Did you think Burma had forgotten you?

Finals (for the most part) are done with. We're less than a month from 2010. I send y'all best wishes for a restful break and a happy New Year!

U.N. Security Council Criticized for Failure to Act Against Abuses in Burma
"The appeal, on International Human Rights Day, came as Burmese opposition groups warned that with controversial elections coming up next year, the country’s “most dangerous days” lay ahead."

US Seeks Access to Detained Dissident
"The United States on Friday sought immediate consular access to American national Kyaw Zaw Lwin (aka Nyi Nyi Aung), who is currently on a hunger strike in a Burmese prison and whose health is reported to be deteriorating."

Burma junta official meets Aung San Suu Kyi
"Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has met a government minister in Rangoon in the third such meeting since the beginning of October."

Anne K Lynch

BBC news for today!

Page last updated at 12:16 GMT, Friday, 4 December 2009

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Burma's Suu Kyi appeal possible

Suu Kyi's extended detention was condemned outside Burma The Supreme Court in Burma says it may allow the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to appeal against her extended detention. The court said it would hear the case on December 21. Ms Suu Kyi was sentenced to a further 18 months under house arrest earlier this year. She was found guilty in August of violating her house arrest by harbouring an American well-wisher who swam to her lakeside home. The court in Yangon posted the announcement on its notice board. This follows the rejection of an initial appeal in October. "The Supreme Court decided to hear Aung San Suu Kyi's request. Lawyers have to present arguments before the court in December," a Burmese official told AFP. Serving the additional time of her sentence would keep Ms Suu Kyi in detention during Burma's first elections in two decades, scheduled for next year. Burma's military rulers have kept the Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of the opposition National League for Democracy party (NLD) in some form of detention for more than 14 of the last 20 years.

Burma: A Consistency of Rotten Milk!

EheheheheHAHAHA!!! I'm losing my mind! Which is exactly the reason why I turn to Burma for stability-- at least its consistent!

Netherlands - Verhagen speaks with Thant Myint-U about Burma
Exciting: I've never found a link from this news source relating to Burma before!

Burma should democratize on its own
... says ASEAN

A Husband Whose Wife is a Political Prisoner
"We have to face them. It's what the families of political prisoners have to endure."

Junta Continues War on Monks
"He said four youths  who were in contact with monks in Mandalay were detained in September. 'Their family and relatives do not know where they are now,' he said."


With this, I wish you all luck on your finals, eloquence in your papers, and safety in your travels coming up!

Your crazy news girl,
Anne K Lynch

P.S. Thanks to the person who commented on the last post!!!  I appreciate it!

Have yourself a Burma Thanksgiving!

Coming up next: In this three-part series, the Burma-Hallmark channel presents you with a compelling tale of Turkey Day excitement and heart-warming atrocities! (Yes, I know I need a break )

UN General Assembly Condemns Human Rights Violations in Burma, North Korea
Next step: DO something please!

Burma: End arrests of activists and continue aid after Cyclone Nargis
Junta say "Amnesty International: Fill out a complaint form and we will get back to you after you listen to 15 years of muzak!"

Selection Time Precedes Election Time in Burma
A 2-pg article, some detailed information about upcoming elections

Cheerio folks! Enjoy the holiday! ...hey... is that where Cheerios gets its name?!

the news girl,
Anne K Lynch

‘Burma VJ’ shortlisted for 2009 Oscars'

http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/3067-burma-vj-shortlisted-for-2009-oscars-.html

!!!!!!

Burmese Olympics: SPARTA!!!

Wow, there has been so much news around this week, guys, that I could hardly narrow down my choices! I highly encourage you to google search Burma news yourself, just to see the enormity of my task. Then, say, "Golly gee whiz, she MUST love us!" and then go do something productive.

Burma; third most corrupt country
Next year guys, we'll be number one! Go team!

Burma ferry death toll passes 30
"An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that 23 of the dead were female and eight male."

Burma Considers Private Education
Because let's face it: Burma's grades in public school have just not been up to muster the last several years.

Why Obama Will Meet with a Leader of Burma's Junta
"But dialogue with dictators, goes the new U.S. thinking that is being applied from Iran to North Korea, is now seen as preferable to not talking and cutting off any chance at reconciliation."

Three cheers for the number 3 corrupt nation! That's a bronze medal in the Olympics, mind you.

Best travels,

Anne K Lynch

Burma is like a toaster on fire

Gah! The papers don't stop piling on!!! I thought midterms were over! Quick, I'll take anything else!

Thai Border on Guard for Drugs From Myanmar
If you're willing to question your country, switch out 'Thailand' for 'US' and 'Myanmar' for 'Mexico'

Burmese Junta Says It Will Release Suu Kyi
So... are their noses doing the Pinocchio?

Asian Nations Welcome Obama, Renewed US Engagement
Including ASEAN

Irish Bishop Michael Smith visits Burma
The luck of the Irish may do 'em some good!

Brought to you by the Burma news girl,

Anne K Lynch

--
American University Student Campaign for Burma
Email: auburma@gmail.com
Website: http://auburma.blogspot.com/

News follow up

Follow up for the previous news! (Thanks for sending me the link!)


U.S. official visits Myanmar, Suu Kyi
"However, while U.S. officials are now sitting down with the generals, Washington has said it will maintain the sanctions until talks result in change."

Thank you, Burma, for making my life seem manageable.

November is here! Yay for the end of midterms! Boo for the start of finals prep/ final papers! At least the good news coming out of Burma will calm our college nerves.

Myanmar Rohingyas swap suppression for squalor
The refugee dilemma

Senior U.S. officials traveling to Burma
"The last senior U.S. official to travel to Burma, also known as Myanmar, was Madeleine Albright, then U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, in 1995," back when I was in kindergarten.

Karen Fear Military Offensive near Planned Dam
I was going to post "Suu Kyi Unhappy with Restrictions" but that seemed pretty obvious

Journalists, Volunteer Relief Workers Arrested in Rangoon
"Members of the independent relief group, Lin Lat Kyal, were among those arrested, allegedly for accepting relief donations from abroad."

For your personal enjoyment...

Yeah, I lied, no good news this week. But hey, I bet our problems don't look so big now!

Anne K Lynch

Burma news: Special Edition!

Everybody thank Christie from the Alt-Break group for finding this article!

Is Burma softening its stance?
By Alastair Leithead
BBC Asia correspondent 

(I had to mention this guy's name, I mean, how many Alastairs do you ever meet?)



Anne K Lynch

BY THE WAY...

So y'all know, I would love to see some comments on this thing, anonymous or not. Something so that I know I'm not just writing to myself.

Thank you!

Anne K Lynch

Burma Halloween: Scare the neighborhood as Than Shwe!

I know! I'm late! But I finally got the pipeline story I've been looking for because of it!

Japan: Burma Could Ease Aung San Suu Kyi's Detention
"Japanese officials say a top Burmese official has suggested the military regime could ease restrictions on opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi..."  but my uncle's wife's sister said...

Rohingyas Forced to Work on Border Fence
"The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who face severe discrimination in Burma."

Rights Groups Call for China to Halt Construction of Pipeline in Burma
"...abuses appeared to have started in the project area, including attacks on local fishermen."

Your local news girl,
Anne K Lynch
 
P.S. Not exactly on topic, but because I have self-interest here:


Interested in Buddhism? Ever wonder why AU doesn't have a student organization for Buddhists? Whether you are a religious Buddhist, a philosophical Buddhist, or just curious about Buddhism, come to Kay Lounge today, October 28, 9:15 p.m., for a short period to assess student interest and discuss what a nonsectarian Buddhist youth group would look like. Contact Anne Lynch at al3281a@student.american.edu or Christine Gettings at gettings@american.edu for more information.

Don't hurt me!

Ward, "Ignite for Burma," 2:30PM

Today the AU Student Campaign for Burma is hosting “Ignite for Burma,” an event with over 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. participating to spread awareness for Burma by addressing the Senate.  The event will start at 2:30PM and finish by 4.  We will meet in Ward, watch Crossing Midnight, and then hold a short campaign on Burma's behalf, addressing our respective senators.  Food and drinks provided.  Hope to see you there!

Meeting location:

·        Main lobby of Ward; closest side to the main entrance.

Contact:

·      Please call with any questions: (850) 361-5263

Fall takes breaks, but Burma doesn't!

Howdy all, once again! I hope you all had wonderful fall breaks if you're an AU student. And if you're not, well I hope you have you self a merry little fall break anyways!

Burmese border guards abduct seven Bangladeshi fishermen
Fishers of men

Rename the Streets for Neda
Primarily an article about Iran, but there's a good paragraph or two in there about Burma. And besides, the fight for human rights is universal.

Hopes high for Burma on Asean Summit’s eve
"The 15th Asean Summit during which the right commission will be adopted will be held in Hua Hin, Thailand..."

New Constitution Guarantees Junta Immunity: Report
“Impunity Prolonged: Burma and its 2008 Constitution”...

With that, I conclude Burma's weekly news update a few days early (midterms= very yes)

news girl Anne K Lynch

Ignite for Burma! Announcement

In case anybody didn't get the e-mail, here's news on "Ignite for Burma!" E-mail auburma@gmail.com (for that last part) and ask to be put on the listserv if you didn't receive the e-mail and would like to get some in the future!

Dear Supporter,

A lot of you have asked how you can get involved with Student Campaign for Burma this year; next Monday, Oct. 26th is your opportunity as the Student Campaign for Burma will host "Ignite for Burma."  Below are the details. We hope you can make it!

In Solidarity,
Student Campaign for Burma
American University
Website: http://auburma.blogspot.com/

 
What is Ignite for Burma?

• "Ignite for Burma" is a student-led campaign of over 100 colleges and universities around the country that will, next week, collectively and simultaneously demand action for Burma. 

How will it work?

• This event is meant to be short but effective:
• We will do a screening of the short (30 min.) but powerful new documentary Crossing Midnight, a story that documents health aid workers working in Burma's conflict zones.   
• Following the film, a phone-in campaign will begin where each attendee will contact their Senator's office and demand action for Burma.
• **FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE SERVED**

When/Where is it?

• ·         The event will be held in Ward (Room TBA) beginning at 2:30PM.  The event will end by 4PM. 

How do I sign-up?

• Simply accept the invitation to this event by clicking "Add to Calendar."  You will receive another e-mail as the event's date nears.
  
• If your e-mail operating system does not have a calendar feature, please just reply back to this email.

Burma: Supersized!

Australian Fashion Group Announces Burma Trade Ban
No more catwalks in Rangoon!

Trial of Burmese-American to begin
There really is no going home.

Burma, Bangladesh in Warship Standoff
Another game of who's got more guns (Sounds like a video game)

Burmese elections set for next year. So what?
Yay for opinionated people!

Burmese Trafficking Victims Freed in Raid
Thailand gets a "B" for improvement!

Than Shwe Meets India’s Army Chief
The bad news is...

Thank you for tuning in for an EXTRA portion of Burma news this week! Until next time,

Anne K Lynch

Burma VJ

Sorry for the delay here! I'm kind of all over the place this weekend.

Thursday at 5:30, the documentary "Burma VJ" was shown at Katzen as part of the annual Human Rights Film Series (next week is a documentary about Wangari Maathai. Unrelated, but still cool!). I had never seen the documentary, and to be honest I think few have because only the film makers have the right to show it. In summary, it told the story of the Saffron Revolution-- from its roots in the unrest of the people caused by a wild increase in gas prices to the cataclysmic end-- from the point of view of "Joseph." He's part of the Democratic Voice of Burma, a news organization the sneaks footage out of Burma (no easy task). We never see Joseph's face, but his narration over a compilation of film paints a clear picture of his role, the role of DVB, and the role of the monks during the Saffron Revolution. Of particular interest (to me anyways) was the choice not to edit out the footage their cameras recorded while hidden in plastic bags, duffel bags, and jacket pockets.
The images were both startling and enlightening, particularly afterwords when one of the monks, U Gawasita, said that the film didn't begin to show just how bad the situation actually was. The monks explained that the monks of Burma hadn't planned on joining the sudden fervor of protests but that they joined because of their duty to the people. They further explained reasons why they thoroughly disapprove of the 2008 Constitution of Burma (and the manner in which it was passed). We (the audience) and the panel discussed topics relating to the film and Burma for about an hour-- even the translator, who was a student protester in 1988, got his two cents in.

All in all, a successful event!

News girl returns with more updates!

Howdy one and all! News should be free and organized. One out of two isn't a bad start!

Landslides in Burma kill three people
"...the fatalities occurred on Saturday in the southernmost town of Kawthaung, which borders Thailand."

Foster homes sought for Burmese youth
We can help Burma without even going there!

Suu Kyi in Burma government talks
"Reports suggest she has softened her views on sanctions in recent times, concluding that they are adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Burmese."
Overview of Burma sanctions
A quick reference, from BBC

Also, come see "Burma VJ" on Thursday! 5:30PM! Katzen! IT'S FREE!!!! And some of our good friends, U Gawasita and U Agga Nya (monks from Burma) will be there! Watch the trailer.

Signing off,
Anne K Lynch/ news-bane of your existence

First news on the Senate protest

Hiya folks! If you made it to the protest of the Senate Foreign Relations Asia subcommittee meeting today, you are awesome! If you did not, you're still awesome, but we hope to see you next time around! I checked the web news outlets and here's a nice sum-up of what's been going on.

Welcome new Burma-news readers! And winks to the ol' loyalists!

Ta da! Welcome to this week's edition of your AU Burma Wire! With all the latest Burma news, who could complain? (That's not an invitation, btw)

Burma Embassy Protesters Mark 2nd Anniversary of Military Crackdown
"Protesters have demonstrated in front of the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok to mark the second anniversary of the military crackdown on Buddhist monk-led calls for democracy." [Don't ask me why it's in present tense, I've no idea]

China Urges Burma to Protect Rights of Chinese Nationals
Because we all know how well the junta treats Burmese Nationals...

Embracing Burma's Generals
(op-ed) And you thought the Wall Street Journal only covered economic news these days!

U.S. Planning New Overtures to Burma
"Increased Humanitarian Aid, Round of Talks Aimed at Improving Relations"

Some other updates:

Wednesday, Sept 30 there will be a protest for Burma at the Congress building. If interested, please meet outside Union Station at 1PM, I believe by the fountain (if you see people in green shirts, good). If you want more information, which of course you do since you're highly educated activist types, try here.

Next Thursday at 5:30PM (methinks in Kay's basement) there will be a showing of the video "Burma VJ." You should see it, movies are fun.

Anyways, it's been great chatting!

Anne K Lynch (aka Current Events Coordinator, although I think just 'news girl' would suffice)

AU SCB Returns to the Blogosphere!

Hello all! After a year of inactivity, AU's Student Campaign for Burma is returning to the blogosphere, and couldn't be more excited. With any luck, http://auburma.blogspot.com/ will become your hub for information, news, and events as we work towards democracy in Burma. Let's start off with this announcement:

Dear Washingtonians,

Senator Jim Webb is hosting a hearing on Burma policy. We want to make sure

that the democracy movement is well represented and that the Junta's crimes

against humanity are discussed.

We will have to get there early in order to secure seats. Please meet us at

the fountain in front of Union Station at 1pm sharp. We will give out

T-shirts with a strong message for Webb and head over to the hearing

together.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Hope to see you there!

Interested? See this to learn more and e-mail us at AUBurma@gmail.com if you want to attend. The more, the merrier!

Toodles!