Another Black Day In Burma's History...

[LaoPo]

Burma restarts national meeting

By Jonathan Head

BBC News, Rangoon

There are more than 1,000 delegates at the convention

A national convention has started meeting again in Burma to try to draw up a new constitution

Excerpts from this article:

"The military government is holding the meeting in a heavily protected encampment an hour's drive out of the capital, Rangoon.

All the delegates have to stay there, and are unable to interact with the ordinary people they are supposed to represent."

"But all have been hand-picked by the military................."

"At no point did he mention the absence of the main opposition party, the NLD, which won more than 80% of the seats in the last free election"

Source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6036767.stm

Some questions:

Will the new constitution bring more freedom to the People of Burma/Myanmar....?

Will Aung San Suu Kyi be released from her 'house-arrest' ?

Will she be able to speak to her people again and ask/demand for democracy ?

We just have to wait and see what this new constitution brings.

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Should tourists go to Burma?

Although the controversy about visiting, as a tourist, Burma YES or NO is continueing, I wish to post this article from June 19th 2006 and therefore almost 4 months old, but still up-to-date I suppose.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5093832.stm

Personally I still feel strongly about NOT going to Burma.

Why?

The more tourists go to Burma the more money end up in the pockets of the Generals, now in the process of 'creating' a new constitution.....

Nobody can (yet) convince me that tourists (once there for 1 or 2 weeks) can have a proper judgment about the real Burma, ruled by the regime, now in power.

But, of course, the Burmese people are happy and glad to see and meet foreigners, eager and curious as they are to meet (once in a while) tourists/foreigners and maybe have some extra income.

Of course they are and I understand that, BUT the more people (tourists) neglect the harsh regime the more tourists will come and say:

"It's the best place I've ever been to - Emma Smale, tourist to Burma" (see article above)

Is it really?

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Burma leader's lavish lifestyle aired

Thandar Shwe is shown bedecked with jewels

A video of the wedding of the daughter of Burma's military leader Than Shwe has appeared on the internet, giving a rare glimpse into a lavish lifestyle.

Thandar Shwe and army major Zaw Phyo Win actually married in July, but the video has only recently come to light.

In one 10-minute clip, shown on the internet site YouTube, the couple pour large quantities of champagne and stand before an ornate, golden bridal bed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/n...storyid=6111074

I suppose Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi was not invited....

LaoPo

[farangsay]

Firstly , well done LP for reviving this thread.

I read about this in the Post/Nation.

The excesses of the elite are almost as obscene there as they

in N Korea.

But

The previous regime here in LOS was a minor sponsor of this

regime.

Current regime has not made any great waves (I've read that

they want to continue the existing relationship).

The major sponsor is of course a "country" I think you are

familiar with.

Do you really think that a trickle of farang tourists is as

important to these oligarchs as the financial support of

the empire to the north ?

Anyway , keep the faith !

[LaoPo]

‘Royal Wedding’ Draws more Fire

"The furor over video footage and photographs of the wedding of the daughter of Burma’s junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe continues to spread in and outside Burma."

“I wonder if a single diamond [that the bride wore] might be able to feed a city,” a Thai journalist said, while an Asian diplomat, who viewed the footage on The Irrawaddy website, called the ceremony “outrageous.”

source:

http://www.irrawaddy.org/aviewer.asp?a=6333&z=154

LaoPo

[Rinrada]

Burma leader's lavish lifestyle aired

Thandar Shwe is shown bedecked with jewels

A video of the wedding of the daughter of Burma's military leader Than Shwe has appeared on the internet, giving a rare glimpse into a lavish lifestyle.

Thandar Shwe and army major Zaw Phyo Win actually married in July, but the video has only recently come to light.

In one 10-minute clip, shown on the internet site YouTube, the couple pour large quantities of champagne and stand before an ornate, golden bridal bed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/n...storyid=6111074

I suppose Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi was not invited....

LaoPo

Had a meeting recently with a certain UK gov minister who is determined to do something about it but with a bit of help from the EU it could be boycotted tomorrow....too many illegimates making money out ot the regime...

This is one of the majour sources and no doubt they would deal with Nazi germany if they had the chance...probably DID

so...

French oil giant Total is the largest European investor in Burma.

It invested via the Bermuda islands.

The gas project it manages is believed [size=4]to earn the regime up to 450 million dollars a year[/size]

The Burma Campaign UK today called on the British government to stop foreign companies using UK overseas territories to channel investment into military ruled Burma.

A Ch4 Dispatches documentary on Burma broadcast at 8pm on Monday 2nd October reveals that Total Oil used UK overseas territories to invest in Burma.

The UK is ranked the 2nd largest source of approved investment in Burma, estimated at a total of more than 1.2 billion dollars since 1988, largely because companies from all over the world have used UK overseas territories to channel investment to Burma.

They are attracted to dependent territories by tax incentives and the lack of transparency. In addition, UNOCAL used the fact that it had invested in Burma via Bermuda to try to avoid being sued in US courts over human rights abuses.

“The British government could stop this kind of investment today, but refuses to do so,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “The refusal to act is inexplicable, the government says it does not support trade and investment in Burma, but does nothing to stop it.”

French oil giant Total is the largest European investor in Burma. It invested via the Bermuda islands. The gas project it manages is believed to earn the regime up to 450 million dollars a year. The regime spends around half its budget on the military. Total Oil is currently considering new investment in Burma, despite facing widespread condemnation for its close relationship with Burma’s military dictatorship.

The British government does not even know the full scale of the UK’s role in financing Burma’s military dictatorship, but despite repeated calls for action by MPs and opposition parties has taken no steps to stop UK companies investing in Burma, or to stop foreign companies investing there via the UK.

Burma’s democracy movement has called for targeted economic sanctions against the regime in Burma. Revenue from foreign investment and trade has helped keep the regime in power, while spending on health and education has fallen. The UK is also the largest European importer from Burma.

“The UK will have blood on its hands as long as it is linked with investment in Burma,” said Yvette Mahon. “Putting money in the generals’ pockets is the same as putting guns in their hands.”

Mr Blair ...up to you...

[farangsay]

Burma leader's lavish lifestyle aired

Thandar Shwe is shown bedecked with jewels

A video of the wedding of the daughter of Burma's military leader Than Shwe has appeared on the internet, giving a rare glimpse into a lavish lifestyle.

Thandar Shwe and army major Zaw Phyo Win actually married in July, but the video has only recently come to light.

In one 10-minute clip, shown on the internet site YouTube, the couple pour large quantities of champagne and stand before an ornate, golden bridal bed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/n...storyid=6111074

I suppose Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi was not invited....

LaoPo

Had a meeting recently with a certain UK gov minister who is determined to do something about it but with a bit of help from the EU it could be boycotted tomorrow....too many illegimates making money out ot the regime...

This is one of the majour sources and no doubt they would deal with Nazi germany if they had the chance...probably DID

so...

French oil giant Total is the largest European investor in Burma.

It invested via the Bermuda islands.

The gas project it manages is believed [size=4]to earn the regime up to 450 million dollars a year[/size]

The Burma Campaign UK today called on the British government to stop foreign companies using UK overseas territories to channel investment into military ruled Burma.

A Ch4 Dispatches documentary on Burma broadcast at 8pm on Monday 2nd October reveals that Total Oil used UK overseas territories to invest in Burma.

The UK is ranked the 2nd largest source of approved investment in Burma, estimated at a total of more than 1.2 billion dollars since 1988, largely because companies from all over the world have used UK overseas territories to channel investment to Burma.

They are attracted to dependent territories by tax incentives and the lack of transparency. In addition, UNOCAL used the fact that it had invested in Burma via Bermuda to try to avoid being sued in US courts over human rights abuses.

“The British government could stop this kind of investment today, but refuses to do so,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “The refusal to act is inexplicable, the government says it does not support trade and investment in Burma, but does nothing to stop it.”

French oil giant Total is the largest European investor in Burma. It invested via the Bermuda islands. The gas project it manages is believed to earn the regime up to 450 million dollars a year. The regime spends around half its budget on the military. Total Oil is currently considering new investment in Burma, despite facing widespread condemnation for its close relationship with Burma’s military dictatorship.

The British government does not even know the full scale of the UK’s role in financing Burma’s military dictatorship, but despite repeated calls for action by MPs and opposition parties has taken no steps to stop UK companies investing in Burma, or to stop foreign companies investing there via the UK.

Burma’s democracy movement has called for targeted economic sanctions against the regime in Burma. Revenue from foreign investment and trade has helped keep the regime in power, while spending on health and education has fallen. The UK is also the largest European importer from Burma.

“The UK will have blood on its hands as long as it is linked with investment in Burma,” said Yvette Mahon. “Putting money in the generals’ pockets is the same as putting guns in their hands.”

Mr Blair ...up to you...

Forgive me for being blunt but unless the Chinese abandon or distance

themselves from their surrogates in Rangoon criticising English or French interests is

pissing in the wind.

[Johpa]

The previous regime here in LOS was a minor sponsor of this

regime.

Current regime has not made any great waves (I've read that

they want to continue the existing relationship).

The major sponsor is of course a "country" I think you are

familiar with.

Do you really think that a trickle of farang tourists is as

important to these oligarchs as the financial support of

the empire to the north ?

It has been more than just the previous regime that worked hand in hand with the wackos in Burma. There has been an unending line of Thai generals who have for the past several decades backed the military in Rangoon in return for commercial favors, Chawalit being one name that leaps to mind. Some of us remember when the Thai military allowed the Burmese military to deploy on Thai soil in order to brutally attack refugee camps along the border.

But yes, there is an interesting Chinese business relationship between Beijing and Singapore that bankrolls the regime in Burma/Myamar. Burma may very well become the next Tibet if the investments are threatened.

Meanwhile, activists in the US are launching a new public awareness campaign, "3000

Villages Campaign" which is meant to confront the United Nations over its lack of action on (or even, until this week, acknowledgement of) the destruction of over 3000 villages in Eastern Burma during the past ten years.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/home.html

[ColPyat]

But yes, there is an interesting Chinese business relationship between Beijing and Singapore that bankrolls the regime in Burma/Myamar. Burma may very well become the next Tibet if the investments are threatened.

I doubt that very much.

China has already enough problems to keep their territory together as it is. Tibet was since centuries part of the Chinese empire, while Burma never was.

Only in Burma's border states such as the Wa state und parts of Shan State there is Chinese immigration, which is only natural as those areas are very close to China, and very difficult to reach from Rangoon. In Wa state the dominant ethnic group is also a Chinese minority, and the government language is a Chinese dialect. Without Chinese aid and investment very little would happen there.

The Chinese government is hardly lunatic enough to occupy a catastrophicaly failed state such as Burma.

Nobody is threatening Chinese investments in Burma, how could they?

Personally, it is highly illusionary to imagine that a boycott of tourism in Burma would ever work, or would even be of any use. It would only play into the hands of the most lunatic fringe of the Burmese military that prefers complete islolation. The international community, apart from a few politicians who try to gather votes, has learned a long time ago that the Burmese situation is far more complex than appears.

Unfortunately presently their is no alternative to the military in sight. The Burmese resistence is hopelessly scattered and riddled with infighting, and not able to replace the military. There are so many conflicting interests that the demise of the military would most likely lead to a renewed civil war there and would need a massive international military presence to keep Burma from completely collapsing.

If one does not want developments similar to Irak then it would be prudent to accept that at the present moment very little can be done in Burma than painstakingly, over many decades, the international community has to find ways to slowly pressure the junta for improvements.

It's is hardly an ideal, or even a satisfying, situation. But it is reality.

[LaoPo]

Impressive insight comment, ColPyat.

LaoPo

[Sing_Sling]

Johpa:

But yes, there is an interesting Chinese business relationship between Beijing and Singapore that bankrolls the regime in Burma/Myamar. Burma may very well become the next Tibet if the investments are threatened.

Could you expand on that? China and Singapore conspiring to bankroll Myanmar?

[ColPyat]

Impressive insight comment, ColPyat.

LaoPo

Thanks, but i am hardly a Burma expert. I just had the fortune to be able to get a few interesting insights over the years in places not so many had the opportunity to go, and there was able to converse with people who really know about the place.

It is very weird being in Burma and knowing the dark reality behind it. When you are there, you straight away recognise that it is extremely poor. But that is offset by laughing and extremely friendly people. You would not know the tremendous suffering so many people there go through, the utterly appaling human rights record, and the fear people there have learned to live with.

It is picturesque, stunningly beautyful there.

It is impossible not to feel for the place. And if you see the wars and refugee camps, you feel even more for it.

It is not possible to not have conflicting emotions on it.

From the warzones at the borders, and reading human rights reports in the different medias, it is easy to be pissed off with the military and ask for boycott, but when you see people in Burma making a meager living from the land, i at least question seriously any sort of policy that takes even more away from those people than has been already. Because, the first ones who will suffer primarily from the boycott will be the countless villagers who have only been victims of politics they don't understand. It will not be the voices of the exile Burmese, or the politicians.

For these people the recent opening and the increased peace agreements over the last 15 years or so have achieved some sort of progress. Given, not much. But if you see areas that were until recently warzones with regular dry season offensives and the resulting refugee exodus, which are now farms without any fighting, it is one step up.

Burma is not just a policy or an issue.

[farangsay]

Bangkok Post , 11 November

Thais play Big Brother

Gas money has turned Thailand into the largest investor in Burma

MOE KYAW

Thai energy companies have been among the largest investors in resource-rich Burma, helping to push the country's foreign direct investment (FDI) to a record high level. According to data released by the Pyinmana government last month, FDI into the country rose to $6.07 billion in the 2005-06 fiscal year that ended on March 31. The figure was up from just $158 million the previous year, driven almost entirely by $6.03 billion worth of Thai investments in the power sector.

The state-owned firms Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), PTT Plc and its subsidiary, PTT Exploration and Production Plc, have all put money into Burma in an effort to tap its natural resources.

Egat has invested more than $150 million in the mega-dam project on the Salween River. The rising price of crude oil and the search for natural gas have prompted both PTT and PTTEP to invest heavily in Burma's oil and gas sector.

Oil and gas play a significant role in Thai-Burma trade. PTT, majority controlled by the Thai government, has been buying all the gas from the Yadana and Yetagun offshore oil concessions in the Gulf of Martaban.

In the 2005 calendar year, PTT imported 62.75 billion baht worth of natural gas from Yadana and Yetagun. This was a sharp increase from the 16.79 billion baht worth of gas the company imported in 2004.

Apart from oil and gas products, Burma also exports teak and hardwood, raw furniture and marine products.

Trade volume between Thailand and Burma jumped to $2.22 billion in 2005 from $1.96 billion in 2004, according to Thai Customs statistics. But, according to official figures released by the Burmese government, the total trade volume is only $778 million. The border trade statistics released by the two countries have always been substantially different.

Last year, the amount exported to Burma released by the Thai Customs Department was nine times higher than the Burmese official data showed.

The difference in trade volume could also be due to the use of unconventional routes among traders, as many border checkpoints exist on the long porous border between the two countries.

The two countries share three official border trade zones: Mae Sot-Myawaddy, Ranong-Kawthaung and Mae Sai-Tachilek.

[LaoPo]

A raindrop in the ocean...

UN official sees Burma's Suu Kyi

A leading UN official, Ibrahim Gambari, has met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as he continues his mission to press for democratic reform in Burma

""" By allowing Mr Gambari to visit Aung San Suu Kyi for a second time, the generals may be preparing to offer some sort of olive branch, says the BBC's Kate McGeown in Bangkok.

But it is clear that nothing less than a solid commitment on reform will be enough to satisfy the international community."""

source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6139076.stm

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Another Black Day

Burma 'closes' Red Cross offices

"The Red Cross says Burma's government has ordered it to close five field offices in the country, effectively ending its humanitarian work there."

source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6188020.stm

LaoPo

[Rinrada]

So now that the International RED Cross have pulled out maybe its about time this lot with the BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS making BIG profits from the tatty little Regime had a think about what they are into..

Loads of sweaty little travel companies (making pathethic excuses )but it looks as though the PRIDE of UK and US Conglomerates plus the usual Indian, Thai ,Jap and SCOTTISH ..(.goes with Bast**ds) are the real PARASITES in maintaining this nasty bunch of facists..

.oops Too strong a word ...MAYBE....

so lots of luvly money£$..... to be made ...YEAH...........

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is an American holiday company -US

Alcatel is a French multinational specialising in communication technology. FRENCH

Andrew Brock Travel is a tour operator that organises tours to Burma. UK

Aquatic is a privately owned Scottish company that provides specialist services to the oil and

Asean Explorer is a travel company that organises tours to Burma.

Asia Optical is a Taiwanese company and is one of the biggest lens producers in the world.

Atwood Oceanics is an American Offshore drilling contractor.

Audley Travel is a travel company that organises tours to Burma. It also promotes holidays to Burma in national newspapers, including the Sunday Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian and The Observer.

Craig Burkinshaw.......Craig ...Long time no see ...remember Vietnam/Cambodia.....

Managing Director

Audley Travel Ltd

Bales Worldwide is a UK travel company that organises tours to Burma.

Ben Line Agencies is a Scottish shipping line with offices in Burma. SCOTTISH

BJ Services is an American oil services company.

Chevron -Since its 2005 takeover of Unocal, US oil giant Chevron has been one of the joint venture partners developing the Yadana offshore gas field in Burma, which is earns the military regime millions of dollars. Chevron also owns Texaco.

CNOOC is China’s offshore and overseas oil company.

CNPC is China’s largest oil and gas company. It has been involved in Burma’s oil and gas industry for more than a decade, increasing its investment in 2001 through its subsidiary – Chinnery Assets.

Sinopec is China’s second largest oil company, and is listed in Hong Kong and New York.

Dian-Quin-Gui Petroleum Exploration Bureau –China

Crown Relocations is a Hong Kong based company with offices in the UK.

Daewoo is a South Korean conglomerate with interests ranging from oil and gas, to grain, televisions and cars.

Diethelm Keller Group is a private Swiss company with a wide range of investments, including Diethelm Travel, which operates holiday tours to Burma. SWISS

DLH is a Danish timber company that sells timber all over the world.

Dragon Travel is a travel company based in Wales that organises tours to Burma.

E.O. Burton is a timber importer based in Essex. UK

Essar Group is an Indian conglomerate. In 2005 its Essar Oil subsidiary INDIAN

Flatau Dick & Co is a timber merchant based in Surrey and Liverpool. Burmese teak.

Focus Energy is a small British oil company –

Fodor’s is an American publishing company that specialises in travel guides.

Frontier Drilling is a Norwegian company that operates ships5892 Berge-NORWAY

GAIL is an Indian gas company. It is a partner is the massive Shwe gas field -INDIAN

Gecko’s describes itself as a travel company for ‘grassroots adventures’. in Australia and the UK.

Hapag Lloyd is a German container shipping line and holiday cruise- GERMANY

Helicopters New Zealand (NZ) are a New Zealand helicopter hire company

Hunter Publishing is an American publishing company that produces a guide to Burma

Hutchison Whampoa/3 Mobile/Superdrug is a Hong Kong based company with a wide range of investments around the world. In Burma it operates Myanmar

Impact publications is an American publishing company that publishes a guide to Burma. Insight

Insight Guides is an independent publishing company that produce holiday

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company with very close links to the regime in Burma.

James Latham is a timber importer based in Hemel Hempstead, UK

Jet Gold Corp is a Canadian mining company. -Canadian To top

Kajima is a Japanese construction company with contracts all London NW1 6JZ

Kerry Logistics is a goods transport logistics company branches in 12 countries, including the UK.

Kuok Nock Nien-Singapore 237994

Kircodan is a Danish furniture manufacturer that sources timber from Burma.

KOGAS – The Korea Gas Corporation – is a South Korean gas company.

Leeward Capital Corp are a Canadian mining company. They are in a joint venture

Let’s Go is an American publisher of travel guides. US

Lister is a garden furniture manufacturer based in Sussex. UK

Sun Wood Industries-Ayuthaya 13160

Lonely Planet is an Australian multinational publishing company specialising Burma.

A.P.Møller Maersk is a Danish multinational company that specialises in shipping,

Marubeni is a Japanese company with interests ranging from oil and gas to

Mekong Travel is a travel company based in Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire UK

Mel Flooring Waltham Abbey.is a flooring company that sells Burmese Teak.

Mitsui is a Japanese conglomerate with interests ranging from metals and mining to

Morgan Timber is a timber importer based in Kent-UK

Moss Timber is a timber importer based in London

Mountain Travel Sobek is an adventure travel company with offices in the US and UK.

New Horizons Travels and Tours is a London based organises holidays to Burma.

NHG Timber is a timber importer based in London. UK

Nikko Hotels International/Japan Airlines owns hotels all over the world. Nikko Hotels

Nippon Oil-Japanese oil firm Nippon Oil are one of the joint venture

Noble Caledonia is a British holiday cruise company offering cruises all over the world.

NYK Shipping-NYK is the world’s largest shipping company. Japan

ONGC Videsh – is one of the largest companies in India.

Orient Express has its registered office in Bermuda, is managed from London, ..also own the GNER railway in the UK -Orient-Express Hotels Ltd

Parker Kislingbury is a timber importer based in Buckinghamshire. UK

Peregrine Adventures is an Australian travel company with an office in London.Australia

Petronas is a Malaysian state owned oil and gas company.

Pettitts is a travel company based in Kent. They offer a 9 day tour of Burma. UK

PTTEP – The PTT Exploration and Production Company, Thai company largely state owned.

Road to Mandalay is a travel and export company based in Burma and the UK.

Robbins Timber is a timber company based in Bristol.

Rolls-Royce is a British company that makes and services engines for civil and military aircraft, and the marine and energy sectors. (Rolls-Royce cars are made by a separate company which have a license from Rolls-Royce to use the brand for cars.)

Scansia Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian company.

Schenker is a German logistics company with an office in Rangoon,

Schlumberger is a technology company which operates all over the world.

Shangri La Hotels is a Singaporean hotel company. It operates the Traders hotel in Rangoon.

Siemens are a German engineering and technology company operating all over the world.

Sompo Japan is a Japanese insurance company that provides insurance and reinsurance services

Sri Asia Tourism service is a Burmese travel company through offices in the UK and Australia.

Steppes East is a UK travel company offering holidays to Burma.

Sumitomo Corporation is a Japanese conglomerate with extensive financial interests in the UK.

Suzuki’s main business is the manufacture of cars and motorbikes. In 1998 Suzuki invested $6.9

Swift is a financial services co-operative company owned and controlled by many of the world’s largest banks, including Citibank, HSBC and ABN Amro. Swift hosts an electronic network that banks use to make transfers to each other.

Following the imposition of financial sanctions by the United States government in August 2003 the regime faced a crisis, unable to use dollars in financial transactions. Swift came to their aid, making four Burmese banks part of its network.

Taiga Consultant Ltd is a Canadian geological consulting firm. -Canada

Tennyson Travel is a UK travel company that trades under the name Visit Vietnam.

Timbmet is a UK timber company based in Oxford which sources teak from Burma.

Total is in a joint venture with the military regime developing an offshore gas field in the Andaman sea.

The gas is exported to Thailand through a pipeline that travels 65 kilometres through Burma. Total is one of the biggest foreign investors in Burma.

Total has been taken to court by six Burmese people who were used as forced labour in the preparation of Total’s pipeline in Burma.-FRENCH

Totton Timber is a timber importer with branches across southern England.

Trailblazer Guides publishes a guide to South East Asia that includes a section on Burma.UK

Trans Indus is a British holiday company that operates tours to Burma. UK

Travel World Media owns Elephantguide-UK.com.

Worldwide Journeys is part of The Ultimate Travel Company. UK

Utopia Tours is a travel company based in Thailand which specialises in holidays for gays and lesbians. It advertises tours to Burma in Gay and Lesbian media in the UK.

Voyages to Asia-UK is a travel company organising tours to Burma.

William Garvey is a furniture design and manufacturing company. It uses Burmese teak. UK

Willis Group Holdings is a global insurance broker. US.

Worldwood is a Dutch timber company which also operate in the- UK.

[LaoPo]

That's a very impressive and shocking list Rinrada !

I suppose those companies have more interest in their 'pockets' than human rights.

Sad enough.

LaoPo

[Rinrada]

Looking through the "DIRTY LIST" and leaving out the grotty little travel companys,the wood importers ...(garden furniture bloodsuckers)and the other minions........

it turns out that if this lot all household names..... and not a lot) did the honourable thing and pulled out of the country then Burma could/would change OVERNIGHT.

I would probably accept that there are other dark forces that we would never find out about ...

ie International BANKS but how can so few entomb so MANY?

These are the True Jailors of the Burmese people ....sad

Alcatel is a French multinational specialising in communication technology. FRENCH

Aquatic is a privately owned Scottish company services to the oil and -SCOTTISH

Atwood Oceanics is an American Offshore drilling contractor. US

Ben Line Agencies is a shipping line with offices in Burma. SCOTTISH

BJ Services is an American oil services company. US

Chevron -Since its 2005 takeover of Unocal, US oil giant Chevron .US

CNOOC is China’s offshore and overseas oil company. CHINA

CNPC is China’s largest oil and gas company. It has been involved in Burma’s oil -CHINA.

Sinopec is China’s second largest oil company, CHINA.

Dian-Quin-Gui Petroleum Exploration Bureau –CHINA

Daewoo is a South Korean conglomerate with interests -SOUTH KOREA

Essar Group is an Indian conglomerate. In 2005 its Essar Oil subsidiary INDIAN

Focus Energy is a small British oil company – UK

Frontier Drilling is a Norwegian company that operates ships5892 Berge-NORWAY

GAIL is an Indian gas company. It is a partner is the massive Shwe gas field -INDIAN

Helicopters New Zealand (NZ) are a New Zealand helicopter -NEW ZEALAND

Hutchison Whampoa/3 Mobile/Superdrug is a Hong Kong based company -HONG KONG

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company _CANADA.

Jet Gold Corp is a Canadian mining company. - CANADA

KOGAS – The Korea Gas Corporation – is a SOUTH KOREA .

Leeward Capital Corp are a Canadian mining company. CANADA

A.P.Møller Maersk is a Danish multinational company -DANISH

Marubeni is a Japanese company with JAPAN

Mitsui is a Japanese conglomerate with interests -JAPAN

Nippon Oil-Japanese oil firm Nippon Oil are one of the joint venture -JAPAN

NYK Shipping-NYK is the world’s largest shipping company. Japan

ONGC Videsh – is one of the largest companies in INDIA

Petronas is a Malaysian state owned oil and gas company. MALAYSIAN

PTTEP – The PTT Exploration.. Thai company largely state owned.

Rolls-Royce is a British company that makes engines for civil and military aircraft, UK

Scansia Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian company. -MALAYSIA

Schlumberger is a technology company which operates all over the world. GERMAN

Siemens are a German engineering and technology company -GERMANY

Sompo Japan is a Japanese insurance company that provides insurance -JAPAN

Suzuki’s main business is the manufacture . In 1998 Suzuki invested $6.9 -JAPAN

Swift is a financial services co-operative company owned and controlled by many of the world’s largest banks, including Citibank, HSBC and ABN Amro.

Swift hosts an electronic network that banks use to make transfers to each other.

Taiga Consultant Ltd is a Canadian geological consulting firm. -CANADA

Total ..joint venture with the military regime developing an offshore gas field -FRENCH

[qualtrough]

Change overnight? I imagine that is what the supporters of the Cuban embargo thought, what, 40 years ago, and Cuba doesn't have 5% of the natural resources that Burma does. Can you provide any evidence of a boycott of this sort working? The only example I can think of might be S. Africa, but I don't think in the end it was the decisive factor.

As always, the only people to suffer will be the little people. The generals and their helpers will suffer nary a bit. If you think that tourism is a major source of their income you are sadly mistaken. I think your hearts are in the right place, but I think your tactics will not be effective and will possibly cause even more suffering.

Remember too that every man-jack of the crew running the show are Burmese. It is not like the country is occupied by foreign invaders, and all that is necessary is to throw off their yoke. Look what all the good intentions ended up producing in Iraq... It's a 100% Burmese problem, and in the end only the Burmese are going to sort it out.

[mark lamai]

my 2 cents worth.

Tourist boycott will achieve absolutely nothing.

- small money really.

Problem 1:

Burma is not really on the world's radar. Its a small "problem"

personally I believe that more tourists who return home telling their friends about

this wonderful country and people will help raise the profile of the "problem"

Why did Mandela succeed?

because the world became interested. it became an issue.

foreign Investment boycott would kill the regime in a year,

IF ALL countries did it,

but since they wont,

the generals will survive for a long time,

courtesy of China,

look at north Korea - a basket case surviving only because of China.

the chinese want to economically control Burma ,

for resources and cheap labour in the future and a fairly big market for their goods.

thats why they pay for the rebuilding of roads into Burma up around Bhamo.

Take away all other countries, but if China stays there the regime will survive forever.

Its all about MONEY - (stating the obvious.)

lets pretend US, China, UK etc cared.

They could tell the generals to quit in 6 months or else (genuine economic pain for the generals)

easy really!

The Burmese people are afraid to defy the government because they will get shot dead.

So another popular uprising is very unlikely.

What can I do?

this question has been in my mind for over 10 years since my first visit.

The answer is , not much.

Kinda depressing to be so powerless.

[Rinrada]

my 2 cents worth.

Tourist boycott will achieve absolutely nothing.

- small money really.

Problem 1:

Burma is not really on the world's radar. Its a small "problem"

personally I believe that more tourists who return home telling their friends about

this wonderful country and people will help raise the profile of the "problem"

Why did Mandela succeed?

because the world became interested. it became an issue.

foreign Investment boycott would kill the regime in a year,

IF ALL countries did it,

but since they wont,

the generals will survive for a long time,

courtesy of China,

look at north Korea - a basket case surviving only because of China.

the chinese want to economically control Burma ,

for resources and cheap labour in the future and a fairly big market for their goods.

thats why they pay for the rebuilding of roads into Burma up around Bhamo.

Take away all other countries, but if China stays there the regime will survive forever.

Its all about MONEY - (stating the obvious.)

lets pretend US, China, UK etc cared.

They could tell the generals to quit in 6 months or else (genuine economic pain for the generals)

easy really!

The Burmese people are afraid to defy the government because they will get shot dead.

So another popular uprising is very unlikely.

What can I do?

this question has been in my mind for over 10 years since my first visit.

The answer is , not much.

Kinda depressing to be so powerless....

Dont be Depressed ...at least you are giving it a lot of thought.

Latest from the UN Security Council...

YES I know we have heard it ALL before ...but>>>>>

Security Council Burma Briefing – Time for Action-27 Nov 2006

Following new discussions on Burma at the UN Security Council today, the Burma Campaign UK called on the Council to pass a binding resolution requiring change in Burma.

The call follows the failure of UN Under-Secretary General Ibrahim Gambari to secure any concessions from Burma’s military regime on a recent visit to the country.

Gambari briefed the Council on his visit during today’s closed session.

“The regime in Burma has ignored all attempts at polite cajoling,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK.

“For more than a decade, one UN envoy after another has been snubbed, and the regime has been allowed to get away with it.

The Security Council must act.

The USA and UK have said they want a resolution on Burma, now is the time to press for it.”

The regime in Burma has consistently defied the United Nations, ignoring over a dozen calls for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release by the Secretary General, and 29 resolutions by the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Commission.

The regime has also defied repeated calls by the International Labour Organisation to end forced labour.

Demands for UN Security Council intervention increased following the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2003.

The campaign was given fresh momentum following publication in September 2005 of a report – A Threat to the Peace - commissioned by former archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel from global law firm DLA Piper.

The report found that Burma does fit the criteria for UNSC intervention, and called on the UNSC to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma, and the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Security Council held its first discussion on Burma in December 2005.

The first formal discussion on Burma was held on 29th September 2006, after the USA asked for Burma to be placed on the formal agenda, and 10 of the 15 members voted in favour.

...only a matter of TIME.........

[BAKABAS]

It was 10 years ago when i first discovered Burma existed. Shortly afterwards Aung San Suu Kyi was detained for her moral rights protests. It was then , i scratched Burma off my list of destinations to visit. Why should i go to a country and spend my hard earned tourist dollars on a regime that is corrupt to the core.

The best thing that could happen to the country of Burma is to get some young blood en-mass into the political arena. It is there where all things happen, good, or as we have witnessed, bad.

Until Burma is ready to catch up with the rest of the world, it's citizens and honest political figures will suffer. I will say a prayer for you Burma.

Well thats my 2 bobs worth.

[ColPyat]

The report found that Burma does fit the criteria for UNSC intervention, and called on the UNSC to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma, and the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

And yes, what happens when Burma ignores any Security Council resolution?

Is the world then prepared to take military action?

Is one Irak at a time not enough to handle?

It would be nice to consider the possible consequences before going with the head through the wall.

[Octaviousbp]

Lots of good information on this thread.

This is a link with a recent update that is related to the debate on the morality of tourism in Burma.

http://www.voicesforburma.org/

I would recommend checking out the quote of the week, and the section on "tourism". Quite insightful IMO.

[LaoPo]

Burmese junta releases dissidents

" Five prominent Burmese activists detained since last September have been freed by the country's military junta. "

" They are among the most prominent dissidents in the country, after Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel prize-winning opposition leader, who is still under house arrest.

" The United Nations estimates that there are about 1,100 political prisoners in Burma. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6250837.stm

LaoPo

[Rinrada]

So NEAR but YET..............................................SODS

Friday 12th January 2007

The Burma Campaign UK today condemned China and Russia for vetoing a Security Council resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma.

“It is deeply disappointing that China and Russia have used their veto,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “This is a blow, but not a knockout. The majority of the Security Council voted for this resolution. Russia and China lost the argument, and were forced into the desperate measure of using the veto. This vote was not just about Burma, but about China and Russia wanting to give the USA a slap in the face.”

Russia and China are both significant arms suppliers to the Burmese regime, as well as seeking investment opportunities in Burma’s large-scale gas reserves.

The majority of the Council,

the United States,

United Kingdom,

France,

Belgium,

Italy,

Slovakia,

Peru,

Panama

and

Ghana

ALL supported the resolution, .......WELL DONE

China and Russia exercised their veto powers to reject it. .....Bast..ds

South Africa opposed the resolution, ...WOT are they Thinking of...??????

while Qatar, Indonesia, and Congo ...........SAT on the bleeding Fence....

“The biggest shock is that South Africa, of all countries, would vote for dictatorship, said Yvette Mahon. “Given their history they should know better.

Every South African should be ashamed of what their government has done.”

The Burma Campaign UK praised those governments that backed the resolution. “The USA and UK worked very hard to secure a resolution, and deserve a lot of credit for sticking with this in the face on intense opposition. This is foreign policy making based on principle and international law, and it deserves praise and recognition.” said Yvette Mahon.

The regime in Burma has consistently defied the United Nations, ignoring over a dozen calls for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release by the Secretary General, and 29 resolutions by the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Commission. The regime has also defied repeated calls by the International Labour Organisation to end forced labour. Demands for UN Security Council intervention increased following the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2003. The campaign was given fresh momentum following publication in September 2005 of a report – A Threat to the Peace - commissioned by former archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel from global law firm DLA Piper. The report found that Burma does fit the criteria for UNSC intervention, and called on the UNSC to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma, and the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Security Council held its first discussion on Burma in December 2005.

[Jet Gorgon]

Lao Po, thanks for starting this post, and Rinrada, thanks for the superb research.

I see Burmese people struggling to survive, fearful for their families back home, just trying to eke out a living, getting shot or macheted to death when they ask their boss for pay. What happens to these people at home and abroad is a travesty of morality, justice and basic human rights that we westerners take for granted. I ain't no liberal, but these people work hard and usually get beat in return for their effort. It makes me sick. I remember watching this wedding clip and wondering if the rest of the world understands the true severity of this whole problem. You only have to do a Burma visa run to see how decrepid the situation is. Most of the stalls are closed near the pier and you have to use a tout to buy anything. Shopkeepers won't sell you anything directly -- they are terrified. You see it in their eyes if they dare to look at you. Do the visa run and then remember the haute glamour of this wedding.

[Jet Gorgon]

Here is a wonder of Burma. Please look at it sideways...

burma_wonder.ppt

[Jet Gorgon]

Here is the vertical. Apparently this scene (horizontal) is only visible at certain times of the year. Makes you wonder why we all chase riches.

burma_wonder2.ppt

[Jet Gorgon]

Oh, Dear, I am afraid I made an error in the power point extraction process. My apologies for wasting anyone's time. Will see if I can repair...