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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07RANGOON168 |
BURMA: RESPONDING TO THE REGIME'S "ROADMAP TO [...] (C) Summary: Burma's military regime is preparing to wrap up its National Convention, debut a new constitution, and move forward with a national referendum within the next year. In doing so, the regime hopes to gain domestic and international acquiescence to a constitution that will cement t [...] |
2007-02-20 09:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON174 |
THAI-BURMA ACMECS PROJECTS OFF TO SLOW START [...] (SBU) Summary: Thai aid projects in Burma, according to local embassy officials, are designed to encourage GOB economic reforms as well as helping those in need. Although the GOB has moved slowly on bilateral projects proposed under the Ayeyarwady/Chao Phraya/Mekong Economic Cooperation Strat [...] |
2007-02-21 09:26:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EAID BM TH |
| 07RANGOON181 |
BURMA'S LEAST WANTED: THE ROHINGYAS [...] (SBU) Summary: The Muslim Rohingyas who inhabit Burma's Northern Rakhine State (NRS) are among the world's most oppressed and marginalized people. Burma's military regime refuses to recognize the Rohingyas as one of Burma's official ethnic groups, denies them citizenship, and systematically [...] |
2007-02-22 11:16:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON183 |
BURMA EDGES CLOSER TO ILO AGREEMENT [...] (C) Summary: The ILO and the GOB have reached an ad referendum agreement on the establishment of a mechanism to address forced labor complaints. The ILO Governing Board and the Burmese Cabinet must approve the text before the agreement is signed, probably in Geneva. The ILO Liaison Officer [...] |
2007-02-23 09:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PHUM PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON184 |
BURMA REGIME WARNS AMERICAN CENTER, BRITISH COUNCIL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The MFA Deputy Director General of Protocol summoned DCMs from the U.S. and U.K. embassies on February 23 to issue a warning about public affairs activities of the embassy's American Center and the British Council. He stated that institutions that teach or provide information to t [...] |
2007-02-23 09:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KPAO BM |
| 07RANGOON185 |
BURMA: FRUSTRATION SURFACES IN RANGOON [...] (U) Summary: On February 22, thirty demonstrators gathered in front of Rangoon City Hall to protest Burma's deteriorating economic and social conditions in one of the largest public demonstrations in years. A crowd of two hundred gathered to watch the event. Some shouted to the demonstrator [...] |
2007-02-23 10:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON198 |
LIFE IN SHAN STATE'S FORMER PRINCIPALITY OF HSIPAW [...] (C) SUMMARY: A recent visit to Hsipaw revealed that recent Chinese migrants have changed the demographics and the economy of this former Shan principality. Family members of two Hsipaw political prisoners described their sentences and prison life. The regime maintains a watchful eye on pote [...] |
2007-02-26 10:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON199 |
BURMA: PRECARIOUS PEACE IN KAREN STATE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Confusion continues to surround the reported cease-fire agreement between the SPDC and a breakaway faction of the KNU. Unlike earlier cease-fire agreements between the regime and other armed ethnic groups, the latest deal does not require the Karen faction to surrender their arms [...] |
2007-02-26 11:00:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PINS PREF PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON203 |
AI UPDATE: USAID/FAO VISITORS REVIEW BURMA EFFORTS [...] (U) Summary: Burma has not reported any new cases of AI since it contained a March-April 2006 outbreak in poultry in Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions through extensive culling. Recent sero surveillance detected AI antibodies in ducks in Mandalay and Bago Divisions, but examination by GOB, USAID [...] |
2007-02-27 05:27:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV CASC TBIO KLFU BM |
| 07RANGOON211 |
BURMA: REGIME RELEASES DETAINED PROTESTERS [...] (C) Late on February 27, the police released all those detained for participating in last week's public protest against deteriorating economic and social conditions in Burma (reftel). The regime had arrested nine people and detained many of the participants' family members after the initial [...] |
2007-03-01 09:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON212 |
BURMA HPAI OUTBREAK CONFIRMED, ACTION TAKEN [...] (U) Summary: On February 28, Burma's Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) reported to OIE an outbreak of H5N1 in chickens on a farm in the Rangoon township of Mayangone. Rangoon officials immediately culled all poultry at the farm by cremation, disinfected the farm, and began s [...] |
2007-03-01 10:01:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON22 |
THAN SHWE REPORTEDLY RETURNING TO BURMA [...] (C) According to a contact at the Singapore Embassy, Senior General Than Shwe is alive and was released from Singapore General Hospital on January 8 after being treated for intestinal cancer. This source expected Than Shwe to return to Nay Pyi Taw shortly. Another reliable source confirmed [...] |
2007-01-08 09:12:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON220 |
BURMA:DEVELOPMENT AND EXERCISING OF AVIAN AND [...] Summary: Burma's Ministry of Health finalized the National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza and Human Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan on January 31, 2006. On October 16, Mekong Based Development Strategy and RAND Corporation facilitators led a tabletop exercis [...] |
2007-03-02 10:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON221 |
BURMA AI OUTBREAK RESPONSE STAYS STRONG [...] (U) Summary: The GOB continued to respond effectively to the February 26-27 outbreak of AI found in poultry at an isolated farm in a Rangoon township. Measures include quarantine of the farm, a ban on the sale of eggs and poultry products in five townships, and close surveillance of humans and [...] |
2007-03-02 11:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON227 |
BURMESE MILITARY STILL INTERESTED IN TALKING WITH [...] (C) Summary: Charge and DATT met with LTG Myint Swe on March 3 for another of their periodic exchanges of views (ref A). Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu also sat in on this meeting, unlike previous meetings, but he did not actively participate in the discussion. Charge tried to draw the G [...] |
2007-03-05 10:53:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON228 |
BURMA DOES ITS BEST TO COPE WITH AI OUTBREAK [...] (SBU) Summary: Burmese authorities reported the death from Avian Influenza of sixteen chickens and five ducks in three additional townships of Rangoon from February 28 through March 2, in addition to those at the initial site (ref B). After tests for AI were positive at the three new sites, of [...] |
2007-03-05 11:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON232 |
NO NEW CASES OF AI REPORTED IN BURMA [...] (SBU) Summary: Burmese authorities have reported no new cases of AI in poultry since March 2, and no human cases since the current outbreak in Rangoon began. Health Ministry officials are monitoring all health care facilities in Rangoon for patients with flu-like symptoms, but have not found [...] |
2007-03-06 09:34:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON247 |
BURMA: NO NEW AI OUTBREAKS, SOURCE STILL UNCLEAR [...] (SBU) The GOB has reported no new cases of AI in poultry since March 2, and has reported no human cases. USAID and FAO specialists from Bangkok joined Burmese technicians in their central lab on March 7, and made a field trip to affected sites on March 8. Lab personnel in Burma have not iden [...] |
2007-03-07 10:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON248 |
BURMA REGIME DETAINS MORE DEMONSTRATORS [...] (C) On the evening of March 6, Burmese authorities detained another seven participants in the February 22 protest in downtown Rangoon (ref B). Special Branch police picked up the seven from their homes around 22:00 and indicated that they would release them after further questioning. 2. ( [...] |
2007-03-07 12:08:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON255 |
INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO HELP BURMA,S WAR ON DRUGS [...] (U) SUMMARY: At a semi-annual Rangoon meeting of the Mini-Dublin Group, the countries tracking narcotics in Burma echoed concerns of the INCSR and UNODC Annual Report. All agreed that Burma is making credible progress in disrupting drug trafficking networks and reducing opium cultivation, bu [...] |
2007-03-09 11:55:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SNAR KCRM BM |
| 07RANGOON259 |
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IN BURMA [...] (SBU) In honor of International Women's Day, the Charge d'Affaires held a well-attended afternoon discussion on March 8 with women leaders from the National League for Democracy, the 88 Generation Students, ethnic representatives, and leaders of grass-roots NGOs. The Charge opened the discus [...] |
2007-03-12 09:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KWMN PHUM PREL KPAO |
| 07RANGOON262 |
BURMA: REGIME DETAINS AMERICAN CENTER STUDENTS [...] (C) Summary: In an aggressive move against our American Center, the regime has detained several of our high-profile students and patrons. A prominent American Center student was detained at Yangon International Airport while departing Burma for the U.S. to participate in a State Department f [...] |
2007-03-12 11:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM KPAO OEXC |
| 07RANGOON269 |
BURMA: THE NLD OPTS OUT OF THE REGIME'S ROADMAP [...] (C) Summary: The NLD has decided not to insert itself into the regime's "Seven Step Roadmap to Democracy." Instead, it will continue to boycott the steps of the roadmap and call for the regime to honor the results of the 1990 elections and convene the Parliament. Whether this particular dec [...] |
2007-03-13 10:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON272 |
BURMA AI UPDATE: NO NEW OUTBREAKS, MORE HELP NEEDED [...] (SBU) The government of Burma has reported no new outbreaks of AI since the culling of affected poultry in Rangoon was completed on March 2. The GOB has reported no suspected cases in humans. In the affected areas of Rangoon, officials continue to monitor the health of poultry and humans, an [...] |
2007-03-14 06:42:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON274 |
BURMA AI UPDATE: NEW POULTRY OUTBREAK [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOB today reported a new outbreak of AI in Rangoon. Officials said that 500 chickens, 57 pheasants and 50 quails died at three different farms on March 10-11. Officials culled all remaining poultry at the affected farms on March 12. Rapid Test Kits showed positive results fo [...] |
2007-03-14 10:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON283 |
BIOGRAPHY: SHWE MANN, BURMA'S DICTATOR-IN-WAITING [...] (C) SUMMARY: Most observers view General "Thura" Shwe Mann, the Burmese regime's number three, as Senior General Than Shwe's preferred successor. Infrequently seen in public, Shwe Mann quietly runs the Ministry of Defense and appears to have the respect of officers of all ranks. More than a [...] |
2007-03-16 07:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR BM |
| 07RANGOON284 |
BURMA AI UPDATE: FURTHER STEPS IN OUTBREAK RESPONSE [...] (U) Burmese officials reported no new outbreaks of Avian Influenza among birds on March 16. On March 13, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) Director General notified OIE that PCR tests confirm the earlier announcement that Avian Influenza caused the March 10-11 poultry d [...] |
2007-03-16 10:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON287 |
BURMA'S AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY SPREADS FURTHER [...] (U) Summary: Burma's AI outbreak in poultry, which began on March 10-11, continues to spread. On March 18, the GOB responded to new outbreaks of AI in poultry at eight farms in another Rangoon township located near a major poultry producing area. Officials continue to respond by culling all [...] |
2007-03-19 09:21:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON304 |
BURMESE AUTHORITIES RESPOND TO NEW AI CASES [...] (SBU) Summary: On March 21, after PCR testing, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) publicly confirmed a March 18 outbreak of AI at a poultry farm in Rangoon Division (ref A). The GOB imposed stricter controls on the movement of people and poultry-related products in a six- [...] |
2007-03-23 04:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON305 |
BURMESE REGIME CONTINUES TO HARASS ACTIVISTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The regime continues to detain and harass pro-democracy activists. Authorities arrested activist Htin Kyaw for the fourth time in four weeks. They unsuccessfully tried to prevent Min Ko Naing from visiting the family of a political prisoner. They detained two activists in Bago [...] |
2007-03-23 04:39:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON313 |
BURMA'S OFFSHORE WATERS BECOME MORE CROWDED [...] (U) Summary: Despite inconsistent results from new test wells, Burma's oil and gas potential continues to draw significant interest and investment from China, Russia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, and Japan. The regime has granted exploration rights to all remaining blocks just offshore B [...] |
2007-03-28 09:11:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM PGOV |
| 07RANGOON314 |
FOREIGN MINISTRY WARNS AGAIN ABOUT AMERICAN CENTER [...] (U) SUMMARY: MFA Protocol Deputy Director-General U Soe Win summoned DCM and PAO to the Foreign Ministry on March 28 to reiterate warnings about the American Center activities (reftel). After repeating GOB directives that institutions that teach or provide information to the public must be r [...] |
2007-03-28 09:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KPAO BM |
| 07RANGOON315 |
BURMA AI UPDATE: MARCH 28, 2007 [...] (U) Summary: On March 23, Burma's Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) reported that the birds found dead at a quail farm in Hmaw Bi Township in Rangoon Division tested positive for Influenza type A. The farm owner requested the destruction of the birds before confirmation of A [...] |
2007-03-28 10:51:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON324 |
BURMA'S AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY CONTINUES [...] (U) Summary: The GOB confirmed AI was responsible for 600 poultry deaths at another chicken farm in Rangoon Division on March 28-30. Officials destroyed all remaining poultry and utensils on the affected farm in Mingaladon Township and, as a precautionary measure, at three nearby farms. Offic [...] |
2007-04-02 09:56:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON328 |
THE BURMESE REGIME'S NUMBER ONE CRONY: TAY ZA [...] (SBU) Summary: To curry favor and win the most lucrative deals, 42-year old Tay Za, Burma's number one crony businessman, entertains regime leaders lavishly and hires their children in his many business ventures. Now active in all Burma's profitable sectors, Tay Za first made his name as an a [...] |
2007-04-03 05:33:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON33 |
CHIN STATE: WHERE THERE IS WILL, THERE IS A WAY [...] (C) Summary: Charge visited the northern half of Chin State December 6-10 on a UNICEF-organized trip with other diplomats. This is another very pro-American area of Burma due to the past influence of American missionaries. Almost everyone we met spoke of the desire of Chin people to work in [...] |
2007-01-10 08:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL CVIS PREF PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON335 |
BURMA LABOR ADVOCATE FORMS HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP [...] (C) SUMMARY: A renowned Burmese labor lawyer and former political prisoner recently established a human rights monitoring group, Leading Stars, to help human rights victims file legal charges against their oppressors. Leading Stars plans to help defend political prisoners and promote politica [...] |
2007-04-04 09:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ELAB BM |
| 07RANGOON345 |
BURMA BEGINS TO ADDRESS FORCED LABOR AGAIN [...] (C) Summary: For the first time since early 2005, the GOB responded to two ILO case referrals and took action against officials accused of violating the prohibition against forced labor, and returned a child to his family. Two village officials were sentenced in the first investigation conduct [...] |
2007-04-09 10:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON357 |
BURMESE VILLAGERS SUCCESSFULLY RESIST FORCED LABOR [...] (C) Summary. Two recent incidents in Burma demonstrated the effectiveness of raising awareness about individual rights in Trafficking in Persons (TIP) cases. According to Save the Children (STC), villagers in Karen State and Shan State who had received STC training took action to save forcibl [...] |
2007-04-11 06:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM ELAB PGOV SMIG KCRM BM |
| 07RANGOON361 |
BURMA'S MOE MYINT LAYS LOW AND PROFITS [...] (SBU) Summary: Moe Myint, a well-connected Burmese business leader, was accustomed to making money while keeping a low profile until he burst into the headlines recently as the head of the only Burmese private company to join the international rush for petroleum reserves beneath Burma's waters [...] |
2007-04-12 02:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EPET BM |
| 07RANGOON387 |
BURMA: EIGHT MORE DEMONSTRATORS ARRESTED IN RANGOON [...] (C) SUMMARY: Eight persons staged a short demonstration on April 22 to protest continued electricity blackouts, unemployment, inflation, and high taxes. Burmese media coverage claimed that ordinary Burmese citizens, tired of demonstrations, seized eight demonstrators and handed them over to t [...] |
2007-04-25 00:54:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON397 |
BURMA AND NORTH KOREA RE-ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC [...] (U) Visiting North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong-Il and Burmese Deputy FM Khaw Thu signed a protocol formally re-establishing diplomatic relations at Rangoon's Nikko Hotel on April 26. The ceremony was low-key with only one government media photographer present. When the two deputy [...] |
2007-04-26 10:45:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON407 |
BURMA: WHO WOULD BE PRIME MINISTER? [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Soe Win's extended stay in Singapore for medical treatment fueled many rumors about his successor. While several names have been suggested for the largely ceremonial post, it is not clear that anybody really wants the job. With several key regime leaders reportedly [...] |
2007-05-02 09:07:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON41 |
BURMA: DETAINED PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADERS RELEASED [...] (C) Summary: Early on January 11, the regime released the five detained leaders of the 88 Generation Students (88GS) movement. The five were treated well during their detention and were provided with food and medicine. They believe the regime detained them as pawns to be released at the ap [...] |
2007-01-11 11:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON419 |
CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM FOR 3D FUND ROLLOUT [...] (SBU) Summary: As manager of the new Three Diseases Fund (3DF), on May 1, UNOPS signed the first contracts for projects in Burma to address malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS. UNOPS will obligate only funds already received from donors, approximately fifty percent of projects approved by the 3DF Board. [...] |
2007-05-04 04:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | SOCI EAID PHUM KHIV PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON42 |
BURMA: TRANSLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT [...] For translating the 2006 Human Rights Report into the Burmese language, Embassy Rangoon plans to use "Option Two" (ref A). Post understands LS will translate the report after its release and R will provide funds for the translation (ref B). VILLAROSA [...] |
2007-01-12 06:09:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM APER KPAO BM |
| 07RANGOON447 |
BURMA: KARENNI PEACE TALKS GOING NOWHERE FAST [...] (C) SUMMARY: The regime has quietly engaged leaders of the insurgent Karenni National People's Party in peace discussions in recent months. The key sticking point remains the status of Burmese Army bases in Kayah State. The Karenni may eventually cede this point, but appear to be in no hurry [...] |
2007-05-11 16:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PINS PREF BM |
| 07RANGOON46 |
TREADING CAREFULLY, BUSINESSMAN SURVIVES WITH [...] (SBU) Summary: To survive in Burma's unpredictable, unfair and complicated business environment, local business reps must stay flexible and well informed. Dr. Maung Maung Lay is an unusual example of a respected business leader who is accepted by regime leaders, even though he criticizes their [...] |
2007-01-12 09:42:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON463 |
BURMA: INFLATION SKYROCKETS, ECONOMIC [...] (U) Summary: In 2006, Burma's inflation rate rose to a staggering 57 percent, fueled by poor economic policies, higher input costs, further devaluation of the kyat, and higher fuel costs among other factors. While the poor continue to suffer, the middle class continue to struggle, and the we [...] |
2007-05-17 08:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON478 |
BURMA: DEMOCRACY ADVOCATES GEAR UP TO RALLY PUBLIC [...] (C) SUMMARY: The 88 Generation Students and other democracy activists continue their campaigns to mobilize the public, with the goal of preparing an effective public response when the regime unveils its dictated constitution. Meanwhile, the regime is using its proxy mass-member organizations i [...] |
2007-05-21 11:53:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON489 |
BURMA AI UPDATE: NEW OUTBREAK IN RANGOON [...] (SBU) Summary: On May 22, an outbreak of Avian Influenza in chickens occurred at an isolated poultry farm in Rangoon owned and controlled by the Burmese military. Officials destroyed all the birds and disinfected the premises, but did not institute any controls on the transport of poultry in [...] |
2007-05-24 09:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV CASC TBIO KLFU BM |
| 07RANGOON505 |
EXCESSIVE AIRSPACE DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] Charge a.i conveyed reftel talking points to Kyaw Zeya, Deputy Director of MFA Consular and Legal Affairs Department, on May 30. Kyaw Zeya stressed that he did not have any direct knowledge of the November 22 airspace incident and that it did not reflect any change in Burmese policy. He surm [...] |
2007-05-30 10:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR KREC MARR MOPS PHSA BM IN |
| 07RANGOON511 |
BURMA REPORTS LAST WEEK'S AI OUTBREAK [...] (U) Summary: On May 28, the Director General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) reported to OIE the May 22 outbreak of AI at an isolated chicken farm on Burmese military premises in Rangoon. The Ministry of Health continues to observe over 30 people in the outbreak are [...] |
2007-05-31 09:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON52 |
NO BIG POWER STRUGGLE BEHIND CUSTOMS ARRESTS [...] (C) Summary: Since June, police have arrested over 300 customs officials in an ongoing corruption investigation, including the Director General, reportedly a Than Shwe favorite. While some speculate that the regime acted to increase revenues that were lost through bribes to customs officials, [...] |
2007-01-16 06:00:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV ETRD BM |
| 07RANGOON526 |
ICRC READY TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON BURMA [...] (C) Summary: Frustrated by lack of progress in resolving the GOB's restrictions on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian activities in Burma, ICRC has given the Minister of Home Affairs and other GOB officials an ultimatum: if regime leaders will not agree to meet ICRC P [...] |
2007-06-01 11:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON551 |
AI OUTBREAK IN BURMA'S BAGO DIVISION [...] (U) Summary: PCR tests conducted on June 4 confirmed that avian influenza caused thirty chicken deaths at an army farm in Bago division, 40 miles north of Rangoon. The chickens started to die on June 1, and Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) officials culled the remaining 970 [...] |
2007-06-08 02:54:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV CASC TBIO KLFU BM |
| 07RANGOON555 |
BURMA: 2007 COUNTERNARCOTICS REPORT CARD [...] (U) This message responds to ref A request for a report on the Government of Burma's cooperation on counternarcotics efforts, based on benchmarks established in the prior year, in preparation for the FY 2008 certification process. 2. (SBU) Begin Text of 2007 Certification Report Card: [...] |
2007-06-08 09:17:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SNAR KCRM BM |
| 07RANGOON563 |
BURMA'S GAS EXPORTS FUEL A RECORD TRADE SURPLUS [...] (U) Summary: Burma's total trade reached approximately $8 billion in 2006-07, a record high. The country's rich natural resources, especially natural gas, dominated exports, while domestic fuel demand made diesel the top import. Government-owned enterprises dominated both sectors, controllin [...] |
2007-06-11 09:11:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EFIN PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON588 |
THREE DISEASES FUND OMITS PRIVATE SECTOR TREATMENT [...] (SBU) Summary: Population Services International (PSI) did not receive funding from the Three Diseases Fund (3DF) to continue its effective TB treatment program in Burma. The 3DF instead chose to support the TB programs of the World Health Organization and the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA [...] |
2007-06-18 10:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID TBIO PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON60 |
BURMA'S LEADER KEEPING UP APPEARANCES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Senior General Than Shwe returned to Burma on January 12 from his hospital stay in Singapore. He appeared briefly in the Burmese media on January 15 and 16, chairing the quarterly SPDC meeting in Nay Pyi Taw and welcoming PM Soe Win back from the ASEAN Summit in Cebu. Although ru [...] |
2007-01-17 09:25:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON600 |
BURMA'S SHWE GAS GOES TO CHINA, MAYBE [...] (U) Summary: During his recent visit to China, Lt.Gen.Thein Sein, State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Secretary-1, said arrangements were made for the export of SIPDIS natural gas from Burma to China. The GOB has not officially confirmed the decision, but Thein Sein's remarks were ca [...] |
2007-06-21 02:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON61 |
BURMA UNSCR: REGIME GLOATS, OPPOSITION REGROUPS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Reaction in Burma to China and Russia's veto of the UN Security Council Burma resolution has split as expected. The regime gloated and claimed the result demonstrated international repudiation of U.S. and British meddling in Burma's internal affairs. Pro-democracy groups in Burm [...] |
2007-01-18 05:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON634 |
INSUFFICENT FUNDING FOR BURMA'S MALARIA EPIDEMIC [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite a gradual decline in morbidity and mortality from malaria over the last 10 years, malaria continues to be one of Burma's greatest health problems. As the GOB has done little to provide the drugs and commodities needed to limit the spread of the disease, most of the burd [...] |
2007-07-09 10:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM SOCI BM PGOV PREL |
| 07RANGOON643 |
BURMA REGIME ISSUES ANOTHER WARNING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: a senior Foreign Ministry official summoned DCM and Acting PAO to a meeting on July 9 to repeat previous GOB complaints about the activities of the American Center. Unlike previous meetings, which focused on specific events the American Center hosted, this time the GOB criti [...] |
2007-07-11 08:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KPAO BM |
| 07RANGOON645 |
BURMA: KEY REGIME CRONY LIKELY TO BUILD DEEP SEA [...] (C) Summary: Tun Myint Naing aka Steven Law of Asia World Co. Ltd. has emerged as a key regime crony running one of Burma's most powerful business conglomerates. Local reports that Asia World has won the right to build a deep sea port at Kyauk Phyu in Rakhine State appear premature. However, As [...] |
2007-07-12 05:18:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON68 |
BURMA'S ILO INITIATIVE STALLS AFTER UNSC VOTE [...] (C) Summary: After recently making hurried, but significant, progress on a mechanism to address forced labor with ILO, the GOB fell silent in the wake of the unsuccessful January 12 UN Security Council vote on the Burma resolution. ILO Liaison Officer Richard Horsey attributes the GOB's earlie [...] |
2007-01-18 09:45:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PHUM PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON683 |
NEW ILO REP CAUTIOUSLY OPTAMISTIC ABOUT LABOR [...] (C) Summary: New ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall was cautiously optimistic about the GOB's willingness to address its commitments under the 2007 ILO-GOB mechanism to address forced labor. The GOB has begun to set up local committees to address forced labor cases referred by the ILO and r [...] |
2007-07-26 01:15:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | BM ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM |
| 07RANGOON688 |
NEW AI OUTBREAK IN BURMA,S MON STATE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-07-27 09:11:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON689 |
NEW AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY IN BURMA,S MON STATE [...] (SBU) Summary: Based on both Rapid Test Kit results and PCR tests, the Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) confirmed on July 26 a new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza on two farms in Mon State. More than 600 chickens died and the remaining 312 were culled. The munici [...] |
2007-07-27 09:16:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON7 |
BURMA'S TOP GENERAL IN SINGAPORE FOR HEART [...] (C) Summary: The Singaporeans confirmed to us that Senior General Than Shwe is in Singapore General Hospital undergoing treatment for a coronary artery blockage. His treatment is expected to continue for the next few days. No. 2 General Maung Aye is reportedly in charge. Post has no reaso [...] |
2007-01-03 09:17:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON702 |
NEW AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY IN BURMA'S BAGO DIVISION [...] (SBU) On August 1, Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department confirmed that between July 26 and July 30, 37 chickens died on a private farm in Letpadan Township in Thayawaddy District of Bago Division. Letpadan Township is located 160 kilometers north of Rangoon on the highway to P [...] |
2007-08-01 10:33:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON706 |
WILL CHINA OR THE U.S. DEVELOP BURMA'S OIL AND [...] (C) Summary: Well-connected businessman Moe Myint, who is heavily involved in the Burmese oil and gas sector, emphatically denies rumors that the GOB has an agreement to sell Shwe gas to the Chinese. Moe Myint claims the Korean company Daewoo has rights to develop the Shwe gas field and ref [...] |
2007-08-02 11:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 07RANGOON718 |
INTERNET SLOWLY DEVELOPING IN BURMA [...] (SBU) Summary. Despite the GOB's continued efforts to limit access to the outside world via the internet, the Burmese are creatively finding ways to circumvent regime bans. Users, particularly the younger generation, employ proxy servers or web tunnel programs to access block programs, such [...] |
2007-08-08 11:05:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON72 |
ICRC CUTS STAFF BUT STANDS FIRM [...] (C) SUMMARY: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Burma has steadily reduced its staff in the wake of regime requirements that forced ICRC to curtail most of its activities. However, ICRC's prosthetics program continues to operate at full strength. ICRC is committed to maint [...] |
2007-01-19 08:48:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL EAID BM |
| 07RANGOON721 |
ILO FOLLOWING BURMA LABOR ACTIVISTS' TRIAL [...] (C) Summary. Upon hearing of the secret trial of six labor activists, four of whom were arrested on May 1 outside of the American Center, new ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall relayed concerns that the GOB is unfairly targeting these individuals, not because they attempted to form a labor u [...] |
2007-08-09 11:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON722 |
POSITIVE STEPS IN ILO-BURMA COOPERATION [...] (C) Summary. Despite the GOB's lack of transparency on the trial of six labor activists (Ref A), ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall is pleased in general with the GOB's cooperation on labor practices. The GOB, implementing the 2007 ILO-GOB mechanism to address forced labor, recently approve [...] |
2007-08-10 01:33:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON738 |
LACK OF COMPENSATION A CONCERN FOR AI REPORTING [...] (C) Summary. While FAO Representative Tang Zhengping is confident that farmers are reporting all cases of avian influenza to the Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, he fears that lack of compensation for affected farmers may result in notification delays. Due to a shortage [...] |
2007-08-14 08:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON746 |
DAEWOO NEGOTIATING WITH CHINA FOR SHWE GAS [...] (C) Summary. The GOB continues to pressure Daewoo International Corp., the Korean-based company that holds a 25-year concession to develop and produce Shwe gas, to sell the gas to the Chinese. Daewoo has two options - to either sell gas to China or liquid natural gas (LNG) to Korea. The com [...] |
2007-08-15 09:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 07RANGOON749 |
BURMESE FUEL PRICES RISE 100 PERCENT [...] (U) On August 15, the GOB imposed a price hike on gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas, allegedly to keep up with global oil prices. The price of gasoline increased 67 percent overnight, from 1,500 kyat (USD 1.17) per gallon to 2,500 kyat (USD 1.94) per gallon. Diesel fuel prices doubled, [...] |
2007-08-15 11:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ENRG EINV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON750 |
BURMA'S REPRESENTATIVES TO 62ND UNGA [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-16 03:27:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OTRA OVIP UNGA BM |
| 07RANGOON754 |
JAPANESE TRADE WITH BURMA ON THE RISE [...] (SBU) Summary. Trade relations between Japan and Burma have improved during the past five years, in Burma's favor. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Burma exported more than $245 million in products to Japan in 2006, an increase of 139 percent since 2001. Burma im [...] |
2007-08-17 06:26:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON782 |
VIETNAM PM DISCUSSES TRADE WITH BURMA - TALK, NO MUCH [...] (SBU) Summary. During a two-day visit to Burma, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, accompanied by a delegation of 47 Vietnamese businessmen, met with Senior General Than Shwe, Acting Prime Minister General Thein Sein, and the Chamber of Commerce. During the meetings, the Burmese leade [...] |
2007-08-24 06:05:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV ENRG BM |
| 07RANGOON8 |
THAIS PRESSURE KARENS TO TALK TO THE BURMESE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Karen National Liberation Army sources claim the Thai military is pressuring it to engage in cease-fire talks with the Burmese regime. The Karen say they will insist that the Burmese army pull back from areas where they have driven out Karen villagers and stop its human rights v [...] |
2007-01-03 09:25:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PINS BM |
| 07RANGOON809 |
GOB DECLARES MON STATE FREE OF AI [...] (SBU) Summary. The Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) on August 23 declared Thanbyuzayat Township in Mon State free of Avian Influenza after the July 26 outbreak. LBVD officials conducted post-outbreak surveillance in the area, and collected samples from 28 chicken f [...] |
2007-08-29 08:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON81 |
BURMA REGIME TRIES TO STOP TUESDAY WORSHIPPERS [...] (C) Summary: On January 16, GOB backed thugs in civilian clothes verbally and physically attacked pro-democracy activist Naw Ohn Hla and her group who go to Shwe Dagon Pagoda every Tuesday to pray for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all of Burma's political prisoners. When she tried to fi [...] |
2007-01-23 10:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON810 |
DENGUE: A GROWING PROBLEM IN BURMA [...] (SBU) Summary. Dengue fever is a growing concern in Burma, with more than 9,500 reported cases and 117 deaths due to dengue in the first seven months of 2007. The number of cases reported, however, may not reflect the real situation, as the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that non-sy [...] |
2007-08-29 09:07:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED AMGT CASC ECON BM |
| 07RANGOON817 |
INVESTORS TRAPPED IN DECREPIT INDUSTRIAL ZONES [...] (SBU) Summary. The GOB established industrial zones in 2002 to promote the development of Burma's industrial sector. Currently, more than 9,500 factories operate in 18 industrial zones, employing almost 180,000 people. Many factory owners complain that business conditions in the industrial z [...] |
2007-09-04 02:46:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON838 |
IMF CONDUCTS ARTICLE IV CONSULTATIONS [...] (C) Summary: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team visited Burma August 22-September 4 for annual Article IV consultations. The team found that despite improvements in revenue collections and more than $2 billion in oil and gas revenues, the GOB capital expenditures remain high, resultin [...] |
2007-09-07 09:36:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | BM ECON EFIN IMF PGOV |
| 07RANGOON840 |
ILO DISMISSES FOUR FORCED LABOR CASES [...] (C) Summary. For the first time since the ILO has been in Burma, the ILO and Burmese Government conducted joint investigations into four forced labor cases. ILO Liaison officer Steve Marshall, accompanied by Ministry of Labor officials, traveled to Southern Rakhine State August 27-30 to foll [...] |
2007-09-07 09:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON842 |
SUSPECTED AI OUTBREAK IN POULTRY IN BURMA,S MON [...] (SBU) Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) officials informed us, FAO and the WHO on September 7 that between August 30 and September 1, 86 chickens died on a private farm in Moulmein, the capital of Mon State. On September 1, Moulmein District LBVD Deputy Director and s [...] |
2007-09-07 11:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON857 |
AI FIELD TRIP SHOWS GOB IMPLEMENTING BIOSECURITY MEASURES [...] (SBU) Summary. During a field trip to Taikkyi Township in Northern Rangoon Division, Embassy officers saw firsthand how the Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) and local farmers implemented avian influenza biosecurity procedures. LBVD, in conjunction with the FAO and W [...] |
2007-09-11 09:54:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 07RANGOON859 |
BURMESE PRIVATE SECTOR VIEWS OF THE ECONOMY [...] (C) Summary: The Charge on September 4 hosted a roundtable discussion for the IMF Article IV Consultation team with Burmese private sector business and economic observers. The Burmese roundtable participants discussed problems in the banking industry, the rampant problem of illegal border t [...] |
2007-09-11 10:44:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON PGOV IMF BM |
| 07RANGOON861 |
IMF PERSPECTIVES ON GOB ECONOMIC DECISIONMAKING [...] (C) Summary. The IMF team, during its Article IV consultations August 22-September 24, observed that all economic decisions, including the August 15 fuel price hike, are made at the top, with some input from the Ministries. The GOB ministries are highly compartmentalized, and economic recomm [...] |
2007-09-11 11:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON PGOV IMF BM |
| 07RANGOON871 |
TEXTILE AND APPAREL PRODUCTION IN BURMA [...] Summary. Burma's garment and textile sector faces many difficulties, including poor investment climate and crumbling infrastructure. It has the added disadvantage of being subject to U.S. sanctions. In the past five years, employment levels and company profits in the Burmese garment and tex [...] |
2007-09-13 10:26:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KTEX BM |
| 07RANGOON878 |
BURMA'S SHRINKING APPAREL INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) Summary. Burma's textile and apparel industry, once a vibrant and thriving industry, continues to lose competitiveness on the world market. Burmese apparel exports have dropped 56 percent, from 661.8 million in 2003 to 288.8 million in 2006. Private industry officials are confident th [...] |
2007-09-14 09:18:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KTEX BM |
| 07RANGOON89 |
REGIME STRONGARMS BURMESE SUGARCANE FARMERS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Authorities from Aunglan Township, Magway Division, ordered local sugarcane farmers to sell their crops to government sugar mills at less than one-third the market price. When farmers opted to sell their cane to local cottage industries that produce brown sugar using traditional [...] |
2007-01-24 10:46:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON893 |
BURMESE WORKERS DEMAND HIGHER WAGES [...] (SBU) Summary. Between January and August, Burmese workers in industrial zone areas protested more than 60 times, often calling for higher wages or improved working conditions. Approximately 180,000 workers are employed in industrial zone factories, making an average of $23 a month. Laborer [...] |
2007-09-17 09:46:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON EINV PREL PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON897 |
GOB DEFENDS PUNISHMENT OF SIX LABOR ACTIVISTS [...] (C) Summary. In a meeting with ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall, the Minister of Labor defended the September 7 conviction of six labor activists for their affiliation with a May 1 labor workshop at the American Center. He denounced claims that the six were being punished for filing forc [...] |
2007-09-18 09:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON9 |
REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION ON REFUGEE INQUIRY [...] (U) On 29 December 2006, Post received an e-mail forwarded by AskCA@state.gov, requesting the inquirer to contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate for information and assistance. The original 19 December 2006 e-mail from Journalist.sss@gmail.com reads as follows: Begin text. Dear Si [...] |
2007-01-03 11:01:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | CVIS PREF BM |
| 07RANGOON900 |
MONKS MARCH AGAIN IN BURMA [...] (C) Summary. On September 18, large groups of monks staged peaceful processions in Rangoon and at least three other cities in Mandalay Division and Rakhine State. We received no reports of violence and are seeking to confirm information authorities in Rangoon arrested ten monks affiliated w [...] |
2007-09-18 12:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON901 |
BURMESE PURCHASING POWER DECREASING AS PRICES RISE [...] (SBU) Summary. The sudden increase of fuel prices in mid-August triggered an immediate increase in commodity and transportation costs. Although many of these prices have fallen since their initial hike, prices are still higher than pre-August 15 levels. Only a few companies increased wages f [...] |
2007-09-19 05:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON904 |
ILO DISCUSSES GOB ACTION ON FORCED LABOR [...] (C) Summary. Since the February signing of the GOB-ILO Forced Labor Mechanism Agreement, the Burmese Government has investigated 10 cases of forced labor involving the military, resolving five of them. According to the ILO, the GOB resolved the cases involving children first, but has yet to [...] |
2007-09-19 08:07:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON906 |
BURMA WATCHES AS MONKS CONTINUE PROCESSIONS [...] (C) Summary. Since September 16, we have confirmed at least ten processions by monks in five separate states and divisions in Burma. On September 19, monks led processions in Rangoon and Mandalay. Embassy sources reported that the day before, police in Sittwe used tear gas to disperse a mar [...] |
2007-09-19 09:53:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON910 |
BURMA: PROTESTS GATHER MOMENTUM [...] (C) Summary. On September 24, Embassy officers observed several demonstrations in Rangoon, the largest of which numbered well into the thousands and consisted of both monks and civilians. In a significant change, the demonstrations have taken on an overt political tone in the past few days w [...] |
2007-09-25 10:44:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON911 |
BURMA: PROTESTS GROW INCREASINGLY POLITICAL [...] (SBU) Summary. On September 25, several thousand monks and civilians again marched unimpeded through Rangoon for over four hours. Embassy observers reported these protests have now taken on a clearly political tone. Several other smaller protests reportedly occurred in other parts of the co [...] |
2007-09-25 11:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON913 |
REGIME CRACKS DOWN BUT PROTESTS CONTINUE [...] (C) Summary. On September 26, the regime began to crack down on protestors in Rangoon. The government announced a dusk to dawn curfew would begin at 1745 tonight. At least 500 monks and 2,000 civilians defiantly continued their demonstrations on September 26, despite a significant and visi [...] |
2007-09-27 01:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON914 |
EMBASSY CONVENES EAC AND TOWN HALL MEETINGS [...] (SBU) Summary. The Embassy on September 25 held an EAC meeting to discuss security given the current political situation. The EAC agreed that the Embassy's security posture was sufficient given the current political situation. The EAC recommended town hall meetings to discuss recent devel [...] |
2007-09-27 01:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CASC AMGT PREL AEMR BM |
| 07RANGOON918 |
EMBASSY CONVENES SEPTEMBER 27 EAC MEETING [...] (SBU) On September 27 the Embassy convened another EAC to discuss yesterday's resort to violence against the demonstrators. RSO reported that our current security posture was sufficient, because none of the activity has been targeted at the Embassy or Embassy personnel. A curfew has been imp [...] |
2007-09-27 09:08:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BM ASEC CASC AMGT PREL AEMR |
| 07RANGOON924 |
GOB TRIES TO DEFEND ITS ACTIONS AGAINST PROTESTORS [...] (C) Summary. Deputy Foreign Minister U Maung Myint on September 27 relayed to the diplomatic corps the GOB's version of "real" political situation. He argued that the 88 Generation Students, the NLD, and the U.S. Government were behind the marches, forcing monks to protest and that the gov [...] |
2007-09-27 11:11:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON926 |
CRACKDOWN RESULTS IN CASUALTIES [...] (C) Summary. The regime resorted to violence against peaceful protests for a second day of the regime's crackdown. Embassy officers observed security forces shooting into crowds, using tear gas to disperse crowds, and beating defiant protesters. We have received reports of numerous injuries [...] |
2007-09-27 11:59:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON93 |
BURMA: RELEASED PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADERS STRATEGIZE [...] (C) Summary: Recently released leaders of the 88 Generation Students, Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, appreciate the United States' efforts to pass a UNSC resolution on Burma and emphasize their group is not discouraged by China's and Russia's vetoes. They believe the regime is gearing up for a [...] |
2007-01-26 10:53:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON934 |
EMBASSY CONVENES SEPTEMBER 28 EAC MEETING [...] (SBU) Embassy Rangoon's Emergency Action Committee met on September 28 to discuss the security situation in Burma given the GOB's continued violence against demonstrators. RSO reported that because there was still no direct threat to American citizens, the Embassy's current security posture wa [...] |
2007-09-28 08:17:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CASC AMGT PREL AEMR BM |
| 07RANGOON941 |
BURMA PROTESTS SUBSIDE BUT BECOME MORE VIOLENT [...] (C) Summary. Clashes between security forces and small groups of demonstrators continued in downtown Rangoon on September 28. Today's demonstrations were significantly smaller and less organized than in the past. For the first time since August 17, we did not observe any monks participatin [...] |
2007-09-28 11:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON948 |
BURMA: A REVOLUTION PAUSES - ANGER SEETHES [...] (SBU) Summary: The appearance of normalcy returned to Rangoon today. Many barricades have been removed from downtown intersections, monasteries, and the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Military and police are stationed throughout the city, although in fewer numbers. UN Special Envoy Gambari was whis [...] |
2007-10-01 11:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON949 |
PROTESTS AFFECT BANKING AND DEMAND FOR DOLLARS [...] (C) Summary. The kyat has depreciated 7.3 percent against the dollar since August 15, due to the unexplained fuel price hike, subsequent rise in commodity prices, and ongoing political turmoil. The number of money changers in Rangoon has decreased, and those left prefer to change and hold [...] |
2007-10-01 11:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EFIN PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON952 |
BURMA - HUMANITARIAN DISASTER DECLARATION [...] This is an action cable. Please see para 4. 2. Summary. The current political situation in Burma has exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis, particularly among women and children in Burma. 2007 UNICEF figures estimate that more than 35 percent of children under five were malnourish [...] |
2007-10-02 09:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV KSCA TBIO EAID VM |
| 07RANGOON954 |
GAMBARI DEPARTS BURMA, ACTIVIST SEEKS ASYLUM [...] (C) Summary: UN Special Envoy Gambari reportedly met with Senior General Than Shwe and Aung San Suu Kyi before departing Burma today on a Silk Air flight. He provided no outbriefing to the diplomatic corps. A prominent pro-democracy activist and key organizer of last week's demonstrations [...] |
2007-10-02 10:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON970 |
BURMESE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO BLOCK INTERNET [...] (C) Summary. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and Myanmar Teleport, Burma's two internet service providers (ISPs), continue to block access to the internet, following a September 27 government order to cut service. Myanmar Teleport subscribers can still send email to other local [...] |
2007-10-03 11:00:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ECPS PGOV BM |
| 07RANGOON971 |
BURMA: UN SILENT ON GAMBARI VISIT [...] (C) Summary: UN Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie declined to give us a readout on Gambari's meetings until after Gambari briefs UNSYG Ban Ki Moon and the UN Security Council, although we learned he provided a quiet readout to the French and UK Ambassadors yesterday evening. Nightly raids [...] |
2007-10-03 11:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON972 |
BURMA: REGIME ACTIONS HARDEN JAPANESE, FRENCH, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Journalists and diplomats in Rangoon are scrambling to get read-outs on Gambari's September 30-October 2 visit to Burma, but the senior UN official in Burma will not offer many insights (septel). The Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister could not meet with many senior officials duri [...] |
2007-10-03 11:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM JA FR GM BM |
| 07RANGOON974 |
IGNORING POLITICS, INDIA AND BURMA SIGN ENERGY [...] (C) Summary. Indian Minister of Petroleum Murli Deora, accompanied by GOI-owned Oil and Natural Gas Company Videsh Ltd. (OVL) Managing Director R.S. Butola, visited Burma September 23-25 to discuss new opportunities for oil and gas investment. On September 24, OVL signed a petroleum sharing [...] |
2007-10-04 07:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 07RANGOON977 |
RAIDS AND ARRESTS CONTINUE IN BURMA [...] (C) Summary: The Charge d'Affaires has been summoned to Nay Pyi Taw to meet with the Deputy Foreign Minister for a one-on-one meeting about the situation; we learned that the Chinese and Russian Ambassadors had been invited for similar meetings today. Nightly arrests and raids on monasteries [...] |
2007-10-04 11:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON982 |
BURMA: U.S. URGED TO SUPPORT OFFER TO AUNG SAN SUU [...] (C) Summary: A contact close to Burma's military leadership urged the U.S. to support Than Shwe's offer to begin a dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and urged the U.S. or UN to seek a meeting with her soon. He recommended Aung San Suu Kyi consult with prominent members of Burmese society other [...] |
2007-10-05 12:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON984 |
BURMA: CALM APPEARANCE MASKS ONGOING ABUSES [...] (C) Summary. Raids and arrests continued in Burma despite the appearance of normalcy in the streets. Authorities publicly claimed to have detained 2,093 persons since September 25. Separately the Deputy Foreign Minister told Charge 2,787 people had been released and only 1,034 remain. The N [...] |
2007-10-05 12:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON985 |
BURMA: UN FINALLY TALKS TO US ABOUT GAMBARI'S VISIT [...] (C) Summary: UN Resident Coordinator told us today Gambari's schedule had undergone intense negotiation during his three day stay in Burma. The regime eventually relented to grant Gambari meetings with Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Than Shwe. While in Lashio, Gambari dropped by a ral [...] |
2007-10-05 12:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 07RANGOON986 |
BURMESE EFFORTS TO GAIN U.S. UNDERSTANDING [...] (C) Summary: Charge received word from the Foreign Ministry of a possible attack on the U.S. Embassy, which she dismissed as ludicrous, and advice that Embassy officers stay away from demonstrations, which she rejected on the grounds that we needed accurate information about what was going on [...] |
2007-10-05 15:05:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 07RANGOON99 |
THREE DISEASES FUND LOOKING FOR PARTNERS [...] (U) Summary: In December, the UNOPS interim manager for the Three Diseases Fund to fight malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS in Burma (3D Fund) called for Expressions of Interest from organizations to provide services for projects, effectively starting the new Fund's operations. UNOPS expects to have th [...] |
2007-01-29 10:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SOCI EAID PHUM KHIV BM |
| 07RANGOON996 |
BURMA: REGIME APPOINTS LIAISON TO AUNG SAN SUU KYI [...] (C) Summary: In a sign the regime is serious about engaging in dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, the GOB appointed Deputy Minister of Labor Aung Kyi as liaison between Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Than Shwe. Aung Kyi has been a key interlocutor during past negotiations with the ILO and [...] |
2007-10-09 10:53:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON100 |
BURMA: THE NLD REACHES OUT, THAN SHWE DIGS IN [...] (C) Summary. On February 6, the NLD Central Executive Committee (the Uncles) issued a statement inviting cease-fire ethnic groups to visit NLD headquarters in Rangoon for discussions. Some in the party leadership remain concerned about holding talks with these groups without Aung San Suu Kyi [...] |
2008-02-08 09:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON102 |
BURMA: ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AVIAN INFLUENZA [...] (SBU) Summary. Since March 2006, the Burmese Government has responded to ten avian influenza outbreaks throughout the country, with one human infection case. Responding to these outbreaks, the Livestock Veterinary and Breeding Department (LBVD) culled more than 430,000 chickens, 357,000 quail [...] |
2008-02-11 04:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID SENV PGOV PREL BIO KFLU BM |
| 08RANGOON109 |
REGIME PROMISES MAY REFERENDUM, ELECTIONS BY 2010 [...] (C) Summary. The GOB on February 9 announced next steps in its roadmap for democracy: it will finish drafting the constitution by April and will hold a referendum on the draft in May 2008; multi-party democratic elections will then occur in 2010. The drafting process did not incorporate vi [...] |
2008-02-11 10:54:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON11 |
AUSTRALIAN COMPANY TO INVEST IN BURMA'S GAS SECTOR [...] (C) Summary. Australian-owned Danford Equities Corporation will become the next foreign company to invest heavily in the Burmese oil and gas sector when it begins exploration of its offshore gas field in 2008. According to Australian Embassy officials, Danford expects to spend up to $40 mil [...] |
2008-01-09 10:33:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 08RANGOON110 |
DEMARCHE ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-02-13 02:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNAUS UNMIK PGOV YI BM |
| 08RANGOON112 |
BURMA: NO COORDINATION WITH REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS ON AI [...] (SBU) Summary. The Burmese Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) has confirmed that despite outbreaks in neighboring countries, there have been no new outbreaks of avian influenza in 2008. LBVD officials continue to monitor border areas close to Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos. [...] |
2008-02-13 09:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID SENV PGOV PREL BIO KFLU BM |
| 08RANGOON113 |
BURMA INKS NEW TIP NATIONAL ACTION PLAN [...] (SBU) Summary. The GOB on February 4 signed a new five-year National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons, showing renewed commitment to combating TIP in Burma. The five-year plan, which lays out GOB priorities for 2007-2011, was then approved by both the Cabinet and Senior Generals on [...] |
2008-02-13 09:34:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KWMN KCRM KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB SMIG BM |
| 08RANGOON114 |
CENSORING THE BURMESE PRESS [...] (C) SUMMARY. The Printing and Press Scrutiny Board, comprised of 20 low-level officers, reads and censors every written publication in Burma. The board deletes all taboo material from printed media in the country, including anything critical of the government. Because of low wages for these [...] |
2008-02-13 09:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON115 |
WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN BURMA [...] (C) Summary. Through its small grants program, Embassy Rangoon funds a Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA) mobile education project in the buffer zone surrounding Shwesetaw Wildlife Sanctuary in Magwe Division. The wildlife sanctuary is home to many endangered species th [...] |
2008-02-13 10:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | SENV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON116 |
OPPOSITION TO MAY REFERENDUM IN BURMA [...] (C) Summary. The NLD successfully celebrated Union Day on February 12, with no interference by the regime. One veteran activist used the opportunity to give a (uncharacteristically) rousing speech to more than 400 people, criticizing the regime's mismanagement, declaring the regime's draft [...] |
2008-02-13 10:12:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON118 |
2007 BURMESE IMPORTS AND EXPORTS RISE DRAMATICALLY [...] (SBU) Summary. The Burmese Government recorded a substantial increase in both exports and imports in 2007 compared to previous years. Bolstered by a 71 percent increase in the value of natural gas exports, Burmese overall exports rose to $5.9 billion in 2007, a 44.1 percent increase over 20 [...] |
2008-02-14 06:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON120 |
BURMA: ELECTIONEERING BEGINS [...] (C) Summary. The NLD successfully commemorated General Aung San's birthday on February 13, with an event for children at NLD Headquarters. While ethnic groups have yet to respond directly to the NLD about its February 6 invitation, several ethnic groups commented favorably while noting that [...] |
2008-02-14 10:26:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON121 |
MONKS OF CENTRAL BURMA PREDICT MORE PROTESTS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Monks from monasteries in Yenanchaung and Kyaukpadaung believe that there will be further demonstrations sooner rather than later. This area in Central Burma historically has given rise to popular movements, and citizens of the two towns actively joined the September protests. [...] |
2008-02-14 10:32:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON125 |
NEGOTIATIONS ON FORCED LABOR AGREEMENT CONTINUE [...] (C) Summary. The ILO continues to negotiate with the Burmese Government on the renewal of the ILO-GOB Forced Labor Mechanism Agreement, which will expire on February 26. The ILO is willing to extend the current agreement with no changes, providing the GOB meets certain conditions, including [...] |
2008-02-15 09:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON127 |
BURMA: MORE ACTION NEEDED ON FORCED LABOR ISSUES [...] (C) Summary. According to ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall, the Burmese Government must take additional steps to address forced labor issues, particularly child soldier cases. The Ministry of Defense does not adequately punish recruiters of child soldiers, and the government places an unf [...] |
2008-02-19 09:55:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON133 |
THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT OF INLE LAKE [...] (SBU) Summary. Inle Lake, Burma's second largest lake, has shrunk by one-third over the past fifty years. Silt and plants slide down the deforested mountainside into the lake during monsoon season, creating floating islands responsible for much of the water displacement. Inle farmers exacer [...] |
2008-02-20 10:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ECON EAGR PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON134 |
BURMA: CONSTITUTION FINISHED; NLD GIRDS FOR A FIGHT [...] (C) Summary: The GOB announced it has completed drafting the new constitution, but gave no information when the final draft would be published. Foreign Minister Nyan Win acknowledged to Singapore Foreign Minister Yeo that stipulations in the new constitution would disqualify Aung San Suu Ky [...] |
2008-02-20 10:15:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON137 |
UNDERSTANDING BURMA'S EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM [...] (SBU) Summary. Although the Burmese Government maintains an official exchange rate at 6 kyats to $1, in reality, Burma has a multiple exchange rate system. Exchange rates vary from 450 kyats to $1 to 1255 kyats to $1, depending on the transaction. Because the official exchange rate overvalu [...] |
2008-02-21 08:56:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON138 |
SOCIOECONOMIC DYNAMICS OF INLE LAKE [...] (SBU) Summary. Inle Lake, Burma's second largest lake and one of its most visited tourist sites, is a microcosm of the sharp divide between Burma's socioeconomic classes. More than 70,000 people live on or around the lake and most are dependent upon the lake for their livelihoods. People's [...] |
2008-02-21 08:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON139 |
BURMA: MANY KAREN SEE ONLY A ROADMAP TO RUIN [...] (C) Summary. Ethnic Karen and former National Convention delegate Simon Tha told us that he and nearly all of his fellow National Convention delegates regarded the regime's proposed constitutional referendum as a sham. He expected Than Shwe would continue to ignore concerns about the process [...] |
2008-02-21 09:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON14 |
ILO FRUSTRATED WITH BURMESE GOVERNMENT [...] (C) Summary. Although the ILO had a good working relationship with former Deputy Labor Minister Aung Kyi, (now both Minister of Labor and Minister of Relations. i.e., the regime's liaison to Aung San Suu Kyi), new Deputy Labor Minister Brigadier General Tin Tun has increased restrictions on [...] |
2008-01-10 11:09:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON144 |
BURMA: 88 GENERATION MOBILIZES FOR THE REFERENDUM [...] (C) The 88 Generation Students (88GS) are mobilizing pro-democracy activists throughout Burma for a "vote no" campaign in the regime's upcoming constitutional referendum. During a recent trip to five of Burma's seven divisions, 88 Generation leaders met with NLD members, monks, and political [...] |
2008-02-22 11:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON145 |
BURMA: 88 GENERATION MOBILIZES FOR THE REFERENDUM [...] (C) The 88 Generation Students (88GS) are mobilizing pro-democracy activists throughout Burma for a "vote no" campaign in the regime's upcoming constitutional referendum. During a recent trip to five of Burma's seven divisions, 88 Generation leaders met with NLD members, monks, and political [...] |
2008-02-22 11:10:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON147 |
BURMA,S CONSTITUTION: NO ROOM FOR DEBATE [...] (C) Summary. A member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee told us the regime did not permit the commission's members to engage in any debate or draft any substantive portions of the constitution. Instead, the draft constitution consisted of a recitation of the 104 fundamental principles [...] |
2008-02-26 09:46:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON153 |
BURMA: REGIME PUBLISHES REFERENDUM LAW [...] (C) Summary. The Burmese regime released the law governing its upcoming constitutional referendum today. The law sets forth the rules regarding voter eligibility, procedures for a se'cret ballot, and punishment for those who "interfere" with the process. While the law stated that citizens [...] |
2008-02-27 10:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON154 |
MORE CHARGES, NO PROGRESS [...] (C) Summary. The regime formally charged several prominent 88 Generation Students activists, including Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, with unlawful interference with the regime's roadmap to democracy. The regime also charged at least seven other key activists with sedition. Both sedition and [...] |
2008-02-28 09:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON156 |
BURMA: STILL NO SALE OF SHWE GAS [...] (C) Summary. Despite announcements that Daewoo would begin selling gas to China by 2011, PetroChina and Daewoo have yet to sign the final sales agreement. According to Chevron's David Peters, before PetroChina will agree to a gas price, it must first determine the overall cost of the 900-mi [...] |
2008-02-29 08:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 08RANGOON16 |
QATAR AIR "TO SUSPEND" OPERATIONS [...] (C) Summary. Although Qatar Airways will stop direct flights between Doha and Rangoon on January 20 (Ref A), Qatar Airways Area Director Shahab Attarzadeh emphasized that the airline is not pulling out, but is only "suspending" operations. Since September, Qatar Airways has seen a 70 percen [...] |
2008-01-11 04:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | BM EAIR ECON PGOV PREL |
| 08RANGOON160 |
BURMA'S GENERALS WANT OUT [...] (C) Summary: Prominent Burmese businessman Zaw Naing told us the senior generals are tired of the increasing international attention and pressure. They are desperate for an exit, but afraid they and their families will be prosecuted, jailed, and their fortunes confiscated. They are determin [...] |
2008-02-29 09:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON162 |
REGIME CRONIES CONTINUE WHEELING AND DEALING [...] (C) Summary. Regime crony Tay Za continues to do business in Burma and Singapore, as he looks for ways to circumvent U.S. sanctions. Within Burma, Tay Za's Htoo Group of Companies is expanding into new sectors. Tay Za plans to open a new shipping company in 2008, using two bulk freighters [...] |
2008-03-03 08:33:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON165 |
REGIME ARRESTS AND CHARGES MORE ACTIVISTS [...] (C) Summary. In an effort to stifle an open dialogue about the roadmap to democracy, the regime continues to arrest and charge anyone who criticizes the process. Last week, the police arrested five more activists, including several family members of imprisoned activists. On February 29, t [...] |
2008-03-03 09:09:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON167 |
AIR BAGAN CRASH RAISES SAFETY QUESTIONS [...] (C) Summary. Air Bagan, one of regime crony Tay Za's companies included on the targeted U.S. sanctions list, continues to grapple with technical and safety issues as its planes experience more difficulties, including a crash in Putao, Northern Kachin State, on February 19. Twenty passengers [...] |
2008-03-04 09:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL PGOV EAIR BM |
| 08RANGOON168 |
ILO AND GOB RENEW FORCED LABOR MECHANISM AGREEMENT [...] (C) Summary. On February 27, the ILO and Burmese Government signed an agreement extending the ILO-GOB Forced Labor Mechanism Agreement for an additional year. During meetings with ILO Executive Director Kari Tapiola, the Burmese Government agreed to allow the ILO travel around Burma withou [...] |
2008-03-04 10:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON17 |
BURMA: GUILT BY ASSOCIATION [...] (C) Summary. The regime may charge detained activist Htin Kyaw with sedition in addition to the other, less serious charges pending against him. His lawyers and family have not been able to see him since he ended his hunger strike on December 30. Authorities arrested NLD member and labor a [...] |
2008-01-11 08:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON171 |
BURMA: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR GAMBARI,S VISIT [...] (C) Acting UNDP Resident Representative Sanaka Samarasinha (protect) informed us that UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari will arrive in Rangoon at 9:55 a.m. on Thursday March 6 and is tentatively scheduled to depart at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday March 9. While his itinerary has not been [...] |
2008-03-05 11:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON179 |
GAMBARI BACK IN BURMA [...] (C) The UN's Special Advisor on Burma arrived in Rangoon March 6 and met with the diplomatic community to gather their insights on the current situation. He informed the diplomats that the announcement of a referendum on a new constitution in May and elections for 2010 should be considered a [...] |
2008-03-06 09:55:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM UN |
| 08RANGOON18 |
WARPED THINKING IN BURMA: INSIGHTS FROM AN INSIDER [...] (C) Summary: Yin Yin Oo, a Foreign Ministry official close to Number Three General Thura Shwe Mann and the sister of Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu, has been authorized to engage in general discussions with the US and British Embassies. She contacted Charge just before Christmas to sugges [...] |
2008-01-11 10:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON180 |
PROMOTING LEARNING AND LIVELIHOODS IN CHIN STATE [...] (C) Summary. In a country where many are impoverished and oppressed, the Chins are among the most destitute. Tedim, a town of 13,000 people located in the remote northern Chin hills, depends on sparse agricultural production and remittances from abroad for its meager income. Two Embassy-fun [...] |
2008-03-07 07:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON181 |
BURMA: SUPPORTING STRATEGIES FOR THE REFERENDUM [...] (S/NF) Burma's pro-democracy opposition continues to struggle to organize a coordinated effort to respond to the upcoming constitutional referendum. We expect the regime will continue its severe restrictions on free speech and association, making it impossible for the opposition to carry out [...] |
2008-03-07 09:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOVQL PHUM BM PGOV |
| 08RANGOON182 |
BURMA: GAMBARI,S SECOND DAY [...] (C) Summary. The UN told us Gambari held a discussion with the regime's Minister of Information, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Culture today, but noted little of substance was discussed. He also met with the Referendum Commission, whose members could not answer his questions. [...] |
2008-03-07 10:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON183 |
NLD MANDALAY PROMOTES OPPOSITION, LACKS RESOURCES [...] (C) Summary. The NLD in Mandalay faces a number of challenges that reflect those encountered throughout the rest of Burma. These include lack of public awareness, lack of offices and resources to carry out activities, and a short time span in which to promote votes against the constitution i [...] |
2008-03-07 10:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON185 |
GAMBARI'S OUTBRIEF TO THE DIP CORPS: NO GOOD NEWS [...] (C) Summary: Gambari briefed the dip corps before departing Burma, but declined to give a substantive readout of his conversations before he briefed UNSYG Ban Ki Moon in Dhaka. He discussed the conditions of the referendum with the GOB and offered technical assistance and international moni [...] |
2008-03-10 10:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON186 |
DEVELOPING ECONOMY OF TAUNGGYI [...] (SBU) Summary. Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, is one of the fastest growing cities in Burma. Unlike the rest of Shan State's population, 90 percent of whom work in the agricultural industry, Taunggyi's 200,000 people work in the industrial, trade, and services sectors. Taunggyi's eco [...] |
2008-03-11 07:30:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON187 |
BURMESE REGIME PREEMPTS DISSENT [...] (SBU) Summary. Authorities arrested Generation Wave leader Aung Kyaw Oo on March 8, in the midst of Gambari's visit. His colleague, Nyi Nyi Aung, fled and remained in hiding. Also on March 8, two NLD members were arrested for possessing copies of "Rambo 4." The regime transferred another [...] |
2008-03-11 09:16:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON189 |
BURMA: PRODUCING NEW CARS WITH USED PARTS [...] (SBU) Summary. Using import substitution policies, the Burmese Government has encouraged the development of a domestic car manufacturing sector since 2001. Currently, more than 400 small and medium-sized companies in Burma produce "new" unbranded jeeps and light trucks with used parts impor [...] |
2008-03-12 04:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON19 |
ASSK MEETS WITH REGIME; UN MOVING SLOWLY ON [...] (C) Summary: Aung San Suu Kyi met with regime liaison Aung Kyi today at the Government Guest House. It was her first meeting with the regime since November 19. UN Staff told us they are not preparing for any Gambari visit and also informed us that the GOB has still not granted permission fo [...] |
2008-01-11 10:18:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON192 |
AIR BAGAN SAFETY ISSUES UNCOVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-12 09:39:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL PGOV EAIR CASC ASEC BM |
| 08RANGOON194 |
BURMA: GAMBARI TO PROPOSE A "TIME-OUT FOR [...] (C) Summary: Special Envoy Gambari was unhappy with the short time-frame of his recent visit to Burma, and pushed hard to extend his stay and expand his schedule. The Senior General refused to grant him meetings with any of the regime's senior leadership, but did allow him to meet with Aung [...] |
2008-03-13 10:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON195 |
THAN SHWE,S REFERENDUM: HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE [...] (C) Detained monk U Gambira told family members he hopes the Burmese people will reject the regime's draft constitution and asked them to spread the word. The NLD's Central Executive Committee continued to support a "no" vote, but had not yet developed a strategy or released a statement on i [...] |
2008-03-13 10:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON197 |
REGIME FAVORS STATE-OWNED BANKS OVER PRIVATE BANKS [...] (SBU) Summary. Although the Burmese banking sector has regained its footing since the 2003 banking crisis, the government continues to limit the ability of Burmese private banks to act as banks. According to bankers, the Central Bank of Burma closely monitors the financial transactions of t [...] |
2008-03-14 11:12:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON198 |
GOB ENCOURAGES USE OF SINGAPORE DOLLARS [...] (SBU) Summary. In a change to its banking policy, the Burmese Government now permits private companies with foreign export earnings to open Singapore dollar-denominated bank accounts in three state-owned banks -- Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank, and Myanmar E [...] |
2008-03-17 01:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON203 |
NASCENT HEALTHCARE IN IRRAWADDY DIVISION [...] (C) Summary. The Hinthada region of Irrawaddy Division is one of Burma's backwaters. Few roads exist for transportation, families have an average of seven children, and dengue, malaria, and diarrhea are the most common killers. While a single midwife provides healthcare in a few villages, m [...] |
2008-03-18 07:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM AMED TBIO EAID |
| 08RANGOON208 |
BURMA: CENSORSHIP AND SOLITARY, BUT NO CONSTITUTION [...] (C) Detained monk U Gambira has been placed in solitary confinement, apparently as punishment for his recent statements urging Burmese to reject the draft constitution. The All Burma Monks Alliance issued a statement urging monks to boycott upcoming state-sponsored religious exams but did not [...] |
2008-03-19 09:16:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON210 |
BURMA - WHY THE KYAT IS APPRECIATING AGAINST THE DOLLAR [...] (SBU) Summary. The Burmese kyat, traditionally one of the weakest currencies in Southeast Asia, continues to appreciate against the declining U.S. dollar. Since September 2007, the market rate of the kyat has risen by 19 percent. Burmese economists see the kyat's appreciation as primarily du [...] |
2008-03-19 09:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON213 |
BURMESE FOREIGN MINISTER SEEKS SOMETHING FOR [...] (C) Summary: Foreign Minister Nyan Win finally agreed to meet with Charge on March 18 after several months of requests. When Charge asked about plans to ensure the credibility of the upcoming referendum, the Foreign Minister used the opportunity to complain again about economic sanctions, c [...] |
2008-03-20 08:30:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON214 |
DRL SPECIAL BURMA RESPONSE FUND - EMBASSY [...] Per reftel, Embassy Rangoon acknowledges the terms of the transfer of $100,000 to Post for projects in Burma. 2. Embassy Rangoon contacts for the grant are: --Financial Officer: Craig Shaw. Mr. Shaw will assist the P/E section with financial transactions related to this grant. He wil [...] |
2008-03-20 08:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO KDEM PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON215 |
DISORGANIZATION AND DISUNITY PRECEDE BURMA'S [...] (C) Summary: As the regime's planned constitutional referendum draws nearer, the opposition remains disorganized and scattered. Infighting among pro-democracy groups continues, with tension between the NLD's senior leaders, ethnic pro-democracy leaders, and the NLD's younger members coming [...] |
2008-03-20 10:01:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON22 |
AIR BAGAN SPIRALS DEEPER INTO DEBT [...] (C) Summary. Bad management decisions and the cumulative effect of targeted U.S. sanctions have caused Air Bagan to lose close to $7 million since May 2007. Crippled by costly airplane leases and lack of passengers, Air Bagan's General Manager complained that because the company will not p [...] |
2008-01-14 10:43:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL PGOV EAIR BM |
| 08RANGOON220 |
BURMA: REGIME TELLS NGOS TO KEEP A LOW PROFILE [...] (C) Summary. Although most NGOs continue to conduct business as usual, the Burmese Government in recent weeks has encouraged them to maintain a low profile until after the May referendum. Politics played a role in the recent requests: Secretary 1 and the Minister of Industry 1, both of whom [...] |
2008-03-24 09:27:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON222 |
TOP CRONIES FEELING THE PINCH OF U.S. SANCTIONS [...] (C) Summary. Despite public statements that U.S. sanctions have little effect on regime cronies' ability to do business, Embassy contacts tell us that the top cronies -- Tay Za, Steven Law, and Aung Thet Mann -- are running scared. Tay Za's purchase of two bulk cargo ships from Korea recent [...] |
2008-03-25 09:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON234 |
BURMA: DRAFT CONSTITUTION REVEALED AMIDST ABUSES [...] (C) We have obtained what appears to be Burmese-language version of the regime's draft constitution. The draft essentially restated the National Convention's 104 basic principles but also granted immunity to the SPDC and ensured the status quo until the new parliament is convened. On March [...] |
2008-03-28 10:46:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON245 |
BURMA: REGIME CONTINUES PRE-REFERENDUM ARRESTS [...] (C) Summary: Authorities continue to arrest peaceful protesters and political activists. Over the weekend, six participants in a March 27 "vote no" demonstration were arrested, as well as five Muslim leaders in Rakhine State. An NLD vice township chairman was beaten in an intimidation attac [...] |
2008-04-02 11:35:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON247 |
NLD SPEAKS OUT: VOTE "NO" [...] (C) The NLD released two statements criticizing the referendum and urging people to vote against the draft constitution. It also released a third statement informing voters of their rights and the referendum procedures under the law. NLD spokesman Nyan Win told us the statements had been di [...] |
2008-04-03 09:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON248 |
BURMA: YOUNG ACTIVISTS ADVOCATE NEW APPROACHES [...] (C) Summary: Young pro-democracy activists advocate new, more creative approaches to bringing political change inside Burma. The current pro-democracy movement has been weakened severely by the arrests and crackdown after the September protests. It lacks leadership, strategic planning, and [...] |
2008-04-03 10:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON249 |
BURMA: GOB PLANS TO RELOCATE LIVE BIRD MARKET AS AI [...] (SBU) Summary. Rangoon's main live bird market sells more than 40,000 poultry and two million eggs and poultry products each day. Aware that the live bird market poses potential avian influenza threats for those living near the market, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the Yangon [...] |
2008-04-03 11:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM |
| 08RANGOON25 |
BURMESE EVERYWHERE DESIRE CHANGE [...] (C) Summary: Charge met with six NLD activists in the town of Thaungdwingyi in Magwe Division on January 7. Living very simply and subject to constant harassment by the police, years of repression have not extinguished the spirit of these activists. They meet regularly to talk about their d [...] |
2008-01-15 07:57:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON253 |
BURMESE TAX ISSUES DELAY SHWE GAS SALES [...] (C) Summary. According to company officials, Daewoo remains committed to selling Shwe gas to PetroChina and could finalize a sales contract within the next two months. However, the Burmese Government's recent demands that Daewoo pay additional taxes - up to 10 percent more on production reve [...] |
2008-04-07 11:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON254 |
DIVERGENT VIEWS ABOUT BURMA'S REFERENDUM [...] (C) While many members of Burma's pro-democracy opposition have decided to "vote no" in the upcoming constitutional referendum, other members often referred to as the "Third Force", are urging the public to vote "yes" as an attempt to compromise with the military. The NLD has begun an educat [...] |
2008-04-07 11:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON256 |
BURMA: YETAGUN PIPELINE RUPTURE TO COST MILLIONS [...] (C) Summary. Petroleum industry contacts confirmed that the Yetagun pipeline was shut down on April 2, not because of a small leak, but because an explosion approximately 15 miles from the Thai border ruptured the pipeline. Malaysian-owned Petronas, majority shareholder in the Yetagun gas fi [...] |
2008-04-08 10:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON258 |
KAREN STATE: PEACE A PRIORITY IN THE REFERENDUM [...] (C) Summary. Karens are deeply divided over whether or not to support the constitution in the upcoming May referendum. While most of the general population wants peace and opposes anything produced by the government, they live in fear of the consequences of voting no. Karen leaders also wan [...] |
2008-04-08 11:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON26 |
INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT FOR EMBASSY RANGOON [...] Per reftel, this is Embassy Rangoon's submission for the 2008 Investment Climate Statement. Preface: U.S. Investment Subject to Sanctions --------------------------------------------- - 2. On May 20, 1997, by Executive Order 13047, the President imposed economic sanctions prohibiting n [...] |
2008-01-15 10:47:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | OPIC KTDB USTR ECON EFIN EINV ETRD BM |
| 08RANGOON262 |
BURMA,S CONSTITUTION - A SETTING SUN [...] (SBU) The regime's proposed constitution appears to be a poorly drafted, often ambiguous document that will likely serve to preserve the military's control over Burma. While it enumerates a number of basic civil liberties, it also carves out broad exceptions that allow the regime to violate [...] |
2008-04-09 12:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON265 |
THAI DREAMS: THE ECONOMIC PULL ON THE KAREN [...] (SBU) Summary. The increasingly poor economic conditions in Karen State drive many young people, particularly women, into Thailand every year. While jobs and money available there have the potential to lead to a better life, women are often lured into situations where they work under abusive [...] |
2008-04-11 11:08:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON27 |
BURMA: SATELLITE FEES STILL UP IN THE AIR [...] (C) Summary. The Myanmar Times has demoted four of its editors after the regime criticized their decision to report a dramatic recent increase in satellite TV fees. The four editors will be reassigned to non-editorial duties but will not be fired, according to sources at the paper. So far, [...] |
2008-01-15 11:36:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON274 |
BURMA'S THINGYAN: IN WITH A SPLASH OUT WITH A BLAST [...] (SBU) Witnesses reported isolated instances of referendum campaigning during last week's Thingyan water festival but described the festivities as overwhelmingly free of overt political activity by either side. However, several opposition activists were assaulted and arrested over Thingyan, a [...] |
2008-04-21 11:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON275 |
BURMA'S THINGYAN: IN WITH A SPLASH OUT WITH A BLAST [...] (SBU) Witnesses reported isolated instances of referendum campaigning during last week's Thingyan water festival but described the festivities as overwhelmingly free of overt political activity by either side. However, several opposition activists were assaulted and arrested over Thingyan, a [...] |
2008-04-22 00:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON276 |
BURMA'S THINGYAN: IN WITH A SPLASH, OUT WITH A BANG [...] (SBU) Witnesses reported isolated instances of referendum campaigning during last week's Thingyan water festival but described the festivities as overwhelmingly free of overt political activity by either side. However, several opposition activists were assaulted and arrested over Thingyan, a [...] |
2008-04-22 00:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON277 |
BURMA: THE ECONOMICS OF WATER FESTIVAL [...] (SBU) Summary. Burmese Water Festival is the one time of year when the Burmese are able to relax and have a good time with little fear of government repression. The Burmese save their money all year for this holiday, and may spend between 10,000 to 100,000 kyat (approximately $10-100) to pa [...] |
2008-04-22 10:03:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON278 |
THE CHALLENGES OF COMBATING TB IN BURMA [...] (SBU) Summary. Tuberculosis is a growing health concern in Burma, with more than 130,000 new cases of TB diagnosed a year. The WHO estimates that more than 40 percent of Burma's population could be infected with the disease. The Burmese Government, through its National TB Program (NTP) is w [...] |
2008-04-22 10:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED BM |
| 08RANGOON279 |
BURMA: LACK OF TB DRUGS A LOOMING PROBLEM [...] (SBU) Summary. Burma is one of 22 tuberculosis high-burden countries in the world. The Government's National TB Program (NTP), active in all of Burma's 324 townships, reported a case detection rate of 95 percent of all infectious cases and had a treatment rate of 83.6 percent in 2006. The [...] |
2008-04-22 10:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED BM |
| 08RANGOON282 |
BURMA: COMBATING MDR-TB IN RANGOON AND MANDALAY [...] (SBU) Summary. Tuberculosis is a growing concern in Burma, with the Ministry of Health ranking it as the second priority disease after HIV/AIDS. As the TB prevalence rate increases throughout the country, the risk of multi drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB also inc [...] |
2008-04-23 10:22:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED BM |
| 08RANGOON283 |
PRESERVING THE CHATTHIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY [...] (C) Summary. The Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, established to preserve some of the last remaining habitat of the Eld's or golden deer, has come under threat in recent years due to lack of sufficient fuel wood and building materials in the surrounding villages. The New Generation Library Associ [...] |
2008-04-24 09:34:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM SENV ECON |
| 08RANGOON284 |
BURMA: "VOTE NO" CAMPAIGN PROCEEDS SLOWLY [...] (C) Summary: 88 Generation continued their vote "no" campaign during the April water festival, and are working now to organize local "watch groups" throughout Burma to volunteer to observe vote counts at local precincts. The regime may have already complicated this plan as papers released t [...] |
2008-04-24 10:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | SECRET | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON285 |
BURMA: RICE EXPORTS TO CONTINUE IN 2008 [...] (C) Summary. Although it has yet to make an official announcement, the Burmese Government has decided to allow further exports of rice in 2008, and plans to grant export licenses for an additional 300,000-400,000 metric tons through December, totaling 800,000 metric tons by year end. Governm [...] |
2008-04-24 10:51:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON EFIN PREL PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON286 |
BURMA: ILO TO RAISE FORCED LABOR WITH THE MILITARY [...] (C) Summary. Forced labor is a significant problem in Burma, and the military, who are the worst perpetrators, are not held accountable. While the ILO Liaison Office primarily works with the Ministry of Labor, it recently sought to expand its mandate to include the military. Seeking to imp [...] |
2008-04-24 11:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PHUM PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON290 |
BURMESE REGIME OFFERS ASSK A VOTE, BUT NOT FREEDOM [...] (C) Two separate sources reported that regime officials visited Aung San Suu Kyi this week to offer her the right to vote in May's referendum. Imprisoned activist Su Su Nwe declined authorities' offer of a new national registration card that would allow her to vote. The regime continued to [...] |
2008-04-25 09:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON292 |
BURMA'S SENIOR GENERAL REPORTEDLY SICK AND [...] (C) Summary: Sources tell us Than Shwe is displaying increasingly erratic behavior, but remains firmly in power and in control. He is single-handedly calling the shots regarding the upcoming constitutional referendum and the next steps of the roadmap, including the parliamentary election. Mi [...] |
2008-04-25 11:05:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON3 |
DAEWOO TO SELL SHWE GAS TO CHINA BY 2011 [...] (C) Summary. After months of negotiation, Daewoo has agreed to sell gas from its Shwe fields to PetroChina by 2011. Although the companies have yet to ink the contract, Daewoo officials confirmed that PetroChina has begun drafting plans for the construction of two pipelines - one for gas an [...] |
2008-01-03 08:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 08RANGOON300 |
POST RESPONSE: FOLLOWING UP ON THE ACTIVISTS FOR [...] Embassy Rangoon fully supports the President's Freedom Agenda. The Chief of Mission has made every effort to meet leaders and members of Burma's pro-democracy opposition and to encourage the United Nations and diplomatic counterparts in Rangoon to do so as well. To further this goal, the Chi [...] |
2008-04-30 10:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON301 |
BURMA: NLD STRUGGLES TO MONITOR THE REFERENDUM [...] (C) Summary: The NLD is struggling to organize volunteers to monitor polling for the regime's May 10 constitutional referendum. Each NLD Division chair is responsible for organizing observers for his/her own division, but we detected little coordination among them. The NLD's lead organizer [...] |
2008-04-30 10:31:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON303 |
BURMA: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES [...] (SBU) Summary. Although food and agricultural commodity prices are rising worldwide at unprecedented rates, Burma has not experienced the same rise in prices. Aggregate prices of rice, Burma's most important food staple, have remained relatively stable - the nationwide average price per kilo [...] |
2008-04-30 12:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON305 |
BURMA: FEAR AND CYNICISM IN KACHIN STATE [...] (C) Summary: A leading Kachin peace negotiator told us the KIO remained officially neutral on the referendum, but recommended its members boycott. Officials from the regime and KIO met in late March to discuss logistics for the vote and to address specific KIO concerns. Younger KIO and KIA [...] |
2008-05-02 09:48:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON306 |
BURMA: PREPARATIONS FOR CYCLONE NARGIS [...] (SBU) Summary: Cyclone Nargis is headed for Burma's Irrawaddy Delta and expected to make landfall this evening. Embassy Rangoon has issued warden messages and phoned coastal beach resorts. The DATT's office is attempting to establish direct contact with the regional commander of the effected [...] |
2008-05-02 10:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON307 |
BURMA: MYANMAR AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL DOWN, BUT NOT [...] (C) Summary. Myanmar Airways International (MAI), one of Burma's two international airlines, recently lost one of its planes due to the sudden cancellation of its wet-lease contract and was forced to halt flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur beginning on April 24. Although it just signed a o [...] |
2008-05-02 10:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL PGOV EAIR BM |
| 08RANGOON308 |
3D FUND ANNUAL REVIEW SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS, IDENTIFIES CHALLENGES [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-02 10:32:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED BM |
| 08RANGOON309 |
BURMA: MONITORING THE 3D FUND [...] (C) Summary. The 3 Diseases Fund (3DF), the largest and newest donor in Burma's health sector, has taken steps during the past year to improve the administration of its programs. Aware that monitoring and evaluation (M/E) of its programs are key to securing future funding from donors, the 3D [...] |
2008-05-02 10:39:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | SOCI EAID PHUM KHIV PGOV SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON310 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS DISASTER ALERT [...] Cyclone Nargis winds hit Rangoon shortly after 0000 local time on May 3. The storm picked up intensity around 0200 local time until 0600 when the eye of the storm passed over Rangoon. From 0700 to 1030 local time, heavy rain added to the winds. Reports indicate that the storm also severely [...] |
2008-05-05 07:26:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON313 |
DRL SPECIAL BURMA RESPONSE FUND [...] Per reftel, Embassy Rangoon acknowledges the terms of the transfer of $20,000 to Post for projects in Burma. 2. Embassy Rangoon contacts for the grant are: --Financial Officer: Craig Shaw. Mr. Shaw will assist the P/E section with financial transactions related to this grant. He will [...] |
2008-05-05 11:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO KDEM PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON315 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS DECLARATION OF DISASTER [...] This is an action cable. Please see paras 5 and 9. 2. As a result of Cyclone Nargis, which occurred on May 3, 2008 (Ref A), the Chief of Mission has determined that the disaster is beyond the capability of the host government to respond, is of sufficient magnitude to warrant U.S. Governme [...] |
2008-05-05 12:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV KSCA TBIO EAID VM |
| 08RANGOON317 |
EAC TEMPLATE [...] (SBU) On May 5, Embassy Rangoon convened an EAC meeting to discuss the situation following Cyclone Nargis which struck Burma the evening of May 2 and morning of May 3. The DCM chaired the meeting. The EAC reviewed the tripwires in Post's Emergency Action Plan for a natural disaster and agre [...] |
2008-05-05 13:07:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CASC AMGT PREL AEMR BM |
| 08RANGOON318 |
EMBASSY CONVENES EAC MEETING [...] (SBU) Disregard Rangoon 317 sent in error. 2. (SBU) On May 5, Embassy Rangoon convened an EAC meeting to discuss the situation following Cyclone Nargis which struck Burma the evening of May 2 and morning of May 3. The DCM chaired the meeting. The EAC reviewed the tripwires in Post's Eme [...] |
2008-05-05 13:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CASC AMGT PREL AEMR BM |
| 08RANGOON319 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 1 [...] (SBU) Summary. All Embassy facilities suffered some damage from Cyclone Nargis on May 3, five residences are currently without water, and one residence has been rendered uninhabitable. Post is working to secure fuel and food supplies for facilities and personnel, and has requested authorized [...] |
2008-05-05 13:40:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON320 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 2 [...] (SBU) The GOB reported Cyclone Nargis killed over 15,000 persons, most in the Irrawaddy delta region. Food, water, and fuel shortages continued throughout Rangoon. While some neighborhoods had limited water service restored, government-provided electricity was still out. There were reports [...] |
2008-05-06 09:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON323 |
BURMA: CYCLONE DRIVING UP FOOD AND FUEL PRICES [...] (SBU) Summary. Cyclone Nargis devastated parts of southern Burma, including Rangoon and the Irrawaddy Delta. Trees and power lines are down, many homes are inhabitable, potable water supplies have been compromised or destroyed, and roads are blocked with debris. In the aftermath of the storm [...] |
2008-05-06 09:25:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON327 |
BURMA: POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF CYCLONE NARGIS [...] (C) Summary: In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, the regime announced it would proceed with its constitutional referendum, except for the five regions it had declared disaster areas, including Rangoon. Aung San Suu Kyi weathered the storm, but the "vote no" campaigns of both the NLD and 88 [...] |
2008-05-06 10:56:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON328 |
BURMA: FUEL SHORTAGE IMMINENT [...] (C) Summary. Burma will soon face a shortage of fuel, Petronas Cargali Production Manager Bob Thomas told us. Burma imports approximately 110 million barrels of crude oil a year from Malaysia - roughly three-quarters of domestic need - which it refines into diesel and petrol. However, crude [...] |
2008-05-06 11:04:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON330 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 3 [...] (SBU) POST OPERATIONS: As of May 7, Embassy Rangoon resumed operating on city power again. We continue to receive two diesel shipments per day. The consular section has suspended visa operations until May 21 to focus on American Citizen Services. Post's Authorized Departure Task Force met [...] |
2008-05-07 08:17:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON331 |
BURMA: CYCLONE DESTROYS RICE CROPS, PRICES [...] (C) Summary. Cyclone Nargis ripped through the Irrawaddy Delta on May 2, destroying both the newly-planted summer rice crops and the drop season crop awaiting harvest. Before the storm, Irrawaddy Division was one of Burma's main rice producing areas. The townships hardest hit by the storm - [...] |
2008-05-07 08:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON EFIN PREL PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON333 |
BURMA: THE POLITICS OF CYCLONE NARGIS ASSISTANCE [...] (C) Summary: The UN estimates over 1.5 million Burmese are in urgent need of food, water, and shelter in Irrawaddy and Rangoon Division. Today, the Minister of Social Welfare agreed to allow the UN to send local staff liaisons to GOB operations centers in the Delta, and seemed receptive to [...] |
2008-05-07 12:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON334 |
BURMA: THILAWA PORT COULD OPEN BY END OF MAY [...] (C) Summary. Although access to the Rangoon Ports remains closed due to sunken ships and debris blocking the Rangoon River and unusable jetties, the Burmese Port Authority predicts the Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT) will be fully operational in two weeks. Shipping industry co [...] |
2008-05-07 12:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EWWT ECON ETRD PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON335 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 4 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon continued to operate on city power and we expect to top off our diesel tanks tomorrow. All FSNs will be allowed administrative leave at 1200 on May 9 to repair their homes. The American Center will reopen on May 12. So far 22 family members have e [...] |
2008-05-08 08:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON336 |
BAGO DIVISION: IT COULD BE WORSE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Southern Bago Division, among the areas that the Burmese government declared a disaster area, suffered some damage from Cyclone Nargis, although significantly less than the Irrawaddy Delta. The roads to and from Bago were clear and relatively undamaged. The city of Bago appear [...] |
2008-05-08 09:50:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON337 |
BURMA: THAN SHWE IS THE PROBLEM [...] (C) Summary: A businessman and a journalist with close ties to the regime told Emboffs that all roads lead to Senior General Than Shwe, who remains isolated and unaware of the scale of the catastrophe that has befallen his country. No one will approve visas for international humanitarian ass [...] |
2008-05-08 10:52:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON338 |
BURMA: BUSINESSES PARTICIPATING IN RELIEF EFFORTS [...] (C) Summary. In response to the GOB's limited response to Cyclone Nargis, private Burmese businesses have stepped up to the plate, providing both relief and recovery assistance to thousands of Burmese. Staff from several of Burma's largest companies volunteered to lead Rangoon's clean up eff [...] |
2008-05-08 11:00:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EAID EFIN PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON342 |
BURMA: FOOD PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE, FUEL PRICES DECREASE [...] (SBU) Summary. Despite government efforts to reopen supply roads into Rangoon, food supplies remain limited, resulting in skyrocketing prices. Rice stocks throughout the city are almost depleted, and the few traders who still have rice sell it for approximately 40,000 kyat ($36) a bag, 67 pe [...] |
2008-05-08 11:24:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON345 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 5 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Four eligible family members are scheduled to depart for Bangkok on May 9. The remaining eight EFMs who want to depart are scheduled to leave on May 13. The Embassy continued to operate on city power, and we continued to receive diesel shipments. New welfare and [...] |
2008-05-09 07:27:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON348 |
BURMA: SLOWLY POWERING UP RANGOON [...] (SBU) Summary. According to Embassy contacts, Cyclone Nargis damaged approximately 80 percent of Rangoon's electricity facilities, including overhead cables and power substations. The Government continues to work to resume electricity supply throughout the city, and has restored power to si [...] |
2008-05-09 11:01:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON349 |
BURMA: PRYING OPEN THE DOOR FOR HUMANITARIAN AID [...] (C) Summary: The OFDA DART team will not be granted visas "for the moment" and other missions are having mixed success obtaining entry for their disaster assistance experts. The GOB turned back 62 medics that arrived on a chartered relief flight from Bangladesh. The UN has had mixed succes [...] |
2008-05-09 12:45:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON35 |
ENVIRONMENT NOT A PRIORITY FOR BURMESE REGIME [...] (SBU) Summary. Despite having a wealth of plant and animal biodiversity and vast ecosystems, the Burmese Government does little to protect the country's natural resources. Investors, both domestic and foreign, continue to plunder Burma's raw materials, destroying much of the country's natur [...] |
2008-01-16 09:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 08RANGOON352 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 6 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon continued to operate on city power and had topped off its diesel fuel tanks. On May 9, four EFMs departed post for Bangkok. On May 13, six more EFM will depart post for Bangkok. Only one new welfare and whereabouts inquiry came in overnight and co [...] |
2008-05-12 07:06:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON353 |
BURMA: THILAWA PORT RESUMES LIMITED OPERATIONS [...] (C) Summary. The Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT) resumed limited operations on May 10, shipping industry officials confirm. Small feeder ships are able to navigate the Rangoon River, and the Port Authority continues to dredge the river to accommodate larger ships. The GOB rem [...] |
2008-05-12 09:36:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EWWT ECON ETRD PGOV PREL SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON356 |
REFERENDUM PROCEEDS AS SCHEDULED [...] (C) Summary. The GOB went ahead with its referendum on May 10 in the areas of the country that were not affected by Cyclone Nargis. On a diplomatic tour, two Embassy officers visited eight polling stations in two cities, Myeik and Kyaingtone. We did not see any significant disturbances, but [...] |
2008-05-12 11:36:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON357 |
FIRST TRANCHE OF USG CYCLONE ASSISTANCE ARRIVES IN [...] (SBU) Summary. USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore and PACOM Commander Admiral Timothy J. Keating on May 12 delivered the first tranche of USG assistance to Burma, including bottled water, blankets, and mosquito nets. During a meeting with Burmese Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Soe Thei [...] |
2008-05-13 04:58:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON358 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 7 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon continued to operate on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. On May 13, the remaining six EFMs who had requested to depart will leave post for Bangkok. No criminal incidents involving American staff or families were reported 2. (SBU) C-13 [...] |
2008-05-13 07:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON365 |
BURMA: NO EVIDENCE RELIEF SUPPLIES ARE BEING [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy Rangoon has combed all of Rangoon's markets and found no evidence that donated humanitarian relief supplies have been diverted and sold. Likewise, NGOs and UN staff in the Delta told us they have seen no evidence relief supplies have been diverted from there either. T [...] |
2008-05-13 10:07:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON367 |
BURMA: FUEL [...] (SBU) Supplies of certain food products - rice, meat, chicken, fish, and cooking oil - remain scarce in Rangoon and prices of food throughout the city continue to rise. The price of rice has increased 83 percent since May 1 due to insufficient rice stocks. Prices of fruits and vegetables rema [...] |
2008-05-13 10:25:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON368 |
BURMA: FOOD PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE [...] (SBU) Supplies of certain food products - rice, meat, chicken, fish, and cooking oil - remain scarce in Rangoon and prices of food throughout the city continue to rise. The price of rice has increased 83 percent since May 1 due to insufficient rice stocks. Prices of fruits and vegetables rema [...] |
2008-05-13 10:29:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON37 |
PETROLEUM PRODUCTION DESTROYING BURMA'S ECOSYSTEMS [...] (C) Summary. The development of new and existing onshore and offshore oil and gas wells continues to inflict grave damage on Burma's environment. Local NGOs report that companies do not take precautions when disposing of the toxic byproducts of drilling, which may contain dangerous levels of [...] |
2008-01-17 08:52:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | SENV ECON ENRG PGOV EPET BM |
| 08RANGOON371 |
BURMA: SOME PROGRESS ON HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE [...] (SBU) Summary: The UN Resident coordinator Dan Baker briefed donors on his meetings in Nay Pyi Taw where the Deputy Foreign Minister informed him that visas for all UN assistance experts would be issued and said the GOB was issuing clearances for relief flights with only one-day notice requi [...] |
2008-05-13 12:36:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID PREL PHUM BM PGOV EAGR MARR |
| 08RANGOON376 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 8 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. As of May 13, all EFMs who asked to leave had departed post and were in Bangkok. Further to pending welfare and whereabouts inquires, consular currently has only two Amcits unaccounted for and [...] |
2008-05-14 07:08:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON379 |
BURMA: HEALTH SITUATION IN IRRAWADDY DELTA [...] (SBU) Summary. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health conditions in the Irrawaddy Delta continue to deteriorate, as hundreds of thousands of people lack access to food, potable water, shelter, and medicines. Shipments of water were beginning to reach the delta and a senior [...] |
2008-05-14 11:23:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON TBIO EAID SOCI PGOV AMED BM |
| 08RANGOON38 |
BURMA: KEY ETHNIC CEASE-FIRE GROUP TALKS [...] (C) Summary: Top KIO officials told us they were pleased with Aung San Suu Kyi's recent statement, and confirmed that the hard-line Culture Minister had visited them in an effort to convince the KIO to condemn it. The KIO views its relationship with the NLD as a friendship rather than an al [...] |
2008-01-17 09:49:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON383 |
MEDIA REACTION: BURMESE HIGHLIGHTS [...] Following the arrival of the first USAF C-130 flights with humanitarian aid at Rangoon Airport on May 12 and 13 an unprecedented amount of positive news coverage appeared in the Burmese media. 2. In the nationally broadcast news on state- controlled MRTV May 12, nearly seven minutes were [...] |
2008-05-15 06:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KMDR KPAO OIIP PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON384 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 9 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. The EAC reviewed post's authorized departure and will recommend that the Department extend it, subject to another review in ten days. All Amcit welfare and whereabouts inquires have been resolve [...] |
2008-05-15 07:13:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON385 |
BURMA: REGIME CLAIMS VICTORY; NLD OFFERS HELP [...] (C) On May 15, the regime announced its constitution had been overwhelmingly approved in the May 10 referendum, which was held in all areas of the country not critically affected by the storm. Aung San Suu Kyi's private doctor was permitted to briefly visit with her after the cyclone and rep [...] |
2008-05-15 09:16:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON387 |
FOLLOWING THE RELIEF SUPPLY CHAIN [...] (SBU) Summary. U Aung Tun Khaing of the Department of Social Welfare explained a three-part system through which the GOB has thus far delivered 1,816 tons of international relief supplies to Cyclone Nargis victims. The supplies, transported to the affected regions primarily by ship, reach tw [...] |
2008-05-15 10:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON39 |
ANOTHER EXPLOSION IN BURMA; NLD UNDER PRESSURE [...] (C) Summary: Another bomb exploded on a bus 65 miles north of Rangoon yesterday, killing the driver. An NLD member remains in custody after he and his colleague were interrogated regarding the Charge d'Affaires's recent meeting with 7 NLD members in their town. Other NLD leaders were summo [...] |
2008-01-17 10:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON390 |
BURMA: MORE LIGHTS GO ON IN RANGOON DIVISION [...] (C) Summary. The Burmese Government continues to restore power to parts of Rangoon, focusing on repairing power lines in the eastern, western and northern parts of the city. According to Yangon City Electric Supply Board (YESB) officials, while 40 percent of townships in Eastern Rangoon, 65 [...] |
2008-05-15 11:20:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV EPET SENV BM |
| 08RANGOON392 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 10 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Consular received no new Amcit welfare and whereabouts inquires and all previous inquiries have been resolved. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. (SBU) U.S. RE [...] |
2008-05-16 07:41:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON394 |
BURMA: UPDATE ON HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE [...] (C) Summary: UN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator John Holmes was granted a visa and will visit Burma May 18-21. The UN has made no progress on obtaining permission for international staff to visit the field, and national staff are having increasing problems traveling to the Delta. The A [...] |
2008-05-16 10:38:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID PREL PHUM BM PGOV |
| 08RANGOON398 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 11 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Amcit, reported in Rangoon 376 as being diagnosed with gastroentitis and dehydration at the Mawlamyine hospital, departed Rangoon for Germany on May 20. The consular section will resume visa se [...] |
2008-05-20 07:30:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON4 |
MYANMAR AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL TO RESUME FLIGHTS [...] (C) Summary. Myanmar Airways International (MAI), a joint venture between the Burmese Government and Region Air of Singapore, will resume flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur beginning January 15, 2008. In October, MAI halted its international flights when the company could no longer afford [...] |
2008-01-07 08:39:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL EAIR BM |
| 08RANGOON400 |
BURMA: CRONIES TOLD TO REBUILD THE DELTA [...] (C) Summary: Nay Win Maung, director of local NGO Myanmar Egress, shared with pol/econ chief a list of GOB ministers given responsibility and oversight for the rescue and rehabilitation of seven townships in the cyclone affected areas, and the various cronies the government assigned to finan [...] |
2008-05-20 12:21:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON401 |
BURMA: FOOD PRICES DROPPING, FUEL COSTS BACK TO NORMAL [...] (SBU) Summary. Two weeks after Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma, food prices have begun to drop, although most prices remain higher than pre-cyclone levels. While certain food items - rice, cooking oil, and chicken - remain scarce, prices of these prices have dropped slightly in the past few [...] |
2008-05-21 02:27:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON404 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 18 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. The consular section resumed visa services on May 21. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. (SBU) U.S. RELIEF FLIGHTS: Five C-130 flights carrying relief supplie [...] |
2008-05-21 07:28:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON408 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO.13 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Consular operations have returned to normal. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. (SBU) U.S. RELIEF FLIGHTS: Five C-130 flights carrying relief supplies were cl [...] |
2008-05-22 06:19:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON409 |
BURMA CYCLONE: USAID/DART SITUATION REPORT #14 [...] U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Rangoon on May 22 and met with the Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein, according to media reports. Members of the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Task Force airlifted five flights of [...] |
2008-05-22 11:15:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SENV KSCA TBIO BM PREF |
| 08RANGOON41 |
BURMA: AUTHORITIES THWART PLANNED PROTEST [...] (C) Summary. Police in Taunggok, Rakhine State disrupted a scheduled protest yesterday morning. No violence or arrests were reported and local residents said the situation in town was calm. We have seen nothing to confirm UK Ambassador Mark Canning's account of a 40-person protest in downt [...] |
2008-01-18 08:44:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON411 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 14 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Most Embassy residences have returned to city power. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. (SBU) U.S. RELIEF FLIGHTS: Five C-130 flights carrying relief supplies [...] |
2008-05-23 06:52:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON413 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 15 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Most Embassy residences have returned to city power. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. (SBU) U.S. RELIEF FLIGHTS: Over the three-day weekend, five C-130 flig [...] |
2008-05-27 06:44:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON414 |
BURMA PORTS CONTINUE LIMITED OPERATIONS [...] (C) Summary. The Burmese Port Authority has opened all four of Rangoon's ports, albeit for limited operations. Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT) continues to receive the majority of incoming ships, as the Port Authority continues to dredge the Rangoon River and repair jetties at [...] |
2008-05-27 07:21:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | EWWT ECON ETRD PGOV PREL BM |
| 08RANGOON415 |
GOVERNMENT DECLARES CONSTITUTION APPROVED; ASSK [...] (SBU) State-run media reported today that Burma's new constitution had been approved by 92.4 percent in the nation-wide referendum that concluded May 24. Voters we spoke with reported wide-spread election irregularities including distribution of pre-marked ballots with the approval mark check [...] |
2008-05-27 09:11:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON417 |
BURMA: DONORS FOCUS ON ACCESS AT CYCLONE NARGIS [...] (C) Summary: The regime's hope for a cash-rich pledging conference fell flat as donors held on to their checkbooks despite Than Shwe's promise to Ban Ki Moon to allow access for international humanitarian workers to the Delta. In his opening remarks to the conference, the Prime Minister spe [...] |
2008-05-27 11:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON418 |
BURMA: 2008 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] Embassy Rangoon is not aware of any ongoing investment disputes in Burma. U.S. law has prohibited investment in Burma since 1997. 2. Primary point of contact for issues relevant to the report is: Samantha A. Carl-Yoder Economic Officer (95) (1) 536-509 ext. 4227 Carl-YoderSA@state.g [...] |
2008-05-27 11:02:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON CASC EINV KIDE OPIC PGOV BM |
| 08RANGOON422 |
BURMA: CYCLONE NARGIS SITREP NO. 16 [...] (SBU) EMBASSY OPERATIONS: Embassy Rangoon operated on city power and had full diesel fuel tanks. Most Embassy residences have returned to city power, and Management is now focusing on clearing debris away from properties. No criminal incidents involving American staff were reported. 2. [...] |
2008-05-28 06:52:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID BM |
| 08RANGOON424 |
BURMA: PREPARING FOR THE ANNUAL ILO CONFERENCE [...] (C) Summary. Although the Burmese Government has taken steps to address forced labor and child soldier issues, forced labor continues to be a significant problem in Burma, ILO Liaison Officer Steve Marshall told us. During the annual ILO Conference, ILO members should question the GOB's com [...] |
2008-05-28 09:01:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON425 |
BURMA: ILO LOOKING TO EXPAND ROLE AFTER CYCLONE [...] (C) Summary. In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, which devastated Burma on May 2-3, International Labor Organization officials are looking to expand the organization's mandate in Burma so it can address cyclone recovery issues, particularly the use of paid labor instead of forced labor during rec [...] |
2008-05-28 09:08:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON427 |
BURMA: ENCOURAGING SIGNS ON ACCESS TO THE DELTA [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ministry of Social Welfare is granting UN international staff permission to travel to the Delta with two days notice. Six staff applied for permission to travel on May 26 and all requests were granted. NGO international staff are also being granted permission to travel, th [...] |
2008-05-28 11:37:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON429 |
AID FLOWS, BUT NOT MUCH [...] (SBU) Summary. Poloff and LES were turned around at a military checkpoint on the border between Rangoon and Irrawaddy Divisions on May 29. Prior to being stopped, we observed heightened security in several towns and villages in Rangoon Division that were damaged during the cyclone. The head [...] |
2008-05-29 09:14:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM |
| 08RANGOON434 |
FORCED RELOCATION AND MORE DEATH IN BURMA'S DELTA [...] (C) Summary: Over the last week, Embassy Rangoon has received increasing reports the regime is forcing Cyclone Nargis victims to leave government-run and private shelters and return to their villages. Local sources and UN employees confirm that forced relocation by the military in storm aff [...] |
2008-06-02 08:45:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM BM EAID |
| 08RANGOON44</ | |||||