Asian Correspondent Burma News

Burma must end civil war ahead of reforms

By Zin Linn Wed, Feb 22, 2012 12:33AM UTC

What really happened to people in Kachin State? Why don’t thegovernment’s armed forces stop fighting there? Who is taking advantage of this unreasonable war? There are lots of questions relating to this inhumane war launched by Burmese government against the Kachin ethnic people. If current government has genuine political reform plan, first of all it...

Once-critical Philippines praises Burma reforms

By AP News Tue, Feb 21, 2012 1:50PM UTC

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario says his country believes a recent assurance by Burma leader Thein Sein that democratic reforms in the former military-ruled nation are now irreversible. The Philippines was once Burma’s most vocal critic in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which groups the two countries along with...

Burma opposition party wants ‘fair play’ ahead of elections

By AP News Mon, Feb 20, 2012 5:58PM UTC

YANGON, Burma (AP) — The party of Burma pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi charged Monday that restrictions on its campaigning risk making upcoming by-elections unfair. National League for Democracy spokesman Nyan Win said the party faces difficulty in getting permission to use public venues for its meetings ahead of the April 1 polls. “What...

Top festivals and events in Asia this week – Feb 20-26

By Asian Correspondent Mon, Feb 20, 2012 3:23PM UTC

FROM performance arts in Singapore to jungle racing in Vietnam, here is a round-up of the best festivals and events around Asia this week. M1 Singapore Fringe Festival, February 15-26, Singapore February is the month of relationships. And it’s not just about romantic love. Explore a different type of relationship – between Art and Faith. Special to...

Burma state media: Dissident monk to be charged

By AP News Mon, Feb 20, 2012 1:20PM UTC

YANGON, Burma (AP) — A dissident monk who helped lead Burma’s 2007 anti-government uprising is facing fresh legal action, in part for breaking into monasteries sealed by the former military junta after the mass street protests five years ago, state media reported Sunday. The case against Shin Gambira, the first since he was freed in...