY MON FD :50 12:15 TUE FD :50 12:15 WED FD :50 12:15 THUR FD :50 12:15 FRI FD :50 12:15 SAT FD :50 12:15 SUN FD :50 12:15 KUNMING TO MANDALAY MON MU :55 13:50 TUE MU :55 13:50 WED MU :55 13:50 THUR MU :55 13:50 FRI MU :55 13:50 SAT MU :55 13:50 SUN MU :55 13:50 Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star AI = Air India QR = Qatar Airways KE = Korea Airlines NH = All Nippon Airways SQ = Singapore Airways DE = Condor Airlines MU=China Eastern Airlines BR = Eva Airlines DE = Condor Subject to change without notice Golden Myanmar Airlines (Y5) Tel: , , Mobile: , Fax: Malaysia Airlines (MH) Tel : , ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : Myanmar Airways International(8M) Tel : , Fax: Silk Air(MI) Tel: ~9, Fax: Thai Airways (TG) Tel : ~6, Fax : Vietnam Airlines (VN) Fax : Tel / / Qatar Airways (Temporary Office) Tel: , (ext: 8142, 8210) MYANMAR Thai king s Mandalay tomb could become historical park PHYO WAI KYAW THE tomb of a Thai king who died in Myanmar will be renovated and turned into an historical park, authorities said at a press conference on June 29 that was held in the cemetery where he was buried. The tomb is the resting place of King Udombhara, who ruled in the 18 th century before being captured during the sacking of Ayuthaya. His remains have long been believed to be located in Linn Zin Kone cemetery in Amarapura township, about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of Mandalay, beside Taungthaman Lake. The process of [creating a historical park] could take almost two years and it could need about 20 acres. U Win Maung Archaeologist Since February a Thai delegation has been working together with Myanmar archaeologists to prove the case and based on new evidence they believe they have hit the spot. After the team discovered bones and robes in a pot made of glass mosaic embedded in gilding, they are now 90 percent sure the grave belongs to the ancient ruler, archaeologist U Win Maung (Tampawaddy) said at the press conference. The Irrawaddy reported that a Thai restoration team is expected to spend more than 100 million baht (US$3.23 million) on the project. The development marks a new chapter in a story dating back 250 years. When King Sin Phyu Shin of Inwa marched against Thailand, he brought back more than 200,000 Thai families to Inwa, among them over 2000 people of royal lineage, one of which was King Udombhara. He subsequently lived in Myanmar as a monk for 29 years, passing away during the reign of King Bodawpaya. When he died, King Bodawpaya buried him in a grand tomb. The team is hoping the link to the history of both Thailand and Myanmar will turn the site into a historical park and attract more tourists to the area, said U Win Maung. The process [of creating a historical park] could take almost two years and it could need about 20 acres. However, it also depends on the regional government and how much they allow for the project, he added. Mickey Heart, a member of the Thai delegation, said he believes the regional government will give permission for the project to go ahead. The master plan will be finished in the second week of July and then we are going to put it to the government. The Linn Zin Kone cemetery area is also connected with other cemeteries of Armenians and Christians. If the government wants us to preserve [the whole area] then we could. We are ready for a limitless budget for the project, Mr Heart said. He added that the project could also benefit relations between Myanmar and Thailand by reminding the people of both countries how successive Myanmar monarchs took care of King Udombhara after his capture. In July 2012 there was concern that the tomb could be destroyed, after Mandalay City Development Committee announced plans to turn the cemetery into a public park. The plan appears to have been postponed in favour of restoration of the tomb. Mickey Heart (right) and members of the Myanmar archeological team at the site of the Thai king s tomb in Amarapura township on June 29. Photo: Phyo Wai Kyaw

55 56 the pulse local THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 WEEKLY PREDICTIONS JULY 8-14, 2013 AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 Your eccentric nature sometimes makes it difficult for others to understand you. But if you are finding it hard to communicate, old friends who have known you for a long time are about to turn up. They may be able to help you figure out why you have been feeling like you are drifting away from those normally closer to you. Act with courage and then you will find harmony in matters of the heart. LEO Jul 23 - Aug 22 Respect is an important ingredient in life. Take esteem in your work and pay attention to the details, they will matter. Plan for an opportunity of a lifetime and don t doubt yourself too much. An unfavourable situation will be a gift horse in disguise, coming into fruition in just a few day s time. Think of it as a reward for putting up with rather a lot the last few weeks. PISCES Feb 19 - March 2 Pirated DVDs and VCDs are publicly destroyed on July 3 in Yangon. Photo: Boothee Yangon takes bulldozer to pirates bounty NUAM BAWI hknuambawi@gmail.com AN elaborate ceremony to destroy unlicensed VCDs and DVDs was carried out on July 3 in Yangon, and demonstrated the establishment of law and order to effectively control the local film and music industry, said state officials. The uncensored specimens were previously held in Yangon s Drug Elimination Museum and were destroyed to show the government s commitment to controlling increasing piracy activities in Myanmar. In the past, it isn t widely known that piracy is a crime and people have the wrong idea that piracy creates a job Zarganar heads up two-day peace festival A FESTIVAL to promote peace will be held July at Thuwana Stadium, Thingangyun township, Yangon. The multi-talented opportunity, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, general secretary of the Myanmar Music Asociation (central), told to The Myanmar Times. Among the seized VCDs and DVDs that were destroyed, most were pornographic movies and pirated foreign movies. We should seize pornographic movies according to national interest because they are dangerous for our children. In total, there were about 280,000 pirated VCDs and DVDs seized in the Yangon Region between January 1 and June 30 this year. Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein said the confiscated goods included more than 89,000 pirated movies in the Myanmar language and the rest nearly 237,000 movies were made up of pornography and foreign movies. She deigned to specify exactly how many of those were adult pornography. It is certain that Myanmar VCDs and DVDs are highly marketable in the pirated industry because 60 million people in Myanmar mainly use the Myanmar language. But the number of seized VCDs and DVDs in Myanmar movies is so small, she said. The chief minister for the Yangon Region, U Myint Aye, said the contraband goods were an example of indirect crimes that made the state unstable. comedian. Zaganar is heading up plans for the festival, which will include theatre, movie screenings, spoken word performances and musical entertainment pitched at Myanmar audiences. The idea came to me four months ago when I was in Rakhine and speaking to other When we analysed the factors of a crime, we saw that the main problem among indirect causes is these pirated goods, he said in a press conference, prior to the formal destruction of the goods. In uncensored version of movies, most plots are committing a crime, firing a gun, attacking each other or showing brutal robbery and murder. And then, we saw some offenses like the action in porn movies are increasing. So, we emphasise the need to investigate those who look only to gain by taking actions against the law, he added. Translated by Thiri Min Htun artists, Ko Kyaw Yan Naing and Ko Kyaw Yan Naing Oo, Zaganar said. The proceeds of the festival will go to the NGO Myanmar Peace Centre. Zaganar stressed that finding peaceful resolutions to communal conflict was integral for Myanmar s political situation. I want to say one thing: In this transitional period, we face so many problems that are not just localised to one area. There have been lots of disputes, not just in Rakhine and Kachin states, but also in Yangon, he said. We have forgotten about peace, so this festival is to reiterate the importance of achieving it and to highlight what peace is worth. Apart from artistic performances, public lectures will also be held by Myanmar political experts to debate avenues for peaceful resolutions to conflict. Nandar Aung You will have some kind of existential crisis this week. It may be the result of relying too much on escapism to deal with important matters. Maintaining a sceptical attitude will not help you solve problems. Rather, employ skills that are of an understanding nature. This will ensure smooth sailing as you take on higher duties at work as Jupiter favours your work sector. Believe that life affords no higher pleasure than that of overcoming difficulties. ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 Consider meditation as a means of purifying your mind and escaping delusions. Remain positive and try to be more optimistic about your future. You must control your pride and temper. Try to maintain a healthy, daily routine that keeps you grounded and sane. Language is the magical key to opening the doors of the heart and the gate to success. TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Don t rush a decision to hurry negotiations or to jump to a conclusion. Going too fast in the beginning can make people wary, suspicious, tense and sometimes even panicky. Start out slowly, build trust and everything falls into place more quickly and easily in the long run. Be sensitive to other people s comfort levels and react appropriately (or at least try and react appropriately). GEMINI May 21 - June 20 Everybody is concerned with what happens today, what will happen tomorrow and why and what one can do about it. Learn more about the combination of deduction and induction to develop your mind up into more of an analytical nature. You need to build up your emotional foundation to stay strong and build positive mental, life-changing decisions. CANCER Jun 21 - Jul 20 Don t get so cocky that you ve gotten away with something. Guilt will come back to haunt you and eat away at the short-lived satisfaction. Say nothing about feeling uneasy and remember, guilt is not rational so don t harbour or entertain irrational thoughts. Bottom line is, you will not get away with it anyway. Suck it up. VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 The more you invest in the vision, the more it becomes your own. You are now not just pursuing your dreams, you own it. There might be a change of pace with your socialising think of it not as slowing down, but configuring who is important enough to stay in your life. LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22 Acknowledge that trustworthiness is important not just in a leader but in would-be leaders. Where in your character can you find that quality? You may need to step up soon, so start searching, quick. Respect is almost gained in difficult circumstances, so stand your ground. SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Conceit is a fog which envelops a person s real character beyond his own recognition and it weakens ability and strengthens all inconsistencies. Know about your real strength is not in the body but in the mind. Rise to the challenges. Be honest and maintain absolute integrity. SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Remind yourself to promote peaceful resolutions to disputes, rather than going off like a firecracker. Don t forget to show humility, at least in public, so as not to attract a low public opinion of yourself. It is not that something is wrong with the world, but something is making you unnerved. CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 A fundamental lack of self-esteem is dangerous. Whenever you feel the lack of dignity that may come with rejection or embarrassment, try not to blame others. Don t be surprised if nobody seems to care about your problems: The planetary alignment suggests everyone is a bit self-obsessed at the moment. AUNG MYIN KYAW 4 th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel: williameaste@gmail.com

56 EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : , , , , , , fax: Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , bdootygn@mptmail.net. mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6 th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: Administ.yangon@ itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb. com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: , , , , , fax: , Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: , , , , , fax: , ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: info@rangun. diplo.de India , Merchant Street, Yangon. Tel: , , , fax: , , , net.mm Ambulance tel: Fire tel: 191, , Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: , Red Cross tel:682600, Traffic Control Branch tel: Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: , Immigration tel: Ministry of Education tel:545500m Ministry of Sports tel: , Ministry of Communications tel: Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: , Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: , Ministry of Health tel: Yangon City Development Committee tel: HOSPITALS Central Women s Hospital tel: , Children Hospital tel: , Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: Worker s Hospital tel: , , The Essentials Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: , , , fax: , Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , fax: , info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , ambyang.mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. Tel: , , , , , fax: Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: No.416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , myanmar@mofat.go.kr Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , fax: , Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. Tel: , , , , fax: , mwkyangon@mptmail. net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, Yangon. Tel: (Chancery Exchange) fax: , pakistan@ myanmar. com.mm Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , fax: , p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , rusinmyan@mptmail.net.mm Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943-Yangon. Tel: , , fax: , serbemb@ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. Tel: , fax: , slembassy. yangon@gmail.com The Embassy of Switzerland No 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 ½ mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , Fax: , Ext: 110 Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , United Kingdom 80 Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: , , , , , fax: United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , , fax: Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: vnemb myr@ cybertech.net.mm Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel : , , fax : Emergency Numbers Yangon Children Hospital tel: , , Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: , , Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: , , , Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: , , Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: , , , ELECTRICITY Power Station tel: POST OFFICE General Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: RAILWAYS Railways information tel: , UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae (Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : , Fax : IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: ext UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: , , fax: UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: , fax: UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: fax: UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: , fax UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: , UNIC 6, Natmauk St., BHN tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: ~32, fax: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: , , , , , fax: fo.myanmar@unodc.org www. unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3 rd floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: ~7. Fax: UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE tel: ~19, (Resident Coordinator), fax: , WFP 3 rd -flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: ~6 (6-lines) Ext: WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Tsp. Ph: FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: , fax: ACCOMMODATION- HOTELS Asia Plaza Hotel YANGON No. 277, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38 th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) , Reservation@ (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax : (951) hotelasiaplaza@gmail.com Avenue 64 Hotel No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon , Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: fax: No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) , ~4. Fax : (01) info@cloverhotel.asia Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: , No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: , Fax: reservation@ edenpalacehotel.com M-22, Shwe Htee Housing, Thamine Station St., Near the Bayint Naung Point, Mayangone Tsp., Yangon Tel : , , Fax : (95-1) grandpalace@ myanmar.com.mm No. 12, Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon Tel : (95-1) , , , , Fax : (95-1) greenhill@ myanmar.com.mm Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8 th Mile Junction, Mayangone. Tel : , Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: fax: General Listing No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) ~ 3, ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) info@myanmarpandahotel.com myanmarpandahotel.com PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: fax: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com parkroyalhotels. com. Royal White Elephant Hotel No-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) , MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar ~9. www. hotel-mgm.com Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: , , Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: fax: Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: , Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. Tel: , Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: fax: Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: , reservation@winner innmyanmar.com Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : , Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM HAPPY HOMES REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Tel: , aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, happyhomesyangon.com Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: ~4. fax: MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: fax: Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: fax: The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel (25 lines). ACCOMMODATION- HOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw) Reservation Office (Yangon) No-123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp Tel : ~838 Hotel Ayeyarwady (National Landmark, Zeyar Thiri Tsp, Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : , reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com Reservation Office (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township Tel : ~838 Royal Kumudra Hotel, (Nay Pyi Taw) Tel : , reservation@ maxhotelsgroup.com AIR CONDITION The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) , Mandalay- Tel: Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: , sales.ac@freshaircon. com. URL: freshaircon.com BARS (Nay Pyi Taw) 50 th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel Green Garden Beer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

57 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 CONSULTING FASHION & TAILOR GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: fax: , ADVERTISING WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS A D V E R T I S I N G SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) , , admin@ advertising-myanmar.com com BEAUTY & MASSAGE Marina Residence, Yangon Ph: ~4, Ext: 109 Beauty Plan, Corner of 77th St & 31st St, Mandalay Ph: Monsoon Promotions!! La Source Beauty Spa (Ygn) 80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: , Opening in Mid July La Source Beauty Spa Sedona Hotel, Rm (1004), Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Ygn. Tel: Ext (7167) Spa Paragon Condo B#Rm-106, Shwe Hinthar Condo, Corner of Pyay Rd & Shwe Hinthar St, 6½Mile, Yangon. Tel: Ext: 112, , BOOK STORES Monsoon Promotions!! LS Salon Junction Square, 3 rd Floor. Tel: Ext: 4001 Monsoon Promotions!! La Source Beauty Spa (Mdy) 13/13, Mya Sandar St, Bet 26x27 & 62x63 St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsp, Mandalay. Tel: Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , E.mail: No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room F, Yaw Min Gyi Rd, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: , Innwa Book Store No. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel , , , Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan T/S, Yangon. Tel: , Room 308, 3rd Flr., Junction Center (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw T/S, Yangon. Tel: , Ext (B), Departure Lounge, Yangon Int l Airport. 45B, Corner of 26th & 68th Sts., Mandalay. Tel: (02) yangon@monumentbooks.com MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: , fax: info@ myanmarbook.com CAFÈS La Brasserie (International) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : COFFEE MACHINE illy, Francis Francis, VBM, Brasilia, Rossi, De Longhi Nwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd. Shop C, Building 459 B New University Avenue , nwetapintrading@gmail.com CONSTRUCTION Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7½ miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) ~04. Fax: (95-1) zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm Myanmar Research Consulting Technology Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon. Tel: +95 (0) info@thuraswiss.com CO WORKING SPACE No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon , info@venturaoffice.com, COOPER VALVES Exotic Alloys for Severe Service, Myanmar Sales Representative mlwin@coopervalves.com ENGINEERING 193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: ~5, , Fax: supermega97@ gmail.com. www. supermega-engg.com ENTERTAINMENT Dance Club & Bar No.94, Ground Floor, Bogalay Zay Street, Botataung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: , danceclub. hola@gmail.com (Except Sunday) Sein Shwe Tailor, No.797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of Wardan Street, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Ph: , ~4 Ext: 146, 147, uthetlwin@gmail.com FITNESS CENTRE Traders Health Club. Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: Ext: 6561 Balance Fitnesss No 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon , info@ balancefitnessyangon.com Life Fitness Bldg A1, Rm No. 001, Shwekabar Housing, Mindhamma Rd, Ph: , Fax: , Hot line: , natraysports@ gmail.com Mr. Betchang No.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th flr, Sanchaung Tsp, Tel: The Yangon GYM Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: , FLORAL SERVICES Floral Service & Gift Shop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: , , Market Place By City Mart Tel: ~43, ~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: ~ ~15, Ext: 235. Res: , eternal@ mptmail.net.mm Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : , Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanayetharzan Tsp. Tel : , , 36748, GEMS & JEWELLERIES Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon. sales@manawmaya.com.mm Tel: , Fax : Natural Gems of Myanmar No. 30 (A), Pyay Road (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: , ~9. GENERATORS No , Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: , , Fax: , mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm HEALTH SERVICES 98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: , , , Fax: asiapacific. myanmar@gmail.com. 24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) Fax : (951) Service with a smile No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) Fax : (951) info witoriyahospital.com Website : www. witoriyahosptial.com Service with a smile No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) Fax : (951) info witoriyahospital.com Website : www. witoriyahosptial.com HOME FURNISHING 22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: , Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl Condo, Ground Flr, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: Ext 814, S.B. FURNITURE No , Dagon Tower, Ground Flr, Cor of Kabaraye Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: , INSURANCE EXPATRIATE HEALTH INSURANCE Tel: (09) thinthinswe@poe-ma.com RISK & INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Tel: (09) robert.b@poe-ma.com LEGAL SERVICE Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: , ext. 173 fax: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm. 24 hours Cancer centre No. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : (951) Fax : (951) U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: uminsein@mptmail.net.mm Media & Advertising Rosana Flora No.173(B), West Shwegonedaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, YGN. Tel: FOAM SPRAY INSULATION Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon. Telefax : , , Hot Line PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4 th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. Tel: , Hour International Medical Victoria Hospital No. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: , Fax: /7 on duty doctor: Website: One Stop Solution for Quality Health Care Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior Decoration Corporate logo/identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profile Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Corporate diary/ newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning for any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) , B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

58 JULY 8-14, 2013 THE MYANMAR TIMES MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION REAL ESTATE Aye Yeik Tha Real Estate Mobile: , Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: , OFFICE FURNITURE Open Daily (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) Ext: 303 gmail.com Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. myanmar.com.mm Ph: , Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. myanmar.com.mm Ph: , PAINT World s No.1 Paints & Coatings Company Sole Distributor For the Union of Myanmar Since 1995 Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd. #06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar ICT Park, University Hlaing Campus, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: ~17. TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: FREE House-Hunting Service with English Speaking Expert. Tel : robinsawnaing@gmail.com Win Real Estate Agency Our Services - Office, House & Land (For Rent) (Agent Fees Free) Tel: , realwin2012@gmail.com Good taste & resonable Hotel Tel: , Ext: 32 Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel , Mob operayangon@gmail.com 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: , info@unionyangon.com UnionBarAndGrill G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: Ext: 106 a drink from paradise... available on International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: , Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com Legendary Myanmar Int l Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: , , Mobile legandarymyr@ mptmail.net.mm Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: , , ext: 702. Fax: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: , fax: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm. Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: , , , , RESTAURANTS Acacia Tea Salon 52, Sayar San Rd, Bahan Tsp, Tel : No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (Ext-309), Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable by City Mart. Tel: Ext.109 Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: World famous Kobe Beef Near Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp. Tel: Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: Ext , Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. Traders Café Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: ext: 6519 No. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St, Yangon , info@venturaoffice.com, WATER TANK PE WATER TANK Tel : , , , theone@yangon.net.mm WATER TREATMENT SUPERMARKETS Lunch/Dinner/Catering , G-05, Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: Ext: 105 No. 5, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone T/S, Yangon. Tel : , , lalchimiste. restaurant@gmail.com REMOVALISTS PLEASURE CRUISES Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor s Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) fax: (951) RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm SERVICE OFFICE Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: , Delicious Hong Kong Style Food Restaurant G-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center). Tel: Ext: 114 Indian Fine Dining & Bar Bldg No. 12, Yangon Int l Compound, Ahlone Road. Tel: , , sales@corrianderleaf.com The Ritz Exclusive Lounge Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: Ext 6243, 6244 The Emporia Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp. Lobby Level, Tel: Ext WASABI : No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; , WASABI SUSHI : Market Place by City Mart (1st Floor). Tel; Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) Junction Mawtin (City Mart) No. 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan T/S, Yangon. Tel : , (Ext : 3027) zawgyihouse@ myanmar.com.mm SCHOOLS Horizon Int l School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : , , , ~7. fax : , contact@horizonmyanmar. com, INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI MYANMAR (Pre-K, Primary) 55 (B) Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon, Tel: , imm.myn@gmail.com Yangon International School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: , Yangon International School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: , No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing, New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: , , Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: City Mart (Aung San Branch) tel: , (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: , (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Junction 8 Branch) tel: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Myaynigone Branch) tel: (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar) tel: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Chinatown Point) tel: ~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Junction Maw Tin) tel: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Marketplace) tel: ~43. City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: ~9. IKON Mart No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung. Tel: , , sales-ikon@ myanmar.com.mm Junction Mawtin Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Cor of Wadan St. Lanmadaw. Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile. Tel: , TRAVEL AGENTS Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: , fax: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Commercial scale water treatment (Since 1997) Tel: ~38. H/P: , B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone. WATER HEATERS The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: , Water Heater Same as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address WEB SERVICES World-class Web Services Tailor-made design, Professional research & writing for Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) , B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon. Custom web design and development. Scalable, optimized sites and responsive design for mobile web. Facebook apps, ads and design. Hosting and domains. Myanmar s 1st socially and eco responsible IT company. Get in touch: sales@mspiral.com and Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltd VISA & IMMIGRATION Car Rental with English Speaking Driver. (Safety and Professional Services). Tel : robinsawnaing@gmail.com Check Eligibility Business Visa And Tourist Visa No need to come to Myanmar Embassy travel.evisa@gmail.com

59 FREE HOW TO GET A FREE AD BY FAX : BY classified@myanmartimes.com.mm, advertising@myanmartimes.com.mm BY MAIL : 379/383, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Township, Yangon. HOW TO GET MORE BUSINESS FROM AS LITTLE AS K.5,000. BUY SPACE ON THESE PAGES CALL: Khin Mon Mon Yi , General Property Computer DREAM FUTURE: Window Installation, Software Installation, Virus Cleaning, Game Installation, Server Installation (DHCP, AD, ISA, Handy Cafe), CPE & Router Configuration, Network Cable Installation. Ph: Education IELTS/SAT Teacher Training : Do you want to become a native IELTS/SAT English Teacher? We will train you practically. No. 757, 3rd Flr, Lanmadaw Tsp, Ygn (in Chinatown). theinhtikesan01@gmail. com NEED A TUTOR? Graduated from ILBC, a straight As London GCE 'O' level holder (including English language) guides IGCSE/GCE 'O' level students & ones from international schools (all levels). No.757, 2nd Flr, Mahabandoola Rd, Lanmadaw Tsp, Ygn (in Chinatown) theinhtikesan01@gmail. com MATHS, Chemistry & Physics for Int'l students Tr. Kaung Myat BE(PE): kaungmyatoo251@ gmail. com HOME teaching : For international school students Grade 1 to Secondary 2 Specialized only Maths. Contact us : SAYA Saw Aung (Ex. A.P) Chemistry Classes for Int'l School (sec-levels). IGCSE GCE "A" Level & SAT - 2. Ph: TEACHERS who have got Teaching experience in Singapore,Intl School (primary & seconday levels) AEIS, PSLE, GCSE, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, English- Myamar Speaking Class Sayar Bryan, (ME) : , Saya Htet (MBA); , Sayar Min Aung(ME) : TEACHER MYO (G.C.E in London) : Grade (all subjects), IELTS, Interview, IGCSE, BCA (all subjects). 37, 4th Flr, Yay Kyaw St, Pazundaung. Ph: , EDUCATION guide for yound learners : If you need to coach your children in school subjects for primary level English, Math,Science, History. Social, Geography, Myanmar You are welcome to contact time:7:00 to 8:00 pm time:morning 9:00 to 12 am Ph : C/O for Teacher Caroline :152 first flr Aungmingalar St, Kyaukmyaung Yangon SCHOLAR Teaching organization founded with ME, BE & Master degree holder with 12 years experience in teaching field.role & Responsibility: Making the students develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills & I.Q & E.Q enriching skills, Int'l school (ILBC, Total, MISY, ISY, PISM, Horizon, ISM, Network, CISM, MIS, MLA, ES4E, DSY RV). All grades, All subjects... Singapore MOE Exams (AEIS, S-AEIS, IGCSE, IELTS, TOFEL... Tr.Htet : , ) Tr.Bryan : HOME Tuition & Guide: For Pre-KG, Primary and Secondary Level. Specialized in Maths & Biology Tr. Daw Khin Swe Win (B.E.H.S Thuwunna) Rtd. Ph: FOR IGCSE ( Cambridge & Edexcel) & Secondary Students Regular tuition class, Home tuition class, Exam preparation intensive class. All subjects available. Call: Pyae Phyo Kyaw : Expert Services JAPANESE Interpretor Services Yangon/ Outskirt Area. Ph : tnt. hr.my@gmail.com WE construct all kinds of Qualified Buildings with Very Fair Price in Yangon, Myanmar Now! (P.A.E * kyat) (Constructed over 100). As my Education Donation, I am sharing my knowledge & experience in construction works (To be a contractor) for Free. Interested person, Please Contact: , No need investment if you have trust & faithfulness. (Pls inform friends... Thanks!) 'S' Aung Thein (Solely). MONEY CHANGER software for Computer System : Multiple currency & daily rate support, Buy & Sale Currency with receipt, Enable to Show External Display for exchange rate, Client/Server Support. : ,zinmyintzx@ gmail.com REAL ESTATE Service : Buying, Selling, Leasing, All types of properties. Condominum, Apart ment, Land, House, Shop, Warehouse &... Ph: , For Sale BOAT, 2pcs 10 feet wooden boats New. Rowing with outboard engine capability. Hull type: overlap / bronze rivets. 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Contact : AMSUNG Galaxy Note1 GT-N7000 Excellent Condition Samsung Galaxy Note2 GT-N7100 Excellent Condition Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I Ipad4 Wifi (white)64gb Asus Laptop Iphone 4s 16GB Iphone Samsung alaxy S3 (Black) IpadMini Ph: NEW IPAD 64GB + 4G Price : ipad Mini 32+ 4G 7 Month Warranty Price : ipad Mini 16GB + 4G 8 Month Warranty Price : Ph: DESKTOP computer full set for sale : Intel core 2 duo 1.8 ghz 3 GB DDR 2 memory 500 GB Sata hard disk DVD Rw drive (slim) Window 7 ultimate installed 15" NEC LCD monitor (built in speaker) Keyboard, mouse Shuttle small atx casing Good and perfect working condition. Price: Ph , DELL INSPIRON N4110 Intel Core i5 Ram 4GB H.D.D 500GB Graphic 2GB Red Color Like New Price : Ph : IPAD MINI 32 Wifi+4G 7 Month Warranty. Price : ipad Mini 16GB+4G. 8 Month Warranty Price : ipad 2 64GB Wifi Price : Ph: % NEW NOKIA Lumia 820 With Original Box & Accessories 10 Month Warranty Card. 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Price : Ph : NOT BRAND But Excellent Quality Samsung Galaxy Note1 Black 16GB GT- N7000 Version With Box + Charger Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i GB (Black) Samsung Galaxy S2 (White)GT GB With Box + Full Accessries Just Like New Ph: IPAD MINI 16GB Brand New Ipad Mini 32GB (Used) Ipad2 32GB Ipad2 32GB Wifi+3g Ipad4 64GB Ipad3 32GB (Used) Ipad3 64GB Ph: CAR (New) : Mazda Demio 2007 model 1300 S, PW, AC, Navi,TV, DVD) Toyota BELTA 2007 model 1300 Cc [G great, PS, PW, TV, Navi, SRS, ABS, Push Start, Smart Key Mileage : Km [Great 5] Nissan Vanette Truck [2006 Model] [PS, ABS, SRS [Diesel Turbo 2000 Cc] [1 Ton] Ph : General REAL ESTATE : We have Lands for sale suitable for making Industrial buildings in large area. Buyers can Contact Us on (There is no pay for Agents & Third party... Warmly welcome the buyers) ACMEE SANDAR TUN : Uniform Specializer, 70, G Flr, Anawrahta Rd, Between Bo Aung Kyaw & 40th St, Kyauktada, Ph: , SEIN THIHA : 285, 40th St, Upper, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Ph: , , Language MYANMAR Langauge teaching for foreigners, I customize times, days and place of the learners. Teachers Htay Win htaywin74@gmai.com ENGLISH Classes: English for Young Learners & Adult, General English (4 skills) Foundation English Course. Business English Course. One to One, Special Class & Home, Saya Zaw Myo Win, Ph: , Travel NYAN MYINT THU Car Rental Service : Ko Nyan Myint Win Kyi (MD) - No 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Ph : (+95) , Hp:(+95) il:nyanmyintthu1983@ gmail.com, nmt@ nyanmyintthucarrental. com, colwinkyi@ gmail.com. Web:www. nyanmyintthucarrental. com NATTHMEE Classical Travels:Taunggyi-Inly- Kalaw-Pindaya ( July 18) hotels + Transportation + breakfast, lunch, Dinner Package Trip for 3 night 4 days kyats for one person. Bagan-Popa (July 18) hotels +Transportation+ breakfast, lunch, Dinner Package Trip for 2 night 3 days kyats for one person. Chaungtha Beach HotelMax,Belle Resort + Transportation +breakfast, lunch, Dinner kyats for one person. (1 night) kyats for 1 person (2 night) Ph: , Training MTTC : Myanmar Teachers Training Centre, Teach English for Myanmar Foundation : 75A, Po Sein Rd, Bahan Tsp. Ph: , , STARTING now Basic Grammar, Basic English 4 Skills, IELTS Foundation, Basic English Speaking Course, Oversea English Speaking Courses. Can offer Home style teaching & individual teaching. Ph: Want To Buy CORONA Saloon 93 or 95 Model White Petrol 1.8cc -- 2 or 3 C/ Ph: WIMAX, McWill Ph : WIMAX [ Bagan ], McWill Ph : Want To Rent REQUIRED new Pajero/ Prado/Surf on Rental basis urgently in Limited Foreign Company, rent as per car condition & market standard.contact details: Ph: , , , , ID: zmtcool@ gmail.com, jyoti.b227@ gmail.com, jyoti.b227@ rediffmail.com Rent/Sale URGENT Sales/Rent, Dagon Port Industrial Area (1 Acre) Land, 30000Sqft (Garage + office Building), 2 Pulses Gravity Clean Machines, Rice Polishing Machine 1, 315 KVA Transformer, Fully Water & Electricity, Selling Price: Negotiable Renting-70 Lakhs. Ph: , , , HousingforRent BAHAN, (1)Moe Myint San Condo, 2400 Sqft, 2MB, 2BR, 4A/C for rent 23 Lakhs, No Agts. (2)New University Ave Rd, (2F) 40'x60', 3MBR, Ph 5A/C 20 Lakhs, Maureen: DAGON (1) Boyar Nyunt Rd, (GF) 24'x47', 2A/C, Ph. 20 Lakhs, (2)Near Foregin Embassy, 80'x100' RC2 storey, US$ 5000, Maureen: FOR rent rooms@ ChanthaGonyaung E x e c u t i v e Condominiums. Panthouse/ Rooms, 4 rooms, 5 rooms, Fully Furnished, amazing serenity and satisfactory facilities, club restaurant, 24 hours electricity internet, cable TV Brookers welcome. Interested parties. Please call: , , (1)GOLDEN VALLEY, 3 RC, 1500 Sqft, 7 bed room, near Kanbawza St, (2)Golden valley, 2 RC, 1500 Sqft, 3 bed room, fully furnish, Shwe taung Gon Yeik Ta (near city mark), 4000 USD (3) Shwedondine, driving (10 minutes), 3 RC, 2500 Sqft, 4 bed room, 3202 USD. (4)8 Mile, Bo Saw Aung St, 2 RC, 4200 Sqft, 4 bed room, 2668 USD (5)May Li Kha Housing complus. 2 RC, 3600 Sqft, 5 bed room USD. Ph : , MYAWADDY luxuary complex, 1950 sqft, 1 master bed room, 2 single bed room, 5 air con, small maid room contact Ph: , FOR Rent: Apartment at Pearl Condo, for rent. Pearl Condo Minimum Block B, Kabaaye Pagoda Road, Sqft 1750, 1MB, 2BR, 4AC, Fully furnish, Heater, Extph, 2500 USD. Contact , MINDAMA CONDO, Building(B), Rm(901), Finely Decorated, Including Funiture. Contact No : , BAHAN, Shwe Gone Daing Tower Condo Convenient place, Own compound with car parking, Shwedagon Pagoda Panoramic view with 1350 Sqft, 1 MB, 3 SR, 24 Hr Lift, 3 A/C, Water Heater, Teak Parquet, Teak cabinet, Clean & good condition. Hot Price US$977!! Fully furniture start from US$1188. Ph: BAHAN, New University Avenue Condo, 1350 sqft, 1 MB, 2 SB, Fully furniture, 8 th Flr, 3 AC, Phone, Foreigner Welcome, 1,300,000 Kyats per month: MAYANGONE, Taw Win Thiri Condo (9 Miles, near Ocean Super Center) 1550 sqft, 1 MB, 2 SB, Fully Furniture, 8th Flr, 3 AC, Phone, Foreigner Welcome. 1,300,000 Kyats per month at least 6 months contract. Ph : (1)NEAR PEARL CONDO, Kokkine St, 3000 Sqft 2 RC, 3 bed room, fully furnish, 2134 USD(2)Near Hlaing Thar Yar Industry, 3500 Sqft 2 RC, 4 bed room, fully furnish USD (3)Near Chatrium Hotel, 1575 Sqft, 2 RC, 3500 Sqft, 3 bed room USD (4)Golden valley, 2 RC, 1500 Sqft, 3 bed room, fully furnish. Near French restaurant USD (5)Golden valley, 2 RC, 1650 Sqft, 4 bed room, fully furnish,near City mart, 6500 USD. Ph : LANMADAW, (25' x 50') 12 St, the whole 8 unit (Lift), For Hotel, Education. Ph: ROOM 30' x 60' 1 MBR, 2 common rooms, fully furnished half layer with decorated 8 th flr W/O lift. on the Waizayantar Main Rd US$ 500 per month, foreigner only & no broker please. Ph: , HousingforSale LAND : 75 Acres farmland for sale. Land is near Myaung Ta Gar Industrial Zone (Hmawbi). 1 acre = 39 lakhs. Price is slightly negotiable.majority of land has no flooding during rainy season. Ph: Richard.htein@ gmail.com. SOUTH OKKALAPA, Yadanar, Main Road (3500 Sq.ft)(3F), 3MBR, 2BR, Guest Room, Shrine Roo, 6AC, Home, Mini Theater, Parquette floor, Water Heater, Japan style furnished. Selling price-1800 (Negotiable), Ph: , , , HLAING THAR YAR (near FMI City) RC-2 storeyed building, With a Garage, Furnished (50x60), 1900 Lakhs (Negotiable), Ph: , , , LAND : We have Lands for sale suitable for making Industrial buildings in large area. Buyers can contact us on (There is no pay for Agents & Third party... Warmly welcome the buyers) MAYANGONE, 9 miles, Bonyarna Lane (50 x 70 x 65 ) garden with including house (3700 Lakhs) no agent pls. Ph:

60 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Employment FREE UN Positions IOM Int'l Organization for Migration is seeking (1) AMW/CHW Trainer in Bogale, Ayeyarwaddy: Must have a clientoriented & resultorientated mindset, & uphold the programme values of caring, innovating, partnering, demonstrating compe tence & working for positive change. Experience in Maternal & Child Health Care Projects/ Psychosocial supports/ Nutrition/ Emergency Preparedness & response, preferably with an INGO. Computer skills(2)office Driver in Yangon & Bogale: Valid driving license. 3 years experience. Good knowledge in English. (3)Driver in Mawlamyine, Mon State: Valid driving license. 3 years experience. Good understanding of English. Pls submit CV to IOM Mission in Myanmar - Yangon. 12 th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, Sule Pagoda Rd, Yangon. iomyangon@iom.int, Tel: , WFP Myanmar is seeking Information Technology Assistant Grade : SC-5 1 post in Yangon : Secondary school education. Supple mented by technical or university courses in a field related to Information & Communication technologies will be advantage. 5 years progressively responsible technical experience in the operation & maintenance of radio, telex & facsimile equipment.experience in the use of MS Word, MS Excel and Microsoft Outlook. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Pls send applications with UN P-11 form to HR Unit, World Food Programme, 3rd Flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yangon, P.O. Box 650(or) to Myanmar.vacancy@wfp. org, COB 9 July Ingo Positions HELPAGE Int'l is seeking (1)Monitoring & Evaluation Officer 1 Post in Yangon with frequent visits to the field: University degree, 2 years experience. Familiarity with monitoring & evaluation of communitybased project. (2) Field Office Cashiers (YWCA) 2 Posts : (1 post in Mawlamyine & 1 post in Hpa-an): Bachelor's degree in Commerce/ Economics/ BACT. 2 years experience in accounting with INGOs. Computer skills. (3) M&E Officer: Bachelor's degree in Commerce/ Economics/ BACT. 2 years experience in accounting with INGOs. Computer skills particularly in Excel. Pls send a Cover letter & updated CV including 3 referees & addresses to HR Unit of HelpAge Int'l Myanmar Country Office : 25 (A/1), New University Avenue Rd, Kokkine, Bahan, Yangon, OR to hr.helpagemyanmar@ gmail.com to & Cc to tony. san@helpagemyanmar. org Closing date : 15 th July WORLD VISION Myanmar is seeking (1)Zone Operations Assistant in Yangon: University Degree. 2 years experience. Proficiency in English. Excellent computer aptitude. (2)Community Development Facilita tor in Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy: University Degree. Computer skills. Good command of Myanmar & English. (3)Child Development Facilitator (Street & Working Children Project) in Mandalay: University Degree. (4)Customer Services Coordinator in Chauk, Magway: University Degree. 2 years experience in the field of customer services in commercial/ public institutions/ INGO. Excellent in English & Myanamr. Pls submit resume (clearly identify the post you apply) by post to HR Department, World Vision Myanmar or in person to application drop-box at 18, Shin Saw Pu Rd, Ahlone, Sanchaung PO or send to myajobapps@wvi.org Closing date : July 10, org.mm MEDECINS Sans Frontieres-Holland (AZG) is seeking HR Assistant 1 post in Yangon: 10 th standard passed. Fluent in English. MSF experienced preferred. 1 year experience within an administrative role. Excellent computer skills. Pls send application letter, CV and passport photo, copies of education qualifications & references to: Project Coordinator, MSF- Holland (Yangon Project Office), 15(C), Aung Min Khaung St, Kamayut, Yangon. Or through msfh. myanmar.recruitment@ gmail.com, Closing date : 15 th July MEDECINS Sans Frontieres - Holland (AZG) is seeking (1) Watsan Officer 1 post in Sittwe : Technical background in the field of water and sanitation management or previous experience in a similar role with other agencies (engineering, techlog, etc.). Experience in supervising construction work. Knowledge of spoken English & Myanmar. (2)Project Medical Coordinator 1 post in Shan Project : 2 years clinical experience (essential). Good level in English. Could work with computer; Microsoft office. Pls send application letter, CV and passportphoto, copies of education qualifications & references to: MSF- Holland/ AZG (yangon Coordination), 62A, Bawdiyeiktha-Thanlwin Rd, Bahan, Yangon. or through rakhine-esdrecruiting@oca.msf.org, Closing date (1): 14 th July, (2) 16 th July, MEDECINS Sans Frontiers - Holland (AZG) is seeking Log Assistant 1 post : 10 th Standard. Valid driving license & decent driving skills. Basic command of English. Pls send application letter, CV and passport photo, copies of education qualifications & references to: Logistics SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) is seeking (1) Administrative Super visor: Academic back ground in Manage ment, finance or accounting studies. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Computer knowledge: MS Windows XP/7, MS office. (2) Deputy Administrative & Finance Manager in Myebon, Rakhine State: University level or equivalent in accounting/ is seeking Admini strative Officer in Sittwe, Rakhine State: Academic background in Management, finance or accounting studies. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Good computer skill. Pls submit application (CV, Cover letter, references) to HR Department Solidarites Int'l: 44 A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Bahan, Yangon or per hr.recruitment. mm@gmail.com, cc: to rks.admassist.stw@ solidaritesmyanmar.org, MEDECINS Sans Frontieres-Holland (AZG) is seeking Project Coor dinator Advisor 1 post in Sittwe : University Degree. Excellent in English. Pls send application letter, CV & passport photo, copies of education qualifications & references to: HR Coordinator, MSF- Holland/ AZG (Yangon Coordination),62A, Bawdiyeiktha-Thanlwin Rd, Bahan, Yangon. or through msfh.myanmar. recruitment@gmail.com, Closing date : 9 th July management/ admini stration. 1 years experience. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Pls submit application (CV, Cover letter, references) to the attention of: U Than Win Aung, Base Manager - Solidarites Int'l office (Bhamo) at Hospital Rd, Kachin Su Ward, Bhamo or per mail hr.solidarites. mm@gmail.com, recruit ment@solidaritesmyanmar.org, Closing date : 15 th July SOLIDARITES Int'l Coordinator, MSF- Holland/ AZG (Yangon Coordination), 62A, Bawdiyeiktha-Thanlwin Rd, Bahan, Yangon. Or Through rakhine-esdrecruiting@oca.msf.org, Closing date : 8 July Local Position IN MAI KHA Group of Co., Ltd is looking for (1)Personal Assistant - M : University degree, Proficient in English 4 skills, Good computer skills, 1 year experience, Age under 30, Minimum height of 5.5 with proportionate weight, Driving skills would be an advantage (2)Admin Staff - F : University degree, Good at English & computer skills, 1 year experience, Age under 30 (3)Marketing Executive - M/F : University degree, Fluent in English, Basic computer skills, 1 year experience in hospitality or client service, Age under 30 (5)Graphic Designer - M/F : University degree, Basic knowledge of English, Marvelous creative design solutions, 2 years experiences, Age under 30 (5)Driver - M : Passed matriculation exam, 3 years experiences, Age Pls send detailed Curriculum as well as other testimonials, not later than 15 July 2013 at Rm 1103, Bldg (D), Bandoola Condo, Mahar Bandoola Rd, Pazundaung. Tel: , INTER GROUP Of Companies is seeking (1) Business Development Exective 1 Post: Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Management, Business Management or equivalent. 3 years experiences in Manage ment or Supervisory level. Computer literate. Excellent in Myanmar & English. (2) Assistant Business Development Executives 2 Posts: Diploma in Marketing, Management or Business or equivalent. Fresh graduates may apply. Computer literate. Excellent in Myanmar & English. (3) Manager (Trade Collection) 1 Post : Degree in Accounting, Economics, Business, Management or equivalent. 5 years experience in Managerial position. Computer literate. Excellent in English. (4) Corporate Sales (Trade Collection) 2 Posts : Sales and results-orients. Computer literate. (5)Assistant Corporate Executive 2 Posts: Degree Holder. 3 years experience. Excellent in English. Computer literate. Pls submit detailed CV in person or by , stating your current & expected salary, date of availability, reason for leaving and a recent passport photo to : 7(D), 1 st Flr, 6 miles, Pyay Rd, Hlaing, Yangon, hr@icononline.net DIGNITAS BUSINESS Limousines is seeking: (1)Accounts Clerk - Able to communicate in English, has knowledge of basic book keeping and handles collection from clients. Needs to know Excel. Salary is negotiable, depending on working experiences & qualifications. (2) Operations Manager - To manage team of drivers and oversee day to day operations of the company. English speaking and computer literate. Salary is negotiable. Call (Myanmar) or (English) to make appointment, 9am to 5pm. Bring along Photo, ID Photocopy, Certificates Copy for interview. NEW BURGER : A newly established Burger chain is now recruiting : (1)Asst Manager - 2 posts : Shift Work. Meals included. Able to communicate in English or Chinese language. Salary negotiable depending on working experiences and other qualifications. (2) Waiter / Waitress - Shift Work. Meals included. Salary negotiable, depending on years of working experiences. (3)Cleaners - 2 posts: Meals included. Salary negotiable. Walk-In- Interview 9am to 5pm daily. Bring along photo, ID photocopy & Resume/ CV. to #S27, U Chit Maung Housing, U Chit Maung St, Tarmwe, SHIMADA Technology & Trading Co. Ltd., is affiliated company of Shimada Electric (Japan). We are seeking suitable candidate for the position of Sales Engineer (Woman). The applicant shall be graduated engineer from GTC, BTech, BE (Electrical or other related fields). Fresh graduates are welcome. Work location at Yankin.Pls send your full resume in English and recent photo to shimada1@tru . co.th Ph: BANDOOLA Group is seeking (1)Business Development Manager - 1 Post : Graduate with work experience For about 10 years in Automotive & allied field. Fluent in English & be able to operate Computer both in English & Myanmar.(2) Marketing Manager - 2 Posts : Experienced in liasing with Government & Institutional Offices. Experience in tender procedure & submissions. Know ledge in automotive & farm equipment business, Fluent in English & computer operations. (3)Marketing Surveyor 1 Post : Knowledge in Myanmar business. 5 years experience in market survey & research. Must have knowledge of customs & automotive importation regulations. Fluent in English & computer operations. (4)Sales Consultants 5 Posts : 3 years experience in selling cars, pickups, motorcycles, 3 wheeler, Tractors or Farm equipments. Knowledge of English is an added adventage. Pls send CV's before to (gbg.tractors@ gmail.com) OR Ph: URGENT NEED: Marketing - F 1 post : Full Time, Experience in Web field, May be Bachelor degree, Can market wherever around Yangon by bus, Monday to Friday and 9 am to 5 pm (Working Days & Hours). Pls bring all necessary documents (CV form, copied of NRC no / recommendation of ward and police, all of the qualification documents) and pls contact Future Point (Thuwunna) until 22 July ORYX Int'l General Svc's Co., Ltd is seeking (1) Computer Operator - F 2 Posts : Good in English, 5 years experience in Internet, , Office Word, Excel, Pagemaker & Photoshop (2)Admin Officer - F 1 Post: Good in English, leadership skills, age over 35, computer skills & knowledge of routine administration, strong personality. Able to work under stress situation (3)Office Staff - F 2 Posts: Good in English, Age over 30, computer knowledge, above 5 years experience. Salary will depend on experience & qualification. Submit details resume to Rm 806, Yuzana Tower, Shwe Gone Daing Junction, Bahan, Yangon. Tel: , PAJERO DRIVING Experienced Driver reqired. urgently in Limited Foreign Company, salary as per experiences & market standard. Contact details: Ph: , , , , ID: zmtcool@gmail.com, jyoti.b227@gmail.com, jyoti.b227@rediffmail. com THE CENTER for Vocational Training, with school facilities & office in Yangon provides vocational training according to the dual apprenticeship model, which combines Practice with Theory. CVT works closely with a wide range or training companies. We are recruiting a English Teacher 2 Posts : B.A (English) or diploma in ELTM (or) ELT (or) FCE. Prefer the M.A (English) with 3 years experience. Age over 30. To teach 4 skills of English. Fluent in written & spoken English. Requirements: Interested in wide spectre of the profession related aspect in general, Computer literate. Submit the applications with CV & copy of Education certificate to the reception counter in a closed envelope or by at or before 18 th July Contact: 3 rd Flr, MRCS Bldg.,42, Strand Rd, Botahtaung, Yangon, Ph : , , hrcvtmyanmar@gmail. com cvt @ gmail.com WE ARE one of the leading Adventure tour Operator in Myanmar seeking for dynamic Energetic and self motivated staff to enhance our existing Operation in Myanmar. Sales & Purchasing Manager (Male/Female) (1) Post (US$ ). Candidate must process strong written verbal communication skills in English, Must be (35) Years and 5 years post qualification experience in similar position or in the rank. Must possess high level of knowledge in Microsoft excel spreadsheets. The ongoing challenge of improving and streamlining business systems and controls will require you to work and communicate closely with other members of the team. Candidates must submit their application (Send by personal, by post or by ) with one photo to Journeys Adventure Travel: 53, Mayangon Pagoda Lane, Mayangon, (Near Mayangon Labor Office), Ph: , , , Admin@ journeysmyanmar.com. within two weeks. TELECOM SITE AcquisitionSpecialist - M/F 30 posts : The ideal candidate should have a firm grasp of the Myanmar language and a basic understanding of the English language. Good knowledge of the local real estate market is also preferable as the job entails travelling to different regions across Myanmar in their search for suitable land. Candidates should have a degree or diploma, as well as strong computer skills; specifically with software such as Microsoft Office & Windows. Outstanding opportunity with lucrative pay package centered on a performance-based commission scheme. Pls send CV to rsemaan@ alcazar-capital.com or mail to 60, Pyay Rd, 6½ miles, Hlaing, Yangon. IMCS (Info Myanmar Computer Studies) is seeking (1)Office Executive 2 Posts (2). Marketing Executive VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 2 Posts (3). Account Executive 2 Posts (4). Network Teacher 3 Posts (5).Hardware Teacher 3 Posts (6). Programmer (.net,java,asp) 2 Posts (7).Hardware Engineer 2 Posts. Job Description: Full time, Experience: Smart communication skills, Flexible approach, Excellent team player: 2 years experience in related field, Salary & Benefits :Salary + Bonus + Transportation Charge & Other Facilities. Pls apply (CV form) Qualification papers, 2 passport photo (color) to IMCS Office : 21/23, 2nd flr, U Tun Linn Chan St, Hledan, Kamayut, Ph; , Closing date : 15, July, 2013, WE ARE seeking (1) Senior Electrical Engineer - M 1 Post (2) Senior Mechanical Engineer - M 1 Post. All position must be able to communication in English and working experience at least 5 years. Pls submit CV with the recent photo copy of NRC, Labor card and qualification certificates to the Managing Director of Myat Kan Moe Enterprise Ltd :(002), Bldg (A-8), G Flr, Mindama Rd, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mayangone, Yangon, Ph:663656, gmail.com Closing date : 15-July Mercy Corps is a secular, non-profit, international nongovernmental organization that has worked amid disasters and poverty since 1979, providing humanitarian relief and development aid to more than $1.3 billion people in 94 nations worldwide. Operational in Myanmar since 2008, Mercy Corps implements programs designed to promote food security, economic development, sustainable environmental management, and civil society strengthening that directly benefit local communities in the Delta, the Dry Zone, Kayah State, and Rakhine States. In the coming months, Mercy Corps is launching a new natural resource management program in Chin and southern Shan states. The two-year program will work with a wide range of stakeholders, including community, government, and private sector actors, to promote inclusive natural resource management and improve rural livelihoods. Mercy Corps in Myanmar invites qualified applicants (External/Internal candidates) for the following position. Program Manager-Natural Resource Program Duty Station : Yangon with frequent travel to Chin and Southern Shan states Reports to : Program Director Contract Period : One Year with possible extension for another year : Number of Opening : 1 Qualifications include : Previous experience in staff management. Previous experience working with NGOs/INGOs. Technical expertise and experience in natural resource management and / or community mobilization required. Experience in economic development and livelihoods a plus. Ability to conceptualize, plan, and implement program activities creatively, as well as the ability to analyze data and utilize lessons learned for the continuous improvement of program implementation. Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated attention to detail, computer skills, organizational skills, and ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work both independently and cooperatively with team members is required. Candidate must be willing to travel and work in difficult conditions. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Responsibilities include : Coordinate technical and organizational capacity building activities for local partner NGOs Advise on the development of strategies for program implementation, community mobilization, and engagement with government and private sector actors. Provide technical guidance, including training to program and partner staff and stakeholders as necessary, around core issue areas such as natural resource management, land use planning, multi-stakeholder dialogue, inclusive public decision-making and community mobilization. Provide supervision and management support to two field-based teams, including regular field visits to monitor activities, provide technical guidance, and assure program quality. Conduct assessment and analytic activities to inform program strategy. Represent Mercy Corps at relevant meetings and forums. Liaise with local, state, and national government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps programs, coordination with actors working on related issues, and cross-learning. Identify and connect program staff and stakeholders to relevant local technical expertise to inform key program activities. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Other duties as assigned. Applicants should submit their Application Letter, current CV with complete contact details of applicant & 3 professional referees and copy of any testimonies, in a sealed envelope indicating position applied to: HR Officer, Mercy Corps, # 87-C Kan Street (U Kun Zaw Avenue), 10-Ward, Hlaing Tsp., Yangon Or to: HR@mm.mercycorps.org DEADLINE for ALL APPLICATIONS: 15 July 2013 before 5:00PM (We encourage early submission of application as candidates can be hired before the deadline) Only short-listed candidates will be invited for interview. Please no telephone inquires. We are not obliged to return received applications.

61 62 Sport THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 BRIEFS Philadelphia Flyers woo all-star forward Lecavalier Vincent Lecavalier, who has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has agreed to a multi-million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 33-year-old Canadian was made available to other National Hockey League teams after Tampa Bay made him a free agent by deciding to use a compliance buyout on his contract. The Flyers beat out the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens for the services of Lecavalier, who played for Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Bailey. Photo: AFP Cincinnati Reds Bailey tosses second career no-hitter Cincinnati pitcher Homer Bailey threw the second no-hitter of his career on June 2 as the Reds blanked the San Francisco Giants 3-0 at Great American Ball Park. The 27-year-old Bailey s other nohitter was the last of the 2012 Major League Baseball season and the right-handed pitcher followed that up on June 2 with the first of this season. Bailey had a perfect game heading into the seventh inning until walking Blanco for the lone Giant baserunner of the contest. London Bournemouth to host Real Madrid in friendly English second-tier outfit Bournemouth announced that they are to host Spanish super club Real Madrid in a glamour friendly game on July 21. The south coast side, who secured promotion to the Championship last season, will take on Carlo Ancelotti s team at Dean Court. Arlington Rangers gamble on minor league deal with Ramirez Controversial slugger Manny Ramirez, who left Taiwan s EDA Rhinos last month to pursue a possible return to Major League Baseball, could get his chance with the Texas Rangers. The Rangers inked Ramirez to a minor-league contract on July 3. The 41-year-old dreadlocked Dominican arrived in Texas on Jully 4 and report to the Rangers minor league affiliate Round Rock. It s a no-risk flyer in a lot of ways, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said in comments posted on an mlb.com blog. Our history, we like giving guys second chances. Montpellier RadioShack dump Schleck RadioShack cycling team have announced they will not renew the contract of former Tour de France podium finisher Franck Schleck. Schleck, the older brother and teammate of 2010 Tour de France champion Andy, was handed a oneyear ban after it was announced before the 16th stage of last year s race that he had tested positive for a banned diuretic. His ban is about to end but RadioShack s management company Leopard are not offering the Luxemburger a new deal. With the end of Frank Schleck s suspension approaching, Leopard and its partners have assessed the situation in view of a possible renewal of the collaboration with Frank Schleck, said a statement from the team. AFP SOWETO Mandela the boxer inspires new generation IN a sweaty township gym where Nelson Mandela once trained as a young boxer, athletes are still pumping iron today, inspired by the peace icon s example as he fights for his life in hospital. Things haven t changed much since the early 1950s, when a youthful Mandela worked out on week nights at the Donaldson Orlando Community Centre, or the D.O. as it s still affectionately known. Spartan and slightly run down, the walls ooze with the intermingled history of sport, community life and the decades-long fight against apartheid oppression. It was here that Mandela came to lose himself in sport to take his mind off liberation politics. Nestled in the heart of South Africa s largest township just south of Johannesburg, the community centre was also where famous African songbirds like Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie first performed. The 1976 riots against the imposition of the Afrikaans language in black schools were planned from the D.O. as Mandela and other leaders languished in apartheid jails. Here, look, these are the very same weights Madiba used for training, proud gym instructor Sinki Langa, 49, said, using Mandela s clan name. They have lasted all these years, he said as he added another set to a bar his fellow trainee Simon Mzizi, 30, was using to furiously bench-press, sweat dripping down his face. Nearby, other fitness enthusiasts worked out to the tune of soothing music, which unusually for a gym included opera. The D.O., or Soweto YMCA as it is called today, opened its doors in 1948, the same year the apartheid white nationalist government came to power. Built with funds donated by Colonel James Donaldson, a self-made entrepreneur and staunch supporter of the now governing African National Congress (ANC), the D.O. centre includes a hall and several sparsely furnished smaller rooms like the one AUNG SI HEIN aungsiheinmm8@gmail.com Nelson Mandela wishes Philip Ndou good luck in Johannesburg on October 7, Photo: AFP where Mandela sparred as a young man. Today the gym is housed in an adjacent hall, which was the original building on the grounds erected in Mandela joined the D.O. in around 1950, often taking his oldest 10-year-old son Thembi with him. In a letter to his daughter Zinzi, while on Robben Island where he spent 18 of his 27 years in jail, Mandela recalled his days at the gym. The walls... of the DOCC are drenched with the sweet memories that will delight me for years, I did not enjoy the violence of boxing as much as the science of it. Nelson Mandela Former President of South Africa FIFA, Myanmar lay out vision THE Myanmar Football Federation and FIFA unveiled on June 27 a new eight year strategic plan for the country s football program that includes five key upgrades aimed at facilitating the sport s development domestically. The five projects include a new Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) headquarters, establishing two football academies in Mandalay, renovations to Yangon s Thuwunna Stadium and a youth training academy in Yangon. The projects are estimated to cost around US$2.3 million. FIFA, the sport s world governing body, will help to cover the expenses along with the Myanmar government and the MFF. We exercise teamwork when working on these projects, MFF president and business tycoon Zaw Zaw said of the approach. He added that FIFA and MFF would also like to see the U-17 national team qualify for the U-17 World Cup. As our proverb goes, If you do, FIFA does. We are going to cooperate with you so long as Myanmar has ideas. In order for FIFA to help Myanmar football, we need your imaginations and ideas. You know Myanmar football and how to improve it, a FIFA representative said. Though the outlook for the future of Myanmar football is bright, Zaw Zaw said that even with FIFA assistance he feared that Myanmar could be left behind due to the country s poverty level. Our problem is lack of infrastructure and facilities. Our people still can t move beyond their concern for their basic needs, so they can t invest their time and money in football, Zaw Zaw said. Our medical assistance also barely nhelps. Once a player gets injured, his recovery takes longer than it should. Because of these factors our football has not yet been revived. he wrote in the letter, published in his 2010 book Conversations with Myself Training at the D.O. was tough and included sparring, weightlifting, running and push-ups. We used to train for four days, from Monday to Thursday and then break off, Mandela told journalist Richard Stengel in the early 1990s, while writing his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. When he was handed a life sentence in 1964, Mandela kept up the harsh regime of his training to stay fit and healthy. I was very fit, and in prison, I felt very fit indeed. So I used to train in prison... just as I did outside, Mandela said in a transcript of his conversation with Stengel. Mandela was eventually released from jail in 1990 and in 1994, he was elected South Africa s first black president. In Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela admitted he was never an outstanding boxer. I did not enjoy the violence of boxing as much as the science of it, DEFENDING Myanmar National League champions Yangon United travelled to Shan State to take on KBZ with league leadership up for grabs, but could only come away with a 1-1 draw in their June 29 match up. However, it is United that will be happier with the result since they remain top of the ladder with a three-point lead. United took the lead almost immediately after the kick-off, with Cezar finding the net with a free kick. And the Yangon side looked likely to leave KBZ Stadium in the elderly statesman said. It was a way of losing myself in something that was not the struggle, Mandela wrote. Back in those days, boxing was very popular. It was part of that culture, Shakes Tshabalala, 81, who has been involved with the centre from the start said. Pugilism always played a big part in Mandela s life and at his nearby house, today a museum, boxing-related items like the WBC World Championship belt donated by Sugar Ray Leonard are on display. Back at the centre, a new generation of youngsters are training. Although few of them box today, they draw their inspiration from Mandela s example in healthy living. While the ailing 94-year-old statesman is battling a recurring lung infection, the gym-goers firmly believe the liberation icon will return for one last round. Mandela was a sportsman. This is why today he is still alive, said gym instructor Langa. I am worried about him, but I know he ll win. He s a fighter, AFP Top of the table clash ends in draw KYAW ZIN HLAING kyawzinhlaing91@gmail.com Taunggyi with full points until KBZ midfielder Nunez scored from a free kick in the 73 rd minute, levelling scores. The closely contested match was a feast for true football supporters, with both sides struggling to gain ascendancy, KBZ desperately tried to claw their way back into the match after the shock opening goal. Yangon United coach Ivan Venkov Kolev said his charges failed to convert their chances. In the second half, we had three good chances but didn t score, he said. KBZ is one of the top teams in the national league and the referees always give some extra help to the home side.

62 Sport 63 RIO DE JANEIRO Brazil unrest raises questions about World Cup THE Confederations Cup, held amid unprecedented social turmoil, shed light on a new face of Brazil and raised fresh questions about the country s pledge to stage the best ever World Cup next year. Despite initial fears about delays in delivering stadia for the tournament, what was billed as a dry run for the first World Cup to be held in Brazil since 1950 proved to be a sporting success. The Selecao captured a fourth Confederations Cup trophy. The organisation of the event generally went well. But the country still faces an uphill battle in completing huge infrastructure projects at a time when a restive population is venting anger over the political class s failure to deliver adequate public services and to root out corruption. The government had planned tough security measures to deal with rowdy fans, organised crime, and to prevent a terror attack. But it was taken by surprise by the explosion of anger led by urban youths railing against rampant corruption and the billions of dollars invested in major football events rather than in health, education and public transport. Brazilian authorities and world football governing body FIFA had hoped to use the Confederations Cup to begin selling Brazil, the land of football and samba, as a joyful and successful emerging power. Instead the world was treated to a much less idyllic image of this continent sized country of 194 million Brazilian fans watch the FIFA Confederations Cup final football match between Brazil and Spain in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 30. Photo: AFP people, with live television coverage of scenes of urban guerrilla warfare. Now there are fears, even within FIFA, that the unrest may flare anew during Pope Francis s visit to Rio late this month for a major Catholic Youth fest or even during next year s World Cup which will be followed a few months later by presidential and legislative polls. Of course, this situation is a source of concern. Given what has just happened, some tourists who were planning to visit Brazil might change their minds, said Marco Polo del Nero, vice president of the Brazilian Football Confederation. Some 600,000 foreign fans are expected for the World Cup, 30 times more than during the Confederations Cup. And organisers expect 3.8 million Brazilians to travel between the 12 host cities. The country may be blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, a tropical climate, captivating music and football prowess but criss-crossing it is expensive and complicated. Hotels are notorious for their exorbitant rates and poor service. I am sure that the World Cup will be a success, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said. Yet the unrest is already hurting the tourism industry. Hotels in Rio had a 27 percent cancellation rate during the Confederations Cup, according to the Brazilian Industry and Hotels Association (ABIH). The protests, particularly those which degenerated into violence, had a negative impact on the image of the country, said ABIH President Enrico Fermi. But we are not going to allow a minority to spoil the party, he said. He said there was still plenty of time for authorities to turn things around. In 2014, security around the stadiums will be reinforced. There won t be surprises, said Brazilian journalist Marcos Guterman, author of the book Football explains Brazil. Four of the six host stadiums for the Confederations Cup were completed well behind schedule. For the World Cup, six others in the cities of Sao Paulo, Cuiaba, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Manaus and Natal are to be delivered no later than December 31. But the biggest headache is transport. Airports are for the most part aging and not equipped to handle domestic air traffic that has soared 120pc in a decade. Roads are in a sorry state and there is virtually no passenger train service. AFP

63 64 THE MYANMAR TIMES JULY 8-14, 2013 Sport Cricket officials dream of golden days ahead AUNG SI HEIN THE Myanmar Cricket Federation is hoping that efforts to expose more people to the game will give the sport a much needed boost and keep it from falling further behind other nations in the region. We don t want to be left behind while our neighbouring countries... are doing well at cricket. We are striving to reach the golden days of Myanmar cricket, national coach Michael Kyaw Min told The Myanmar Times following a tournament in late June. The Cricket World Cup enjoys the third-largest global television audience after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup according to the Wisden Cricket Almanac, but the sport has seen very limited popularity in Myanmar where football and traditional sports like chinlone remain favourtes. While cricket has failed to gain widespread support domestically, in other countries in the region, particularly India and Bangladesh, the sport is wildly popularity. Cricket was brought to Myanmar by the British during colonial rule. London newspapers carried stories of the sport being played in upper Myanmar as early as 1888 but hopes for it s growth were dashed by anti-colonial sentiment and backlash. The Myanmar Cricket Federation was established in 2005 to oversee the sport domestically. The federation organises a six-team league and tournaments every winter. The national team has taken part in three ACC Trophy Challenge tournaments but with disappointing results. Despite poor performance in these international events, the Myanmar team was regonised this year for their sportsmanship and three Myanmar nationals received individual awards. Michael Kyaw Min said that, like many other sports in Myanmar, cricket lacks the infrastructure and support it needs to expand. We need covered courts to play cricket games and right now we don t have a sufficient number of covered courts, Michael Kyaw Min said. We can t play cricket in the heavy rain, so we the only option we are left with is to wait for the winter season when there is no more rain. We also don t have enough equipment. Despite the constraints, the President of The Myanmar Cricket Federation, Than Win, said that he has found that people in Myanmar are intrigued by the sport and he has seen enthusiastic crowds when demonstrations are held. Wherever we go and play cricket people like it. They are never bored or walk away. Instead they are interested and ask more about Members of the Myanmar nationa cricket team practice in Yangon on July 4. Photo: Boothee SPORT EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin timothy.mclaughlin3@gmail.com the sport, he said. Than Win said an outreach program started by the Cricket Federation in Sagaing Region near the border with Chin State has been very well received. Given the success the federation is looking to launch similar programs in other areas and is hoping that a states and regions tournament could soon become a reality. The federation is also focusing on youth development and bringing female players to the sport. In Yangon a program started in 2006 to introduce students to cricket in six schools has expanded to 20. Clash of MNL league leaders ends in draw SPORT 62 BRIEFS Yangon National weightlifting competition to start July 20 The Myanmar Weightlifting Federation is hosting the annual Federation Chairman Cup from July 20 to 22 at Aung San Indoor Stadium in Yangon, an official said. The competition will include an under-17 free-weight event for men and women, as well as eight weight classes from 50kg to 95kg for men, and seven weight classes from 44-69kg for women. Participants have been training at regional stadiums in anticipation of the event since the beginning of the year, said U Myint Swe, the federation s general secretary. Kyaw Zin Hlaing Yangon Professional Wrestling Comes to Myanmar Cable provider SkyNet announced a new three-year television distribution agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment on July 2 to broadcast WWE s weekly television programming in Myanmar. Beginning in July, SkyNet DTH will broadcast Monday Night Raw, Smack- Down, WWE Main Event and WWE NXT on the SkyNet Sports 3 and SkyNet Teen channels. Joining WWE to bring their worldclass entertainment to the people of Myanmar is a significant addition to our expanding portfolio, said Win Naing, executive general manager of SkyNet TV. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with WWE as we help to continue awareness and viewership of this global brand in South East Asia. Tim McLaughlin Boston Celtics opt for youth in naming Stevens coach The rebuilding Boston Celtics on July 3 named Brad Stevens as head coach, hoping his success at the helm at Butler University will translate to the NBA. The 36-year-old Stevens spent the last six seasons as the head coach at Butler University and led the Bulldogs to the National Championship game in 2010 and His Butler teams never won fewer than 22 games in a season as he kept the university that boasts a total enrollment of just 4500 contending in the fiercely competitive world of US collegiate basketball. AFP

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