BURMA BULLETIN

A month-in-review of events in Burma

A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A

campaigns,

advocacy

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capacity-building

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Issue 72

December 2012

Several activists are arrested and charged for participating in nationwide demonstrations over the regimes 29 November crackdown on peaceful protestors at the Monywa copper mine. Regime authorities continue to block aid to Rohingya IDP camps. UN relief chief describes conditions for Rohingya IDPs as dire. Hundreds of Rohingya continue to make perilous journeys to Malaysia by boat. At least 160 Rohingya boat people drown in December. Singapore denies entry to survivors. The regime deploys fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery in Kachin State over the Christmas holiday, as fighting rages on for the 19th straight month. UN relief chief urges the regime to allow the UN to make badly needed aid deliveries to Kachin IDPs suffering a harsh winter. UNODC report says that Burma remains the primary source of methamphetamine in East and Southeast Asia. Thailands National Verification Process 14 December deadline leaves at least one million undocumented Burmese migrant workers at risk of arrest and deportation. Transparency Internationals 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Burma 172nd of 176 countries. The Tavoy SEZ development faces downsizing as a result of construction delays and lack of enthusiasm among investors. KEY STORY Monywa copper mine

IN THIS ISSUE KEY STORY

1 Monywa copper mine 3 Commission appointed 4 China defends Monywa project

INSIDE BURMA
4 5 5 6 6 Rohingya IDPs condition dire Fighting & IDPs in Kachin State Arms from Sweden via India Regime, CNF sign agreement Methamphetamine production

HUMAN RIGHTS
6 Arbitrary detention continues

DISPLACEMENT
6 Rohingya continue to flee 7 Migrant workers in Thailand

INTERNATIONAL
7 UNGA adopts Burma resolution

ECONOMY
8 Burmas corruption 8 Uncertainty over Tavoy SEZ 8 Foreign financial investment 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS 10 REPORTS
_____________________________________ Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly! email publications@altsean.org Online copies are available for download at www.altsean.org

The regimes 29 November crackdown on peaceful protestors at the Monywa copper mine in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Division [See November 2012 Burma Bulletin], had consequences that reverberated through Burma in December. Activists and Buddhist monks in numerous locations lead peaceful demonstrations over the regimes crackdown. The regime responded by detaining and charging activists who participated in the rallies. Meanwhile, Buddhist monks rejected two apologies for the crackdown because they were not offered to the monks directly affected by the regimes 29 November action.1

1 AP (15 Dec 12) Myanmar gov't apologizes for crackdown violence; Myanmar Times (14 Dec 12) Thousands of monks protest in Myanmar; AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; Irrawaddy (01 Dec 12) Police Chief Says Sorry to Monks for Raid; Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Monks not satisfied with police apology

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 1 December: In Rangoon, about 40 Buddhist monks demonstrated near Sule pagoda while some 50 people rallied in front of the Chinese embassy.2 In Mandalay, about 100 Buddhist monks demonstrated.3 1 December: During a ceremony in Monywa, Sagaing Division, about 100 police apologized for the crackdown to a group of senior Buddhist monks handpicked by the regime.4 2 December: Police arrested activists Moe Thway and Aung Soe at a demonstration near the Chinese embassy in Rangoon.5 2 December: A local female activist demonstrated in downtown Akyab [Sittwe], Arakan State.6 2 December: About 500 villagers rallied in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Division.7 3 December: Over 40 Buddhist monks protested in Mogok Township, Mandalay Division, to demand that the regime bring charges against those responsible for the crackdown.8 3 December: The regime charged activists Moe Thway, Aung Soe, and six other activists arrested in connection with a 26 November protest against the Monywa copper mine [See November 2012 Burma Bulletin], under Section 505 (b) of the Criminal Code and Article 18 of the Peaceful Gathering and Demonstration Law.9 5 December: About 300 Buddhist monks in Mandalay held a sit-in protest to demand an apology and action against those responsible for the crackdown.10 Similar demonstrations took place in Wakema, Irrawaddy Division, Chauk, Magwe Division, Taunggyi, Shan State, and in Mogok, Mandalay Division.11 6 December: More than 200 Buddhist monks took part in a sit-in protest at a pagoda in Mandalay to call for the unconditional release of detained activists and to urge the regime to take action against those responsible for the crackdown.12 Buddhist monks also demonstrated at monasteries in Taunggyi, Shan State, and in Mogok, Mandalay Division.13 7 December: During a ceremony in Rangoon, regime officials led by Religious Affairs Minister Myint Maung apologized to senior Buddhist monks for the crackdown.14 10 December: About 100 activists rallied in Rangoon to call on the regime to release all those detained in connection with protests against the Monywa copper mine.15 On 11 December, the regime released on bail all eight activists detained in connection with protests against the Monywa copper mine.16 However, peaceful protests continued, followed by the fresh arrests of at least eight activists. 12 December: About 500 Buddhist monks marched through the streets of Rangoon to demand the regime adequately apologize for the crackdown and take action against authorities responsible for the
Reuters (01 Dec 12) Calls grow for probe into police violence at Myanmar mine; AFP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar police 'apologise' for violent raid on mine rally; EMG (06 Dec 12) Police files suit against copper mine protesters 3 Reuters (01 Dec 12) Calls grow for probe into police violence at Myanmar mine 4 AFP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar police 'apologise' for violent raid on mine rally; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; Irrawaddy (01 Dec 12) Police Chief Says Sorry to Monks for Raid; Reuters (01 Dec 12) Myanmar govt asks Suu Kyi to investigate mine dispute; BBC (03 Dec 12) Police apologise for crackdown; Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Monks not satisfied with police apology 5 AFP (02 Dec 12) Two arrested at Myanmar mine rally; RFA (03 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Revamped; Mizzima News (04 Dec 12) 88 Generation students urge government not to arrest protesters 6 Narinjara News (03 Dec 12) Woman stages solo protest in Sittwe against violent crackdown of demonstration in Let Pan Daung 7 EMG (03 Dec 12) Another protest staged against controversial copper mine 8 RFA (03 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Revamped 9 AP (03 Dec 12) Myanmar mine protesters denied release on bail; RFA (03 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Revamped; BBC (03 Dec 12) Burma courts charge protesters over copper mine protest; Irrawaddy (04 Dec 12) Six Mine Protesters Charged With Incitement; Mizzima News (04 Dec 12) 88 Generation students urge government not to arrest protesters; EMG (06 Dec 12) Police files suit against copper mine protesters; AP (04 Dec 12) Myanmar Mine Protesters Denied Bail 10 RFA (06 Dec 12) Vow for Truth in Mine Probe 11 RFA (06 Dec 12) Vow for Truth in Mine Probe 12 Irrawaddy (06 Dec 12) Lack of Transparency to Blame for Mine Conflict: Suu Kyi 13 Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Monks protest over police attack 14 Xinhua (08 Dec 12) Myanmar minister supplicates for wounding monks among protestors in disperse action; Reuters (08 Dec 12) Myanmar government apologises to monks over mine protest injuries; BBC (08 Dec 12) Burma apologises for police attack on protesting monks; EMG (09 Dec 12) Religious minister apologises to monks injured in crackdown on Latpadaungtaung protest; NLM (08 Dec 12) It is time for all to carry out purification and propagation of Sasana - Ceremony to apologize to State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws for incidents stemming from protest in Letpadaungtaung Copper Mining Project 15 RFA (10 Dec 12) Activist Monk Released on Bail 16 AP (11 Dec 12) Myanmar court grants bail to Yangon demonstrators against copper mine; RFA (11 Dec 12) Mine Protesters Freed on Bail; DVB (11 Dec 12) Burma releases eight copper mine protesters; Irrawaddy (11 Dec 12) Gambira Freed on Bail but Awaits Trial
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action.17 Hundreds of Buddhist monks held similar protests in other locations, including Monywa and Kale, Sagaing Division, Pakokku and Chauk, Magwe Division, Mandalay and Yenanchaung, Mandalay Division, Wakema and Bassein, Irrawaddy Division, and Akyab, Arakan State.18 12 December: About 150 people, including local villagers, Buddhist monks, and activists, set up two new protest camps near the Monywa copper mine in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Division, to demand a halt to the project.19 13 December: Regime authorities arrested activists Aung Mai San, Than Htike, Min Naing Lwin aka Kyaw Gyi, and Thein Aung Myint in Mandalay and four activists in Monywa, Sagaing Division, in connection with the 12 December protests.20 The regime charged all the activists under Article 18 of the Peaceful Gathering and Demonstration Law.21 15 December: During a ceremony in Mandalay, high-ranking regime officials led by Presidents Office Minister Hla Tun formally apologized to Buddhist monks injured in the crackdown.22 The monks accepted the regimes apology.23 17 December: The regime charged activist Htin Kyaw under Article 18 of the Peaceful Gathering and Demonstration Law in connection with a demonstration in Rangoon against the crackdown.24 Commission appointed, investigative powers reduced After domestic and international outcry, on 1 December President Thein Sein announced the appointment of a 30-member commission tasked with investigating the 29 November crackdown and evaluating whether the Monywa copper mine should be continued. In a rapid u-turn, Thein Sein excluded the crackdown from the commissions mandate, and reduced its membership to 16.25 1 December: President Thein Sein appointed a 30-member commission chaired by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to investigate the crackdown on the Monywa copper mine protest.26 The commission was also tasked with making recommendations on whether the mine should continue.27 Members of the commission included 88 Generation Students Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, several MPs, members of the human rights commission, three villagers who live near the mine, and regime officials.28 The commission was to report its findings to President Thein Sein by 31 December.29
AFP (12 Dec 12) Monks rally across Burma in crackdowns wake; BBC (12 Dec 12) Monks protest in Burmese cities over mine crackdown; RFA (12 Dec 12) Monks Stage Nationwide Protest 18 AFP (12 Dec 12) Monks rally across Burma in crackdowns wake; AP (12 Dec 12) Monks protest across Myanmar to demand formal apology for violent crackdown on mine protesters; Reuters (12 Dec 12) Myanmar monks protest over mine violence, security tight; Irrawaddy (12 Dec 12) Thousands Join Peaceful Nationwide Monks Protest; BBC (12 Dec 12) Monks protest in Burmese cities over mine crackdown; EMG (12 Dec 12) Myanmar monks demonstrate against police crackdown on Latpadaungtaung protest camps; Mizzima News (13 Dec 12) Mandalay monks vow to protest every day; Narinjara News (15 Dec 12) Arakanese monks demonstrate in Sittwe; RFA (12 Dec 12) Monks Stage Nationwide Protest; Myanmar Times (14 Dec 12) Thousands of monks protest in Myanmar 19 Irrawaddy (17 Dec 12) Local Protests against Letpadaung Mine Resume; DVB (18 Dec 12) Protesters set up new camps near controversial mine 20 AFP (14 Dec 12) Burmese officials make new mine protest arrests; RFA (14 Dec 12) More Mine Activists Arrested; EMG (23 Dec 12) A section in the protest law infringes on citizens rights: ABFSU; Irrawaddy (14 Dec 12) Anti-Copper Mine Activists Detained 21 RFA (14 Dec 12) More Mine Activists Arrested; Irrawaddy (14 Dec 12) Anti-Copper Mine Activists Detained 22 AP (15 Dec 12) Myanmar gov't apologizes for crackdown violence; Irrawaddy (16 Dec 12) Govt. Apologizes to Monks Injured in Copper Mine Raid; EMG (16 Dec 12) President Office minister apologizes to monks; Myanmar Times (24 Dec 12) Myanmar makes apology to monks over copper mine crackdown 23 AP (15 Dec 12) Myanmar gov't apologizes for crackdown violence; Irrawaddy (16 Dec 12) Govt. Apologizes to Monks Injured in Copper Mine Raid; EMG (16 Dec 12) President Office minister apologizes to monks 24 DVB (18 Dec 12) Protesters set up new camps near controversial mine 25 Mizzima (5 Dec 12) Monywa crackdown due to a lack of rule of law, says local MP 26 AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters; AFP (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to lead Myanmar copper mine probe; Reuters (01 Dec 12) Myanmar govt asks Suu Kyi to investigate mine dispute; Xinhua (01 Dec 12) Myanmar forms commission to probe into copper mine project; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; NLM (02 Dec 12) Formation of Investigation Commission; DPA (02 Dec 12) Myanmar appoints Suu Kyi to investigate protest crackdown; FT (02 Dec 12) Myanmar addresses anger over mine 27 AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters; AFP (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to lead Myanmar copper mine probe; Reuters (01 Dec 12) Myanmar govt asks Suu Kyi to investigate mine dispute; Xinhua (01 Dec 12) Myanmar forms commission to probe into copper mine project; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; NLM (02 Dec 12) Formation of Investigation Commission; FT (02 Dec 12) Myanmar addresses anger over mine 28 AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters; Reuters (01 Dec 12) Myanmar govt asks Suu Kyi to investigate mine dispute; Xinhua (01 Dec 12) Myanmar forms commission to probe into copper mine project; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; NLM (02 Dec 12) Formation of Investigation Commission; FT (02 Dec 12) Myanmar addresses anger over mine 29 AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters; Reuters (01 Dec 12) Myanmar govt asks Suu Kyi to investigate mine dispute; Xinhua (01 Dec 12) Myanmar forms commission to probe into
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 3 December: President Thein Sein downsized the commission to 16 members following the refusal of 88 Generation Students Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi to take part in the investigation30 and removed the investigation of the crackdown from the commissions purview.31 Thein Sein also postponed the deadline for the commissions findings to 31 January 2013.32 4 December: The commission held its first meeting in Naypyidaw.33 6 December: During a press conference in Rangoon, the commission said it had found that 73 people, including 67 monks, had been injured during the 29 November crackdown and had been subsequently treated at hospitals in Monywa and Mandalay.34 21 December: The commission issued a press release that summarized the activities related to its preliminary investigation.35 According to the press release, from 5-15 December commission members visited the Monywa copper mine site, where they met with relevant stakeholders, including local villagers, and assessed the mines impact on health and the environment.36 Beijing defends Monywa copper mine On 7 December, Chinas ambassador to Burma Li Junhua warned that closing the Monywa copper mine could harm Burmas image in the eyes of potential investors.37 The ambassador defended Chinaowned Wan Bao companys role in operating the mine and said that issues such as the relocation and compensation of affected villagers as well as the mines environmental impact had been previously addressed and settled with the regime in accordance with existing laws.38 INSIDE BURMA Conditions dire for Rohingya IDPs as regime blocks aid In December, reports of regime authorities preventing aid from reaching Rohingya IDPs in Arakan State continued to surface. Aid workers said that regime authorities had not allowed the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide an IDP camp in Pauktaw with new tents.39 On 13 December, it was reported that Tatmadaw soldiers failed to intervene as Rakhine Buddhists in Myebon blocked aid agencies from delivering supplies to the Rohingya IDP camp in the town.40 Reports also documented the regimes double standards in its treatment of Rohingya and Rakhine communities. Various sources described conditions in Rohingya IDP camps as markedly worse than those for Rakhine.41 On 5 December, UN Under-Sec-Gen for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos visited various Rohingya IDP camps in Arakan State and described the situation in Myebon IDP camp as dire because of the overcrowded conditions, lack of adequate sanitation, and limited access to water.42

copper mine project; RFA (01 Dec 12) Suu Kyi to Head Mine Probe; NLM (02 Dec 12) Formation of Investigation Commission; FT (02 Dec 12) Myanmar addresses anger over mine 30 RFA (03 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Revamped; Xinhua (03 Dec 12) Myanmar reforms commission to probe into copper mining project; Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Monywa residents upset over investigation team changes; EMG (04 Dec 12) 16-member body probes copper mine project 31 Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Monywa residents upset over investigation team changes; RFA (04 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Meets; Mizzima News (05 Dec 12) Monywa crackdown due to a lack of rule of law, says local MP 32 RFA (03 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Revamped; Xinhua (03 Dec 12) Myanmar reforms commission to probe into copper mining project; NLM (04 Dec 12) Reconstitution of Investigation Commission; RFA (04 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Meets 33 NLM (05 Dec 12) Investigation Commission holds coordination meeting; RFA (04 Dec 12) Mine Probe Panel Meets 34 Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) Commission will find fair solution, says NLD leader; DVB (06 Dec 12) Commission sidelines govt in crackdown investigation 35 NLM (22 Dec 12) Investigation Commission - Press Release No. 3/2012 36 NLM (22 Dec 12) Investigation Commission - Press Release No. 3/2012 37 EMG (09 Dec 12) Wanbao has paid $5m compensation: Chinese ambassador 38 Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) China vows to respect findings of mine probe 39 Guardian (20 Dec 12) Trapped inside Burma's refugee camps, the Rohingya people call for recognition 40 BBC (13 Dec 12) Burma's displaced Rohingya suffer as aid blocked 41 BBC (13 Dec 12) Burma's displaced Rohingya suffer as aid blocked; UNICEF (21 Dec 12) Urgent action needed to improve water and sanitation for displaced in Myanmars Rakhine State despite some progress; CNN (07 Dec 12) Myanmar can keep Rohingya from starving. But will it? 42 OCHA (07 Dec 12) UN humanitarian chief asks donor community in Myanmar for immediate support; OCHA (07 Dec 12) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs - Statement on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; NLM (07 Dec 12) Psychological support given to victims in Myebon, Pauktaw, Maungtaw and Sittway in Rakhine State

Kachin State: Fighting continues, aid to IDPs badly needed Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State raged on for the 19th straight month. The Tatmadaw used fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery during military operations against the KIA. In addition, about 50,000 IDPs in KIA-held areas were spending a second winter in terrible conditions as the regime continued to prevent international aid agencies from providing urgent humanitarian assistance.43 3 December: Tatmadaw soldiers from LID 88 killed one civilian and injured three others after firing on a truck in Hpakant Township, Kachin State.44 10 December: KIA forces killed around 20 Tatmadaw soldiers during a clash in the Pangwa area of Chipwi Township, Kachin State.45 14 December: Tatmadaw troops used helicopters and artillery to attack KIA positions in Lajayang, Momauk Township, Kachin State.46 During the day-long fighting, KIA forces killed and injured an estimated 60 Tatmadaw soldiers.47 18 December: Tatmadaw troops clashed with KIA forces between Sambai and Ga Ra Yang in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State.48 27 December: Tatmadaw troops killed one civilian and injured three others after shelling an area close to Lajayang in Momauk Township, Kachin State.49 28 December: Tatmadaw troops used fighter jets and helicopters during an attack on KIA positions in Lajayang, Momauk Township, Kachin State.50 On 6 December, UN Under-Sec-Gen for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos visited an IDP camp in a regime-controlled area near Myitkyina, Kachin State.51 In a statement the following day, Amos expressed concern for tens of thousands of other IDPs living in KIA-held areas of Kachin State to which the regime had only allowed the UN to make three deliveries of aid in 2012.52 Amos urged the regime to allow the UN to travel to these areas to provide badly needed aid.53 Arms from Sweden via India On 10 December, a report in the Swedish daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet revealed that Tatmadaw troops had been using Swedish-made weapons during their ongoing offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).54 Arms producer Saab Bofors Dynamics said that it originally sold M-3 Carl Gustav recoilless rifles to the Indian government in 2003.55 The contract with Indian authorities included an end-user agreement that prohibited the re-export of the weapons to other countries.56 Despite the clause, it was believed that Delhi sold the arms to Burmas regime as part of bilateral cooperation aimed at combating anti-India groups operating along the Indo-Burma border.57

AlertNet (21 Dec 12) INTERVIEW-Some 50,000 displaced in north Myanmar need urgent help; OCHA (07 Dec 12) UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs - Statement on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar DVB (05 Dec 12) Convoy shooting spree leaves 1 dead, 3 injured in Kachin state 45 Irrawaddy (12 Dec 12) Govt Uses Swedish Weapons Against KIA 46 Irrawaddy (14 Dec 12) Kachin State Fighting Escalates as New Front Opens 47 Irrawaddy (17 Dec 12) Burma Army Reportedly Suffers Mass Casualties in Kachin State 48 Kachin News Group (19 Dec 12) 12 Burma army soldiers die in two clashes with KIA in Waingmaw 49 Irrawaddy (27 Dec 12) One Dead, Three Hurt in Shelling Near KIA HQ 50 Kachin News Group (28 Dec 12) Burma army planes attack KIO positions near rebel capital 51 UN News Centre (06 Dec 12) Myanmar: UN official urges stepped-up efforts to address humanitarian issues causing instability 52 OCHA (07 Dec 12) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs - Statement on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 53 OCHA (07 Dec 12) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs - Statement on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 54 Svenska Dagbladet (10 Dec 12) Svenska vapen hos Burmas arm; Independent (11 Dec 12) Burma caught using Swedish weapons in war against rebels 55 Independent (14 Dec 12) Swedish-made weapons used to crush Burmas ethnic rebels traced back to India 56 Independent (14 Dec 12) Swedish-made weapons used to crush Burmas ethnic rebels traced back to India 57 Independent (14 Dec 12) Swedish-made weapons used to crush Burmas ethnic rebels traced back to India; DVB (12 Dec 12) Indian officials accused of providing Burma with embargoed weapons
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Regime and CNF sign agreement On 9 December, a regime delegation led by Presidents Office Minister Aung Min and Chin National Front (CNF) representatives led by General Secretary Zing Cung signed a 27-point agreement in Rangoon after three days of talks.58 This was the third agreement signed between the two sides since the initial agreement signed in January 2012 [See January 2012 Burma Bulletin]. The main points of the agreement included: the recognition of a Chin National Day; the establishment of an independent Chin Human Rights Committee; the granting of licenses for the establishment of community-based media in Chin State; and that the regime should inform the CNF one month in advance of any Tatmadaw patrols in seven locations in Chin State.59 Burma still the top source of methamphetamine in East and Southeast Asia On 12 December, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and Other Drugs: Asia and the Pacific 2012. With regard to Burma, the report found that:60 Burma remained the primary source of methamphetamine in East and Southeast Asia. Methamphetamine use in Burma increased for the seventh consecutive year. Significant amounts of methamphetamine manufactured in Burma continued to be trafficked to neighbouring countries such as China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. HUMAN RIGHTS Arbitrary detention continues In December, the regime continued to arbitrarily detain activists. On 1 December, police in Rangoon detained prominent activist and former monk U Gambira on charges of trespassing, vandalism, and squatting.61 The charges related to removing the locks from several monasteries in February 2012 as well as staying in a monastery without permission [See February 2012 Burma Bulletin].62 On 10 December, U Gambira was released on four million kyat (US$4,700) bail for health reasons.63 Authorities had held him incommunicado and without access to medical care for several days in Rangoons Insein prison.64 In addition, the regime denied bail several times to four workers from the Moehti Moemi gold mine in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Division, who had been detained by regime authorities since 23 November [See November 2012 Burma Bulletin].65 DISPLACEMENT Rohingya continue to flee in search of safety Hundreds of Rohingya continued to make perilous journeys to Malaysia by boat.66 On 4 December, a boat carrying 200 Rohingya sank in the Bay of Bengal and 160 Rohingya were believed to have
Xinhua (11 Dec 12) Myanmar gov't, Chin ethnic armed group agree on peace in central level talks Mizzima News (12 Dec 12) Chin rebels sign 27-point agreement with Burma govt UNODC (12 Dec 12) Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and Other Drugs: Asia and the Pacific 2012 61 AP (01 Dec 12) Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi to head probe of violent dispersal of copper mine protesters, DVB (03 Dec 12) Former monk Gambira arrested for trespassing, vandalism; AFP (04 Dec 12) Ex-leader of Myanmar monk rallies held; Mizzima News (03 Dec 12) Saffron Revolutions leading monk rearrested; VOA (04 Dec 12) Burma Activist Disappears Says Rights Group 62 Irrawaddy (07 Dec 12) Global Concern for Detained Former Monk Gambira 63 RFA (10 Dec 12) Activist Monk Released on Bail; BBC (11 Dec 12) Burma protest leader bailed before 'monasteries trial'; DVB (11 Dec 12) Renowned former monk released on bail 64 VOA (04 Dec 12) Burma Activist Disappears Says Rights Group; Irrawaddy (11 Dec 12) Gambira Freed on Bail but Awaits Trial 65 DVB (05 Dec 12) Burma slams gold miners for protesting without permit; Mizzima News (06 Dec 12) Gold mine protesters refused bail, face additional charge; EMG (11 Dec 12) Four Myanmar gold mine protesters denied bail 66 Kaladan News (08 Dec 12) Nearly 150- boat people again missing in the Bay of Bengal
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drowned.67 On 9 December, Singapore denied entry to the surviving 40 Rohingya refugees rescued by a Vietnamese-registered cargo ship on 5 December after they spent over 30 hours in the water.68 On 18 December, Malaysian authorities took in the 40 Rohingya.69 Bangladesh and Thailand continued to deny safe haven to Rohingya fleeing sectarian violence and persecution in Burmas Arakan State. From 4 to 16 December, Bangladeshi authorities pushed back 92 Rohingya to Burma and arrested 34 others.70 On 12 December, Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) personnel said that Bangladesh had pushed back 4,751 Rohingya since June.71 On 10 December, Thai Navy personnel detained Rohingya men and boys who landed in three boats on two islands off Thailands Andaman Coast. One of the boats carried at least 170 Rohingya.72 Nationality Verification Process deadline expires The threat of arrest and deportation of at least one million undocumented Burmese migrant workers from Thailand loomed as the deadline for their registration passed on 14 December. Conflicting reports from regime and Thai authorities led to confusion over whether an extension to the deadline was granted. On 20 December, state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar stated that Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra approved an extension of Thailands National Verification Process (NVP) deadline for another three months during a 17 December meeting with President Thein Sein in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division.73 However, Thai officials denied the claim and insisted that the NVP had ended on 14 December and that migrant workers who failed to register would be considered illegal and subject to arrest and deportation.74 On 24 December, it was reported that Thai Labor and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn indicated that any proposed changes over the NVP deadline would be taken up at the next Thai cabinet meeting.75 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS UNGA adopts Burma resolution On 24 December, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) approved by consensus a resolution on the human rights situation in Burma.76 It was the 22nd resolution adopted by the UNGA on Burma since 1991. The resolution expressed particular concern over the situation of Rohingya in Arakan State and urged the regime to protect their human rights, including their right to citizenship.77 It also urged the regime to continue the process of releasing political prisoners, to take measures needed to end impunity, and to address the ongoing armed conflict in Kachin State.78

Canberra Times (12 Dec 12) Singapore turns away rescued boat people Phuketwan (12 Dec 12) Boatpeople Rescue Ship Still Stranded Off Singapore Bangkok Post (18 Dec 12) Malaysia rescues Rohingya survivors 70 Daily Star (05 Dec 12) 18 Rohingyas sent back to Myanmar; Daily Star (06 Dec 12) 28 Rohingyas sent back; Kaladan Press (11 Dec 12) Bangladesh Coastguard arrests 15- boat-people from Naff River; Narinjara News (12 Dec 12) 13 Bangladeshi and 2 Burmese held in Bangladesh leaving for Malaysia by boat; Kaladan News (17 Dec 12) More 35-Rohingya pushed back to Burma 71 Narinjara News (15 Dec 12) 4,751 Burmese nationals repatriated to Burma during communal violence 72 Phuketwan (10 Dec 12) Hundreds of Rohingya Held Captive as Three Boats Land on Thai Islands 73 NLM (20 Dec 12) Three-month extension period for Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand 74 Bangkok Post (22 Dec 12) Myanmar asks for NV extension; Myanmar Times (24 Dec 12) Confusion stalls Thai policy for Myanmar migrant workers 75 Myanmar Times (24 Dec 12) Confusion stalls Thai policy for Myanmar migrant workers 76 Reuters (24 Dec 12) U.N. General Assembly voices concern for Myanmar's Muslims 77 Reuters (24 Dec 12) U.N. General Assembly voices concern for Myanmar's Muslims 78 AP (24 Dec 12) UN welcomes positive changes in Myanmar but concerned over Muslim-Buddhist sectarian violence
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ECONOMY Burma still ranks among the worlds most corrupt countries Despite the regimes numerous statements about the importance of fighting corruption and pursuing good governance, Burma retained its reputation as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. On 5 December, Transparency International (TI) released its 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index.79 The survey ranked Burma 172nd out of the 176 countries examined, which meant that the public sector was perceived to be extremely corrupt.80 TI said that reforms had not improved Burmas ranking because the regimes anti-corruption measures remained tentative. TI said that in order for Burma to improve its score in 2013, the regime needed to continue with genuine reforms including demonstrating consistent political will from the top.81 Uncertainty over Tavoy SEZ continues Despite the regime and the Thai governments efforts to promote the project, construction delays and a lack of enthusiasm among investors spurred uncertainty over the development of the Tavoy Special Economic Zone (SEZ). On 11 December, it was reported that Italian-Thai Development (ITD) President Premchai Karnasuta said that the Tavoy development project was seven or eight months behind schedule.82 Although regime and Thai officials insisted there was interest in the project, potential investors had yet to show any commitment. On 17 December, President Thein Sein confirmed that Burma and Thailand could not implement the project themselves and hinted at Japan becoming a potential third investor.83 ITD said Thai investors were hesitant to invest because of Burmas political environment and the uncertainty surrounding the projects funding.84 On 17 December, President Thein Sein met with Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra along with 40 Thai businesspeople at the project site in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division, with the hope of boosting investor confidence in the stalled multi-billion-dollar project.85 On the same day, Yingluck announced the opening of a consular office in Tavoy in 2013 to provide assistance to Thai investors.86 On 18 December, Thai Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt revealed that Burmas regime proposed a significant reduction in the overall size of the deep-sea port and industrial estate from 204.5 square kilometers to 150 square kilometers.87 Thailand insisted it would be impossible to downsize the project at such a late stage and said there was a clear agreement to maintain the original scale of the project.88 Foreign financial institutions enter Burma In December, Burmas financial sector made way for more foreign-owned financial institutions and services. 7 December: Burmas Central Bank approved a license for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) to open a representative office in Rangoon in early 2013.89 However, as a result of
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Transparency International (05 Dec 12) A look at the Corruption Perceptions Index 2012 Irrawaddy (06 Dec 12) Burma Ranked Among Most Corrupt Countries TrustLaw (05 Dec 12) Myanmar still near bottom of corruption rankings in 2012 despite reforms; Irrawaddy (06 Dec 12) Burma Ranked Among Most Corrupt Countries 82 Bangkok Post (11 Dec 12) Dawei deal signing delayed 83 NLM (18 Dec 12) Investment from third country to be invited for Dawei Special Economic Zone 84 AFP (17 Dec 12) Myanmar courts wary investors on port project 85 Bangkok Post (17 Dec 12) PM in Myanmar for Dawei meet; AFP (17 Dec 12) Myanmar courts wary investors on port project; Bangkok Post (18 Dec 12) Govts vow to front Dawei funds 86 Xinhua (17 Dec 12) Thai consulate to open for investors to Dawei 87 Bangkok Post (19 Dec 12) Myanmar wants to scale down Dawei; Nation (19 Dec 12) Myanmar proposes reducing area of Dawei project 88 Bangkok Post (21 Dec 12) Govt dismisses reports Thein Sein wants Dawei downsized; Nation (19 Dec 12) Myanmar proposes reducing area of Dawei project 89 Myanmar Times (10 Dec 12) ANZ to open Yangon representative office in early 2013

Burmas outdated banking laws, foreign bank representatives said the prospect of Burma granting full branch licenses was unlikely to happen within the next three years.90 21 December: VISA launched its debit and credit card service to be used at ATMs at two of Burmas private banks - Kanbawza Bank and Cooperative Bank.91 OTHER BURMA NEWS IN DECEMBER
1 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov in Naypyidaw to discuss issues including tackling corruption, establishing rule of law, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and advancing the peace process. AIPMC calls on the regime to protect Rohingya in Arakan State and guarantee their basic human rights. Regime delegation led by Presidents Office Minister Aung Min meets with National Democratic Alliance Army representatives in Mongla, Eastern Shan State. Rangoon authorities impose a ban that prohibits graffiti on public buildings, roads and bridges, as well as in schools and parks. Consultancy firm Mercers 2012 Quality of Living Survey ranks Rangoon the worst city in Southeast Asia and the sixth worst in the Asia-Pacific region for quality of life. A regime delegation led by Presidents Office Minister Aung Min meets with ethnic Wa representatives in Panghsang, Shan State. Tavoy residents request new environmental and social impact assessments to be carried out on the Tavoy SEZ at a public meeting in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division. Burmese service provider Red Link Communications reduces the initial fees for WiMax wireless internet connection from 630,000 kyat (US$745) to 450,000 kyat (US$532). Regime announces that President Thein Seins planned visit to Australia and New Zealand in December has been postponed. Regime Foreign Affairs Ministry issues a press release that says that authorities have handled sectarian violence between Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine in Arakan State with full transparency. Vice-President Mauk Kham begins a three-day tour of areas affected by sectarian violence in Arakan State. During a speech in Natmauk, Magwe Division, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi says that national reconciliation is a key factor in the development of Burma. Regime Border Affairs Minister Lt Gen Thein Htay blames underdevelopment and a lack of international aid for the outbreak of sectarian violence in Arakan State. During a speech in Magwe, Magwe Division, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi blames the authorities for the depletion of Burmas natural resources. Australias Woodside Petroleum announces that it has bought a 50% stake in the A-6 offshore oil and gas block located off Burmas Arakan coast. US oil and gas giants Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips meet with regime Energy Minister Than Htay and Mines Minister Myint Aung in Naypyidaw to discuss investment opportunities in Burmas energy sector. Regime Human Rights Commission says that it has received over 3,000 complaints from September 2011 to the end of November 2012. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visits Kawmoo Township, Rangoon Division, to discuss the implementation of infrastructure projects and the creation of job opportunities in the township. Molo Women Mining Watch Network releases Lost paradise, a report that calls on the regime to shut down tin mines in Karenni State until safeguards ensuring protection for local people are implemented. Human Rights Education Institute of Burma Director Aung Myo Min says that on average 20 children per month are trafficked across the Thai-Burma border Students and Youth Congress of Burma and Nationalities Youth Forum release a report entitled Excluded: Burmas Ethnic Nationalities on the Margins of Democracy and Development, which says that ethnic nationalities are being denied their right to free, prior, and informed consent on the issue of development projects. Peoples Assembly NDF MP Aung Zin announces that the parliamentary commission tasked with investigating land confiscation complaints will bring 323 cases of land grabbing to the Parliaments attention. Regime FM Wunna Maung Lwin meets with UK FCO Minister of State Hugo Swire in Naypyidaw. US State Departments Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Ambassador Luis CdeBaca

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FT (07 Dec 12) Myanmar: ANZ and StanChart lead the march of western banks Xinhua (22 Dec 12) Visa card introduced in Myanmar private banks

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meets with regime FM Wunna Maung Lwin in Naypyidaw to discuss bilateral cooperation on human trafficking. Western Union begins to conduct money transfers through Burmas Cooperative Bank. Regime forms a five-member Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Leading Authority led by Presidents Office Minister Soe Thein to recommend reforms to Burmas natural resources sector. UK FCO Minister of State Hugo Swire visits IDP camps in Myebon and Akyab in Arakan State. UK FCO Minister of State Hugo Swire visits an IDP camp in Pauktaw Township, Arakan State. UN Sec-Gens Special Advisor for Burma Vijay Nambiar arrives in Burma to visit communities affected by sectarian violence in Arakan State and discuss related issues with regime officials. Regime officials warn of power cuts during hot weather in early 2013 and blame ethnic Kachin armed groups for disruptions to Burmas power supply because of their supposed attacks on hydropower stations. ICRC resident representative to Burma Georges Paclisanu says that ICRC prison visits will resume in early 2013. Regime announces that Parliament will reconvene for its sixth regular session on 9 January 2013. Arakan Oil Watch releases Danger zone, a report which says that the Kyaukpyu SEZ threatens the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in Arakan State and calls for community consultations and more stringent regulations to protect people and the environment. Nine ABSDF representatives arrive in Rangoon for a two-week visit to Burma to meet with regime officials, ethnic representatives, and activists. Regime Labor, Employment, and Social Security Minister Maung Myint says that the regime plans to issue temporary passports to two million undocumented Burmese migrant workers in Thailand and Malaysia and to recognize their children as citizens. World Bank predicts that Burma will achieve 5.5% economic growth in 2012 and 6.3% in 2013. Shan Womens Action Network says that the Tatmadaw continues to commit human rights abuses in Shan State, including sexual violence, beatings, arbitrary detention, and the seizure of farmlands. A US defense official says the US is looking to initiate carefully calibrated and appropriately targeted military-to-military contacts with Burma in the near future. Burma ratifies the UN Convention Against Corruption. European Commission announces it will provide 5.5 million euros (US$7.28 million) in humanitarian aid for IDPs in Arakan and Kachin States and Eastern Burma. Burmas regime and Japan sign a MoU on the joint development of the Thilawa SEZ in Rangoon Division. KNU elects Gen Mutu Say Poe as its new chairperson during the organizations congress held in Law Wah, Hpa-an, Karen State. Tatmadaw troops clash with SSA-S forces near Hawng Heng in Kyaukme Township, Shan State. Na Sa Ka personnel in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, arrest a Rohingya couple on charges of having married 14 years earlier without obtaining prior permission from the authorities. President Thein Sein meets with Indian PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi to discuss issues including bilateral cooperation in energy and trade sectors. Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief Vice Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing says Burma plans to use nuclear technology for medical, research, and energy purposes but will not develop atomic weapons. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Kawthaung, Tenasserim Division, for a tour of the states southern areas. Two people are killed and 11 injured when an Air Bagan flight makes an emergency landing near Heho Airport in Kalaw Township, Shan State. President Thein Sein says that good governance is still very weak in Burma and that cleaning up and overhauling the bureaucracy will be the third phase of the regimes reform process.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN DECEMBER

Corruption Perceptions Index 2012, Transparency International (TI) http://bit.ly/USJwHT The Rule of Law in Myanmar: Challenges and Prospects, International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) http://bit.ly/WwI793 Chronology of Burmas Political Prisoners for November, 2012, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) http://bit.ly/YXtkIr Danger Zone: Giant Chinese industrial zone threatens Burmas Arakan coast, Arakan Oil Watch, http://bit.ly/XyNtiW

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Lost paradise, Molo Women Mining Watch Network http://bit.ly/VSMTB4 2012 Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and Other Drugs, Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) http://bit.ly/UhVg3j Responsible Tourism in Myanmar: Current Situation and Challenges, Burma Center Prague/Ko Ko Thett http://bit.ly/Z1j3wg Burma - Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #1 (FY) 2013, US Agency for International Development (USAID) http://bit.ly/QZpRqA Excluded: Burmas Ethnic Nationalities on the Margins of Development and Democracy, Nationalities Youth Forum (NY-Forum) and Students Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB) http://bit.ly/Urmo2X Myanmars current peace processes: a new role for women?, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre) http://bit.ly/XyVxjP A Reverse Roadmap for Burma Sanctions, Heritage Foundation http://bit.ly/Rm4bUL Prospects for Peace in Myanmar: Opportunities and Threats, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) http://bit.ly/VlKN7H

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