Asian Correspondent Burma News

Burma leader making landmark White House visit

By AP News Mon, May 20, 2013 1:57PM UTC

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former general Thein Sein on Monday becomes the first Burma president to be welcomed to the White House in almost 47 years, crowning a dramatic diplomatic rehabilitation for his nation after years of international isolation. But activists are angry about President Barack Obama hosting Thein Sein, and

Analysis: Foreign investment a blessing and a curse for Burma

By Casey Hynes Mon, May 20, 2013 11:26AM UTC

Burma will further open its doors to inward investment when President Thein Sein meets U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House later today. Whether that investment will benefit the people of Burma remains very much in doubt… It’s been a red letter year so far for Burma President Thein

Burma leader frees prisoners ahead of US visit

By AP News Sat, May 18, 2013 6:18PM UTC

YANGON, Burma (AP) — Burma’s president has pardoned at least 20 political prisoners just ahead of a historic visit to the United States that will highlight the two sides’ improved relations brought about by the former pariah nation’s democratic reforms. State media reported Saturday that 23 prisoners were freed, though

Cyclone Mahasen fizzles as it hits Bangladesh

By AP News Thu, May 16, 2013 8:02PM UTC

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh (AP) — Cyclone Mahasan weakened Thursday afternoon into a tropical storm, causing far less damage than had been feared as it passed over coastal Bangladesh and spared Burma almost entirely. At least 18 deaths related to Mahasen were reported in Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka, but officials

Cyclone Mahasen batters Bangladesh; 1 million flee

By AP News Thu, May 16, 2013 3:10PM UTC

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh (AP) — The outer bands of Cyclone Mahasen struck the southern coast of Bangladesh on Thursday, lashing remote fishing villages with heavy rain and fierce winds that flattened mud and straw huts and forced the evacuation of more than 1 million people. The eye of the storm