Human Rights Are Burma’s Internal Affairs, Thai FM Says

The Associated Press : Thailand’s newly elected government says it will maintain a policy of noninterference in military-ruled Burma, and that democracy and human rights are domestic issues.

Why the people of Burma are risking jail to catch a glimpse of Rambo

The Independent – Andrew Buncombe : Rambo star Sly Stallone may not be to everyone’s taste. But on the streets of Rangoon, people are willing to risk jail just to catch a glimpse of the ageing action hero as he takes on the junta.

S’pore resident targeted in US Myanmar sanctions

Agence France Presse : A Singapore resident is among those targeted under new US sanctions aimed at an alleged ‘henchman’ and arms dealer for the Myanmar junta.U Kyaw Thein, 60, was named on Tuesday as the United States imposed sanctions against individuals and businesses linked to Tay Za, citing continuing human rights violations and political repression by the Myanmar regime.

No change in Myanmar policy for new Thai government

Reuters : Thailand’s new government will not change the country’s policy on Myanmar of non-interference and working with Southeast Asia to push the junta towards democracy, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said on Thursday.

USDA enjoys favors from junta

Irrawaddy – Violet Cho : Members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association’s (USDA) may apply for cellular phone licenses as government officials, according to sources.The Myanmar Posts and Telecommunication (MPT) plans to issue 70,000 GMS telephone licenses in Burma.

Karen state civilians appeals to international community to save them from Burmese army before being decimated

Asian Tribune : Karen civilians facing continuing attacks from the Burma Army are urgently appealing to the world for assistance, telling the Free Burma Rangers (FBR) that “If the Burma Army is not stopped, or we do not get help, when you come to Karen State in the future, there will no longer be Karen people. Please tell the rest of the world to help us.”

New rumors of ill health in Burma’s top family

Irrawaddy – Min Lwin : Reports that relatives of Snr-Gen Than Shwe and his wife have been taken to the regime’s remote capital of Naypyidaw have fueled rumors of serious health problems within the family of Burma’s top general.

Activists call for release of jailed rebels in India

DVB – Thet Naing : Burmese democracy activists living in exile in India staged a demonstration in Kolkata on Monday to call for the release of 34 Burmese rebels who have been detained since 1998.

Irrawaddy’s New Website Design “Gives More Information, Easier Navigation”

redorbit.com : Text of report in English by Thailand-based Burmese publication Irrawaddy website on 5 February.You’ve probably noticed The Irrawaddy’s new Web site design. It’s now easier than ever to locate the latest news, information and opinion, in addition to an expanded multi-media section with more photographs and video stories.

Sanctions imposed on Myanmar group

Associated Press : The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced it was imposing financial sanctions against family members of the military-run government of Myanmar and individuals it identified as key members of the financial empire of Tay Za, an influential businessman in the country.