The Irrawaddy
www.irrawaddy.org
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Today's Newsletter
Human Rights Commission Met with Skepticism
By KO HTWE
Burmese human rights groups express doubts about the newly formed Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, citing past statements by its chairman defending the country's rights record.
Burma's State Media Reports Shoot-out Between Kachin
Leaders
By BA KAUNG
Kachin Independence Army leaders dismiss as propaganda reports in Burmese state media that a deadly gun battle occurred at a recent meeting of rebel leaders. Deep-sea Port, Pipelines Have 'Devastating Impact':
Shwe Gas
By SAW YAN NAING
A report by the Shwe Gas Movement says that the construction in Burma of a deep-sea port and pipelines are having a devastating impact on people and the environment.
Exiled Journalist Detained after Returning to Rangoon
By WAI MOE
A veteran Burmese journalist who took President Thein Sein up on his offer to exiles to return home is reportedly detained and interrogated upon arrival in Rangoon.
US Cables Predicted Border Guard Force Would Backfire
By SIMON ROUGHNEEN
In leaked diplomatic cables, US officials predicted that the Burmese government’s border guard force plan would likely lead to renewed fighting with ethnic armed groups.
Misery in Mizoram
By JON ULRICH
Burmese army atrocities and rat infestations forced thousands of Chins to head to Mizoram where many are finding conditions similarly cruel.
Regional
Indonesia's Sri Mulyani Cool on Presidential Run?
By ASIA SENTINAL
Indonesia’s former finance minister returns to Jakarta from her job with the World Bank and appears to throw cold water on calls to run as a reform candidate in 2014 presidential elections.
Thai Citizen Accused of Insulting King on Facebook
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Police have arrested a Thai computer programmer on charges of insulting the nation's revered king on a Facebook page, his lawyer said Monday.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430O-223 64