W W W .M M T IM E S .C O M IS S U E 7 0 0 I O C TO BE R 21 - 27, 2 013

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'.•'•ะ''-̂ ' :•• •0อฬ reckon they know - and it’s not the KNUBY MYANMAR TIMES EDITOR THOMAS KEANtdkean0gm aiL.com

THE bom bings th a t re tu rned w ith a venge­ance last w eek are hardly new phenom ena in Myanmar. For years, sm all crude devices w ere a regular th rea t in m ajor cities, oc­casionally claim ing lives and m ore often baffling observers, for the perpetrato rs were rarely caught.

But if those attacks were mysterious, last week’s could only be described as mystifying, taking almost everybody by surprise. Where there was an air of normalcy around previous bombings, the events of last week - the seem­ingly indiscriminate nature, the wide distribu­tion of the explosives, the focus on restaurants and hotels - generated understandable fear and confusion. The panic was real and of a level not seen for a num ber of years.

“Obviously this is no t the first time there lave been unexplained bombings, bu t th has never before been a coordinated cam­paign of this geographic b readth over such a relatively extended period of time,” said A nthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst w ith IHS Jane’s.

Relations w ith m ost arm ed ethnic groups and the democratic opposition have no t been bette r since the advent of m ilitary rule in 1962. Who would w ant to so publicly and dram atically express dissatisfaction with M yanm ar’s much-lauded democratisation process? And, ju s t as importantly, who would have both the m otivation and capacity to pull off such a coordinated series of attacks?

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More Reportsp 3,4, 5, 20, 22-23

SPECIAL REPORT 6

In Thandwe, Muslims still living in fearAfraid to leave their homes, their businesses shuttered or shunned, Thandwe’s Muslims face an uncertain future in the aftermath of recent riots.

FEATURE 18

Bagan’s horse carts face a two-wheeled threatThe recent arrival of electronic bikes has Bagan’s horse cart drivers wondering if their days as tourists’ top transportation choice” are numbered.

BUSINESS 24

Protests over proposed us$15m Hpa-an hotelPlans to build a new hotel in the Kayin State capital Hpa-an on the site of a park with links to Bogyoke Aung San are at risk over public opposition.

PROPERTY 28

Signing a lease: What you need to knowFrom high rent to bad landlords, it’s essential you cover your bases when it comes time to sign a new lease on an apartment or house.

THE PULSE liltMe N Ma Girls set to take on the worldBursting onto the international music scene, Myanmar’s own Me N Ma Girls have released their first single, “Girl Strong”, on iTunes and Amazon.

PHOTO: AFP

A ttack s a im to d e te r in v esto rsTourism and foreign investment are the targets as bombers create panic ahead of Thadingyut

2 THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013Page 2T H E IN S ID E R : The local lowdown & best of the web

A IN T NOTHIN’ BUT MAMMALSA fte r w ha t m ust have been a b u m p e ry e a r fo r ta x id e rm is ts in w es te rn Germany, an exh ib ition on sex in the a n im a l k ingdom has d raw n to a close. The LWL M useum o f N a tu ra l H is to ry in M unste r's la tes t exh ib ition explored the role o f sex in the a n im a l kingdom , w ith som e 450 item s going on display.

The exh ib ition shed lig h t on the log is tics of a n im a l sex, a llow ing v is ito rs to bear w itness to scenes of m yriad tax ide rm ied beasts, inc lud ing foxes, dee r and hedgehogs, in flagrante delicto.

The exhibition also drew attention to incidences of hom osexuality in the an im a l kingdom, and went into some de ta il about the g lee fu l abandon w ith

which dolphins approach aquatic recreational lovemaking.

The m useum said the exhibit's main function was to examine evolutionary reproductive para lle ls between humans and anim als, and included an a rtis t's in terpre tation of a N eandertha l couple.

SINGULARITY WATCH: GOOGLE PATENTS PHYSICAL GESTURESTech s ite Engadget last w eek unearthed som e in te resting find ings in Google patent app lica tions, w ith the web g iant having cla im ed seve ra l physica l gestures - p resum ab ly fo r the deve lopm ent o f its Google Glass so ftw are .P und its have specu la ted th a t the

online ed ito r Kayleigh Long I kayleighelongragmail.com

in ten tion is to rem ove the m anua l aspect to ca tegoris ing con ten t th a t cu rre n tly ex ists w ith the product. The com m ands patented include fo rm ing a heart shape w ith one's hands, w h ich could ind ica te th a t con ten t has been " lik e d " and w ould then see it shared on soc ia l m edia p la tfo rm s such as Facebook. S im ila rly , tak ing a photo w ith Head- m ounted Devices (HMDs) could one day be as s im p le as fram in g and cap tu ring an im age by o u tlin ing the co rne rs of a scene using the thum bs and index finge rs . However, the patent w as filed in 2011 and the re is s t i l l no ind ica tion of when o r if these fu tu r is t ic fun c tion s w il l ever be in tegra ted.

S E -M E -W E -3 ’S UNLUCKY STREAK CONTINUESThe beleagured in te rn e t cable serv ic ing Myanmar, SE-M E- WE-3, has su ffe red a no the r blow, w ith Myanma Posts and T e lecom m unica tions announcing it w i l l undergo repa irs.

"A d is rup tion occurred w ith the fib e r-o p tic lin k ing w ith in te rn a tio n a l cable n e tw o rks ," The New Light of Myanmar explained

However, MPT has offered its reassurance th a t it shou ld soon be business as usual.

"The lin k w ith in te rn a tio n a l n e tw o rk can be no rm a lized as on- land c ro ss -b o rd e r fib e r-o p tic w il l be connected to the undenw ater cable."

POLICE-CRAFTA press conference w as held late last w eek by M yanm ar's police force, p resen ting th e ir find ings on the spate o f recent bom bings across the country.

The s ta tem en t from police deta iled p rogress o f the investiga tion, and w as accom panied by an exh ib ition of s o rts w h ich presented s t i l ls from CCTV, d iag ram s dep icting the connections between suspects, im ages of the b last s ites, as w e ll as physica l evidence inc lud ing the types of devices used in each attack.

The police get an A+ fo r p resenta tion , w ith the p ic tu re boards not ju s t d isp lay ing the above but a lso decorated w ith ribbon rose ttes and bows.

Nang รน Yadi Soe for NOW! magazine. Photo: Pyae Han (colormax)

www.mmtimes.com News 3

Deputy Minister for Information บ Ye Htut (centre) comments on recent attacks during a press conference at the Yangon Region Hluttaw on October 18. Photo: AFPAlleged bombers wanted to deter investors, touristsBombers had past links to the Karen National Union but armed ethnic group was not involved, says บ Ye HtutNYAN LYNN AUNG TOE WAI AUNGnew sroom O m yanm artim es.com .m m

THE alleged masterminds of last week’s bombings were seeking to deter foreign investors and tourists, particularly enterprises that would compete with economic interests in Kayin State, the chief of police says.

Government officials also ruled out the possibility of the Karen National Union being for­mally involved, despite a num­ber of those arrested having links to the organisation, and said the armed ethnic group is assisting the investigation.

Eight men have been arrested in connection with six bombings and four attempted attacks in Yan­gon, Mandalay, Taungoo, Sagaing and Pyu between October 9 and 15 that left two dead and four injured, Police Major General Zaw Win said at a press conference in Yangon on October 18.

He said that the men had con­fessed to organising and carrying out the bombings in order to deter for­eign investors from entering Myan­

mar and potentially competing with businesses in Kayin State. They also said they wanted to deter tourists, although the reason for this was not immediately clear.

“We understand that foreign in­vestors may be concerned [about the bombings] but we will ensure their security and plan to cooperate more with the International Criminal Po­lice Organization [INTERPOL],” Pol Maj Gen Zaw Win said.

He declined to comment on a series of three explosions that hit Namhkam in northern Shan State on October 16 and 17, saying the investi­gation is ongoing.

In the most high-profile attack, a 43-year-old American woman was injured when a bomb exploded in her hotel room on the ninth floor of Yangon’s Traders Hotel. She was transferred to Yangon General Hos­pital and has since left the country for further treatment.

The first arrest was made on Oc­tober 15, when Saw Myint Lwin was detained in Bilin township in Mon State. He has been accused of orches­trating the blasts at Traders Hotel and Western Park II restaurant.

“All cases are similar and all of the mines are homemade,” Pol Maj Gen Zaw Win said. “Saw Myint Lwin con­fessed that he detonated two bombs in Yangon on the order of Nay Toe.”

Saw Myint Lwin had been a mem­ber of the Karen National Union for five years and left in 2008, while Nay

‘W e do not believe the KNU is involved.’

บ Ye HtutDeputy M in is te r fo r In fo rm ation

Toe, who is also known as Saw Shwe Htoo, worked with a KNU “economic organisation”, he said.

Pol Maj Gen Zaw Win said police expect to make further arrests but refused to give any more details be­cause the investigation is ongoing.

Despite the links to the KNU, Deputy Minister for Information บ

Ye Htut emphatically rejected any suggestion the group, which has been in peace negotiations with the government since January 2012, was formally involved.

“We do not believe that the KNU is involved, even though one of the bombers is a former member,” he said. “We are cooperating with the KNU and we have agreed to meet a member of their executive commit­tee ... We firmly believe that despite these challenges we will continue to make progress on the peace process.”

On October 17, the KNU’s fifth bri­gade, which is considered the least supportive of the approach that the group’s leadership is adopting in re­gard to the peace process, issued a statement condemning the bombings.

“We categorically condemn all acts that attempt to disrupt the peace building efforts and reject all kinds of violence aimed at harming or threatening innocent civilians,” the brigade said in a statement, accord­ing to Karen News.

Pol Maj Gen Zaw Win said two men, Zaw Latt Maung and บ Mya Phu, had been arrested “thanks to the cooperation of the KNU”.

US urges caution, denounces ‘acts of terror’TIM MCLAUGHLINtimothy.mcLaughLin3ragmaiL.com

THE United States embassy in Yangon has urged its citizens to take extra cau­tion while travelling in Myanmar but said a series of bombings that left one American injured were not targeting US citizens.

In a statement released on October 15, the embassy said citizens should be particularly cautious in public areas, including parks, markets ajid bus stops.

“While there is no indication at this time that any of these [bombs] were specifically directed toward us citizens, the embassy asks that all us citizens exercise an appropriate level of caution when travelling around Rangoon and/or Burma,” the state­ment said.

The warning was issued a day after a 43-year-old American woman was injured when a bomb exploded in her hotel room on the ninth floor of Yan­gon’s Traders Hotel. The woman was transported to Yangon General Hos­pital for treatment. Her two children and husband, also in the room, were uninjured.

A US embassy spokesperson said that consular officers from the embas­sy had visited the woman but declined to provide further information, citing privacy concerns.

“The embassy is in close contact with the local police authorities, who have advised that they have no specific threat information related to any po­tential additional targets,” the state­ment added.

Police said one man was arrested on October 15 in Mon State in connec­tion with the blast.

The explosion at Traders Hotel was the latest in a string of bombings that began on October 9 when an impro­vised explosive device (IED) was found on a bus traveling from Nyaunglebin to Pyu in Bago Region.

On October 11, two people were killed in a bombing at a guest house in Taungoo, Bago Region. Two bombs ex­ploded in Yangon on October 13, while two more went off in the early hours of October 15 in Sagaing.

The US condemned the attacks on October 17, saying in a statement that “acts of terror” had “no place in civi­lised society”

The US said it believed that Myan­mar would respond “with strength, de­termination and a continued commit­ment to national peace, development, and reconciliation ’.

Bomb Fears Bomb Fears Bomb FearsAttacks can strengthen Myanmar’s peace efforts A week of attacks

CONTINUED FROM NEWS 1

A number of possibilities immediately became clear. Factions of armed eth­nic groups or disaffected members ap­peared the most likely possibility. Do­mestic extremists, in the mould of the Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors, could also have been responsible. Other possibilities included political actors or rogue government soldiers seeking to create instability. At the more un­likely end of the spectrum stood state- sponsored terrorists or religious - most likely Islamist - extremists. That no one claimed responsibility or tried to use the attacks as a platform to push forward a political agenda, message or demand discounts some of these possibilities immediately For underground groups opposed to military rule, an attack at a time when the Tatmadaw appears to be considering when to begin slowly with­drawing from politics and governance seems illogical, although not impossible.

As has now become clear, a group of people acting independently but with links to armed ethnic groups were allegedly responsible for at least a sig­nificant proportion of the attacks per­petrated last week. The precise motiva­tions of the attackers remain uncertain. At least some appear to have been paid to participate and the motive at the top appears to have been money as well.

Yet the alleged mastermind’s links to the Karen National Union should not be overplayed. It is no surprise that the KNU has come out and not only denied any direct involvement or complicity but also promised to inves­tigate its ties with those who have been apprehended. For the KNU, and even those in the organisation who question

ANALYSISthe path that the group’s current lead­ership is taking, there is little to gain from attacks like those seen last week. For any Myanmar-based organisation, direct involvement in such a brazen series of attacks on the population - a bombing campaign that appears to have designed solely to generate fear and uncertainty - would likely sow the seeds for their own demise.

Some questions were immediately asked about the group’s fifth brigade and its former leader, Karen National Liberation Army deputy chief of staff General Baw Kyaw Heh, a noted critic of the peace process. However, given the lack of a clear political agenda to the attacks, a direct link to anyone in the KNU leadership appears illogical. Why orchestrate bombings for political reasons but neither claim responsibil­ity nor issue demands? There is also no evidence to suggest that dissatisfaction with the peace process is anywhere near the level required to prompt such an extreme course of action.

Kim Jolliffe, an independent re­search consultant who has studied ethnic conflict in Myanmar for the past five years, dismissed the possibility of segments of the KNU, including the fifth brigade, being involved in the at­tacks as not very plausible”

“I know the dissatisfied elements well and they recognise that being in­volved with anything of this nature would do them more harm than good,” said Mr Jolliffe, who recently published a paper on the peace process, “People’s War, People’s Peace: Fostering a Social

Contract for Myanmar’s Karen Civil War”

He said the so-called hardline ele­ments within the KNU are not against the peace process.

“They are only in relatively minor disagreement about the negotiation strategy that should be taken. They are not even more hardline than other armed groups - it’s just that the KNU leadership has done a complete U-tum after 50 years of war, and some elements are concerned it’s moving too fast.”

No doubt there has been flurry of phone calls between the KNU and Nay Pyi Taw to keep one another abreast of developments. Open and clear commu­nication will be essential to avoid any misunderstandings at this potentially sensitive time.

There is also reason to hope that the tragedy of the past week, which has seen three lives lost and numerous people injured, can be harnessed so that it becomes another victory for the peace process. At a press conference on October 18, Deputy Minister for Infor­mation บ Ye Htut said the KNU had agreed to work with the government on its investigation but emphatically ruled out any link between the bombers and the organisation.

There is no reason why this collabo­ration cannot bring both sides closer and galvanise their commitment to re­solving differences at the negotiating table. Trust can be built from potenti^ disaster. The genuine complaints of fac­tions on both sides who are questioning the peace process can be better under­stood and possibly addressed, strength­ening the peace process. For the in­nocent victims of last week’s acts of terrorism, it would be a fitting tribute.

Defiant response from authoritiesAUTHORITIES have responded de­fiantly to the bomb blast that rocked a Yangon hotel last week, stressing the government’s resolve to continue as normal. As the search for the per­petrators continued, the public were advised to keep calm and alert during the Thadingyut season.

Whatever the motive, the bombings

will not affect the peace process, said deputy information minister and presi­dential spokesperson บ Ye Htut. “The peace process will take its course ... If the intention of the bombers was to de­lay the process, they will fail,” he said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who chairs the Pyithu Hluttaw Rule of Law, Sta­bility and Peace Committee, called for

“cool heads” and urged people not to fall into the trap set by the bombers.

Vice chair of the Union Solidarity and Development Party บ Htay Oo said, “Whoever did this seems to be fa­miliar with bombs. But whatever their motive, it will not affect the reform process.” - Soe Than Lynn, translation by Thiri M in H tun

Thirteen bombs between October 9-17 have left three dead

Oct 15: Two bombs explode in Sagaing

township: one at Shwe PyieSone Hotel at

about 3am and a second at Swan Oo Pon Nya

Shin Pagoda at around 5:45am

Oct 11: A bomb explodes at a

guest house in Taungoo, Bago Region, k illing

two people and in juring one

Oct 14: An unexploded bomb is found under a table in Western

Park II restaurant in Ahlone township at about 10am

Oct 14: A bomb explodes on the

ninth floo r of Traders Hotel,

in juring one Am erican citizen

Vox Pop YangonMa รน Wai, 27, accountant, Insein

“ I was scared by the bombings, and now I dare not go to crowded places. My

parents are worried about me every time I go to work. Now I avoid visit­ing some places altogether.”

บ Soe Min Myo,35, taxi driver,South Okkalapa

“ I'm so scared and worried about the recent bombings. I'm worried one of my passengers might leave a bomb in my taxi. Now people are afraid to go to crowded places because they might be targets.”

- Tin Yadanar Htun

Ma Tharaphy, 20, freelance journalist, Latha

“For the past year I’ve been earning my living as a freelance re­

porter. I’m afraid because for my job I have to attend press conferences at hotels and restaurants. What happened at Traders Hotel is very scaiy and now I don’t want to go to news conferences or places that are crowded with people.”

M aS u Thandar Hlaing, 20, graduate, Tarmwe

“This news frightened me so much that I’ve been avoiding going out. Be­fore I would go to the cinema or game

shop with my friends but now I’ve decided not to go anywhere. My mum also doesn't allow me to go outside.”

Bomb Fears Bomb Fears Bomb Fearsand 10 injured, including a tourist

Oct 16: A bomb explodes at around

10:45pm in Shan S ta tes Nam hkam

township

Oct 17: A bomb left in a trash can in Nam hkam

township explodes, k illing one and in juring

two people. Another bomb explodes in

Nam hkam , in juring four people

PYI TAW Oct 14: Anunexploded bomb is found at Golden

Duck Restaurant in Mandalay at about

2pm

Oct 9: An unexploded bomb is found on a bus travelling from

Nyaunglebin to Pyu in Bago Region

Oct 13: A bomb explodes in Thaketa township

about 5:45pm, in juring two teenage boys

Explosion Explosive device discovered

GRAPHIC: THE MYANMAR TIMES

‘You’re safe with us’: Government seeks to allay security fearsAnalysts say they expect little impact on Myanmar’s foreign investment or tourism inflows, which were the two main targets of last week’s blastsBILL O’TOOLEbotoo le l 20gm a il.com

AS details emerge about the al­leged culprits and motives behind recent bombings, questions are being asked about what the vio­lence could mean for Myanmar’s reform process, particularly with a series of major international events due to get underway in coming months.

Officials have been quick to downplay the potential impact on tourism, while also stressing that they already have adequate securi­ty plans in place to ensure visitors to the Southeast Asian Games in December and ASEAN meetings next year will not be threatened.

Asked about security for the SEA Games at a press conference on October 18, Police Major Gen­eral Zaw Win, the head of My­anm ar’s police force, said steps would be taken to tighten security around the events. He said tighter security regulations would soon be proposed to the parliament.

We really do believe that we must keep on doing everything we can [to improve] security,” Pol Maj Gen Zaw Win said.

We have formed a National Security Committee including members of all relevant depart­ments and are ensuring security at all venues. We have spent K6 billion purchasing and installing security equipment.”

Similarly, บ Aung Htoo, the deputy director general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said he was confident that all nec­essary security measures are in place to ensure the ASEAN meet­ings are concluded safely.

“We have a security plan for the summits and other ministe­rial meetings,” he said. “We have already prepared for that.”

However, บ Aung Htoo stressed he could not guarantee see security measures would be

Mandalay residents watch as officials search a suspicious package found on Mandalay’s 62nd street on October 14. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

in place across the country while the ASEAN meetings take place. “We are just preparing for ASEAN summits and other meetings.”

A number of analysts con­tacted last week seemed untrou­bled by the attacks and said they would do little to deter either tourism or investment.

Jeremy Rathjen, vice president of Thura Swiss, a Yangon-based consultancy firm, said that while the casualties from last week’s bombings - three deaths and 10 people injured from 13 attacks - were tragic, they needed to be considered in the context of My­anm ar’s past.

“This has happened many times in the past - It’s not a new phenomenon,” he said. “Myanmar IS receiving more international media attention, but it’s nothing new.”

While the country will take some sort of “reputational” hit, he said, the bombings are unlikely to affect foreign investment. Simi­larly tourism will remain on “an upward trend”.

Nevertheless the bombings have struck a nerve, prompting some tourists to cancel planned visits (see re la ted coverage page 22). Inside the country, many ur­ban residents say they are on high

alert and avoiding large gather­ings and public places.

Anthony Davis, a Bangkok- based security analyst with IHS Jane’s, said that the attacks ap­peared designed to generate fear.

“These are low-level, low-tech attacks designed to destabilise the country ... and to a degree they have succeeded,” Mr Davis said last week.

He said the main impact will be the light the bombings cast on Myanmar’s ongoing issues with domestic security. “The very num­ber of possible culprits being put forward ... reflects the serious in­stability that continues to plague Burma.”

Small-scale terrorist acts of the kind seen last week are “al­most impossible to prevent”, he said. Any push for tighter security restrictions would be constrained by the limited resources of a po­lice force that is already stretched thin across the nation.

Mr Rathjen said Myanmar has a trum p card up its sleeve to al­lay the security concerns of most visitors to the SEA Games and ASEAN meetings: its new capital.

“I’ve rarely seen cities as se­cure as Nay Pyi Taw - there’s military eveiywhere and it’s quite spread out.”

Vox Pop MDYบ Zaw Win, owner, Win W in restaurant

I have asked my waiters and waitresses to be more careful at this time, to

even check underneath the tables regularly. Just about everyone who comes here are regular custom­ers but we need to watch and be careful of unknown people behaving suspiciously. I think that the issue could be connected to politics but because most people are just strug­gling to make ends meet I think they are not worrying too much about the bombings.

บ Win Hla- ing, property broker,Aung Thara Phu Estate Agency

People need to take care not only when theyvisit crowded places but also even in their own homes, in their streets and wards and surrounding areas.I am always alert to the potential of danger these days because my house IS situated beside a main road. The bomb blasts have fright­ened most of us. People are strug­gling for their living anid this issue just makes things harder because it disrupts their routine. เท the past the political situation was not good but now there is progress and transpar­ency and it is time to move forward together. We have no idea who did [the bombings] but it should not happen at this time.

บ Ko Ko Aung, member, National League for Democracy

The govern­ment is trying to get peace with armed

ethnic groups but there is some way to go before the political situation is smooth. We have many questions about the bomb blasts. Are they related to politics? To religion? We still haven't got answers but one sure thing is that it won't bring any advan­tages for the country or the people. The country is changing to democ­racy and the bomb blasts are out of step with that. - Phyo Wai Kyaw

6 News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

SPECIAL REPORTAfter riots, fear stalks Thandwe MuslimsTheir mosques shuttered and businesses shunned, Thandwe’s Muslim community is struggling to come to grips with recent violence

BILL O’TOOLEbotoole120gm ail.com

THOUSANDS of Muslim men and women around the country celebrated Eid al-Adha on October 16, gathering at mosques in their finest clothes to pay tribute to the prophet Ibrahim. The main mosque in the Thandwe sat empty, however, as the town’s Mus­lim population remained confined to their homes - as they have been for the most part since deadly riots earlier this month left seven people dead.

“Muslim people are not leaving their homes for fear of danger,” said one Thandwe resident, a student and activist. “We were afraid a big group at a mosque would be a target.

The rioting, which left an estimat­ed 480 people homeless, prompted a large increase in numbers of police and the special security forces known as Lon Htein, while a curfew was also put in place to help maintain order. While the violence has stopped, the security presence has not brought peace for the town’s many Muslim residents.

บ Nyi Nyi Shay, a Kaman Muslim who runs a” bus station in Thandwe, said he and most other Muslim busi­ness owners have closed their busi­nesses since the end of the riots. บ Nyi Nyi Shay said he does not plan to reopen his anytime soon.

He, and several other residents in­terviewed for this article, said the few Muslim businesses that remain open are being “shunned” by the communi­ty. “Most Muslim businesses are suf­fering directly,” said a Muslim farmer from Thandwe’s Thabuchai village, which bore the brunt of the violence.

Though many schools in affected areas have reopened, บ Nyi Nyi Shay and other residents said that Muslim children are staying home because their parents are afraid of them travel­ling to school through Buddhist neigh­bourhoods.

In addition, Thandwe residents

Muslim residents of Thabuchai village gather in their home, a day after a Buddhist mob killed five people. Photo: Kaung Htet

have reported that, far from easing tensions, local police and security forces have been using the recently imposed 6pm curfew to harass and even arrest people in both villages and towns. A number of Muslim sources

‘M ost M uslim businesses are suffering directly.’

Muslim farmerThabuchai village

said the curfew is only being applied to Muslim neighbourhoods.

In separate interviews, บ Nyi Nyi Shay and several other residents of Thandwe, who all spoke on condi­tion of anonymity fearing reprisals, estimated that between 30 and 40 Muslims have been arrested in the last week on what they describe as “trumped-up charges”

They said the new tension is par­ticularly disturbing given the Kaman Muslims of Thandwe have historically had peaceful relations with their Bud­dhist neighbours.

“In the past relations were harmo­nious,” said one Thandwe resident. “Before the riots it was not so bad. There was no discrimination ... Now it’s quite bad and the authorities don’t seem interested in helping.”

The resident, who is staying with family in the town, said he feels out­side groups have upset Thandwe’s

former peace. “Some groups I don’t want to name are bent on worsening the situation.”

One organisation that has shot into the spotlight for its members’ alleged involvement in the unrest is the Ra- khine Nationalities Democratic Party. Twenty members of the party are be­ing held for their alleged role in plan­ning and leading the riots.

The fear expressed by Muslim resi­dents was echoed by the United Na­tions Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which complet­ed a fact-finding mission in Thandwe from October 4-6. It warned of the likely economic impact for the town­ship” particularly on Muslim families that rely on agriculture.

“All villagers felt afraid to move outside their villages since the vio­lence occurred,” the report said. “Over 90 percent of affected families are farmers who are unable to participate

in the rice harvest which would be due in the next few weeks as they feel un­safe. They have also lost their farming tools and equipment along with their houses during the violence”

It called for security to be provided so that farmers can immediately re­sume work, and also recommended tools be provided to replace those lost.

“Participation of the affected fami­lies on the November-December 2013 harvest and 2014 cropping season are critical to augment the income they receive and jum pstart their local economy.”

A spokesperson for the Rakh- ine State government could not be reached for comment last week.

Asked how long he believed the heightened tension may last, the stu­dent activist said, “I don’t want to think about the future. I don’t think life will return to normal for quite some time.”

www.mmtimes.com News 7FEATUREHumantraffickingpoliceto openborderoffices

CHERRYTHEINt. che rry60gm a il.com

POLICE are to intensify their op­erations on the country’s borders to crack down on human traffick­ing. They will open new offices at Myawady and Mae Sot by the end of October, the police force’s Anti Trafficking in Persons Division in Nay Pyi Taw has announced.

“The aim is to strengthen co­operation with the Thai police to prevent trafficking by improving communications between both our police forces so they can work together effectively on anti­trafficking,” Police Captain Min Naing told The M yanmar Times.

“When the traffickers cross the border with their victims, they disguise themselves in many ways and it is hard to trace them. Now, police from both coun­tries can work together to arrest them,” he said.

Trafficking cases include fraudulent adoption and mar­riage, forced labour and medi­cal treatment. The final destina­tions are normally Thailand and China, where women can be sold for marriage and there are mar­kets for internal organs from children.

The division, formerly known as the anti-human traffick­ing taskforce, opened offices in Tachileik and Chinyaing in March 2012 and at Kawthaung and Ranong in August 2012. On the Chinese border, offices are lo­cated at Muse, Shweli, Loikyawe, Kyanphone, Laukkai and Nahm- san.

The police work with the UN anti-trafficking agency UNIAP and local NGOs, offering aware­ness-raising activities. Training, talks and other events focused on improving education about human trafficking have been or will be held in Nay Pyi Taw, Kyai- kto and Mawlamyine” this month, while police are planning anoth­er event in Pathem township, Ay- eyarwady Region, in the second week of November.

Pol Cap Min Naing said edu­cation was likely to prompt an increase in the number of cases being reported but this would not mean more trafficking was taking place.

“In the past five years, few cas­es of trafficking have been report­ed because of a lack of awareness. Now people are better informed so they tell us and we can take prompt action,” he said. “But it is still important to increase aware­ness so that the public cooperate against trafficking.”

Police Colonel Aye Thein from the division’s Mawlamyine branch said government depart­ments and members of the pub­lic are only vaguely aware of the problem. “People called us ‘anti­smuggling police’ which means they still need more awareness about trafficking,” he said. “We need to increase cooperation with civil society groups and the media to raise awareness.”

The division was established in January 2006 to prevent traf­ficking, protect those vulner­able, prosecute traffickers and enhance cooperation around the issue.

Worker organisations fight resistance from employersSome employers are refusing to negotiate with worker organisations and even firing leaders, say activists

NOE NOE AUNG

I

K " ร 1' รWorkers from Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone protest through

' 1 the streets of Yangon on June 9 over wages and conditions in their factories. Photo: Boothee

noenoeag0gmail.com

MOST worker organisations formed under new labour laws are still facing strong opposition from factory owners, a number of activists and workers have told The M yanmar Times.

They say factory owners regularly fire labour leaders and even start their own organisations to divide work­ers. But the organisations are also denied other basic rights outlined in the Labour Organisation Law, which reintroduced the concept of organised labour in 2012, decades after unions were declared illegal by the military government.

“Though workers organisations were formed under the labour law, most of them do not have full rights,” said บ Htay, a labour activist and lawyer who regularly helps workers involved in dis­putes. “They don’t get a chance to meet inside the factories, or make regular meetings. They also cannot meet with those on the management level.”

บ Kyaw Myint, an activist from Action Labour Right, confirmed that progress is slow and intimidation in the factories and workplace is still a problem.

“It is still happening. I won’t deny that the situation is better for many la­bour organisations. But a high percent­age are still struggling under the pres­sure of factory owners,” he said.

บ Kyaw Myint said in some facto­ries, owners have also formed their own labour organisations using the new law to divide workers.

“Some owners create problems like this,” บ Kyaw Myint said. “There are many other ways” to pressure [labour] organisation members, such as cutting salaries if they leave the factory floor for a labour organisation-related issue. Many workers can’t do anything when they are threatened with a salaiy cut.”

510The num berofw orkerorganisations

formed to the middle of August

Usflfc.

I

However, there is also some evi­dence that the Labour Organisation Law is slowly helping to improve con­ditions in factories, particularly around Yangon.

Workers are starting to use the law to strike legally rather than embark on wildcat strikes” which have been a regu­lar occurrence over the past two years.

Both Ma Lei Lei Soe from the Saku- ra garment factory in Hlaing Tharyar township and Ko Myo Min Min from the World Fashion garment factory in Shwe Pyi Thar township said that workers have benefited through the formation of labour organisations.

“The situation is better than before,” said Ma Lei Lei Soe, who is secretary of the Sakura garment factory work­ers’ organisation. “พ e protested for 16 days in May and then demanded some labour rights through the organisation ... At first we also faced difficulties in negotiation with the owner. We strug­gled for a couple of months but then later the management and owner un­derstood us and saw that we are not

demanding more than what we are entitled to ”

The workers sought not only pay rises but also for management to pro­tect workers from mistreatment by su­pervisors and for an end to overtime on Sundays.

“Except for salary rises, we got much of what we demanded,” Ma Lei Lei Soe said.

Ko Myo Min Min said that workers at World Fashion garment factory have more freedom than before thanks to the efforts of their worker organisation.

“It’s like we are building trust be­tween owners and workers. At first factory owners disliked [the organisa­tions]” They didn’t recognise [us] and put pressure on us. But later, they re­duced gradually.”

After by-laws for the labour legisla­tion were enacted in March, more than 350 worker organisations were formed in 2012 and another 260 until mid- August this year, according to Minis­try of Labour, Employment and Social Security figures. While they span the country, most are from factories in Yangon Region.

But บ Htay said the number of or­ganisations did not give an accurate in­dication of whether the law is working in practice.

“Although organisations were formed easily - almost all applications were approved by the Ministry of La­bour - most owners still don’t recog­nise them,” he said.

Owners also frequently threaten to fire leaders of worker organisations or, if they have another premises, to relocate workers who participate in the organisations to a new workplace. Another intimidation tactic, he said, is to persuade other workers to form an­other labour group.

“If you want proof [of intimidation by owners], just ask how many workers who protested and led labour organisa­tions are still in their original workplace or factory. Many of them, who I know personally, are all gone because they formed an organisation,” said บ Htay.

Ko Aung Htut understands this in­timidation all too well. In June 2012, when he was working at a car factory in Shwe Pyi Thar township, he was a

founding member of a worker organi­sation.

After only a few months, however, Ko Aung Htut dissolved the organisa­tion and quit his job because of pres­sure from management.

“When the law came out, we cam­paigned to form a labour organisation on our own,” Ko Aung Htut said. “At first, workers were afraid and the man­agement told us not to do it. When we explained the law to them they relented but later they upset the organisation’s members by cutting their salaries and cutting their bonuses.”

Not all employers are opposed to the labour organisations. Some openly admit that conditions in their work­places need to improve and believe that workers’ representatives can assist in this process.

“There should definitely be a work­er organisation in every factory?’ said บ Khin Maung Myat, managing direc­tor of the San Kaung factory in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone 2.

“Factory owners don’t know about every single problem workers face ... A

worker organisation can act as a bridge between owners and workers,” he said.

Like most factories in Yangon, San Kaung has had its share of labour dis­putes over the past two years. In May, employees stopped work for a whole month” - some even launched a hunger strike - calling for 49 sacked workers to be reinstated and higher salaries. The dispute was eventually resolved through negotiation with the factory’s worker organisation.

บ Khin Maung Myat said that em­ployers generally want to resolve the disputes as quickly as possible to get production rolling again.

“We don’t want problems inside our factories. Usually an owner will agree to the workers’ demands as much as they can,” he said.

However, he warned that labour rep­resentatives and workers should avoid being too confrontational in their nego­tiations with their employers. “The aim of a workers’ union should be to create a better environment for workers. Just opposing whatever the owner says is not a good way to solve a problem.”

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www.mmtimes.com News?

Ministry boosts support to rural health centresSHWE YEE SAW MYINTpoepw intphyu20110gm ail.com

HEALTH centre staff num bers in rural areas are to be doubled and centres upgraded, the health m in­istry has announced. Six new staff members are to be trained and de­ployed in addition to the six or so already working in the rural cen­tres, said Dr Nwe Ni Ohn, a director of the m inistry’s national planning departm ent.

Within 2013-14, the ministry will spend K168.63 billion on the up­grade project, she said.

The ministry plan also entails up­grading facilities and building new premises, although she conceded tha t the departm ent may not have the resources to implement it com­pletely.

“Rural health centres are staffed by a health assistant, a nurse and five midwives. We are now adding five supervisory staff trained in dis­ease control and a security guard, making a total of 13 people” in each rural health centre throughout the country,” Dr Nwe Ni Ohn told The M yanm ar Times.

Each centre serves up to 20,000 people but staffing the centres can be difficult, as some health workers are reluctant to leave the cities to work in remote locations. Figures from the m inistry show tha t of the 1636 rural health centres, 33 have no health staff and 262 do not have a nurse.

“Doctors in particular don’t w ant to go to the countryside,” said Dr

A volunteer nurse examines an elderly patient In Yangon Region’s Htantabln township. Photo: staff

Nwe Ni Ohn. “So we provide ba­sic medical train ing to some local residents.”

Daw Hla Win, 72, from Tha Pyay Gnoe village in Ayeyarwady Re­gion’s Maubin township, said resi­dents cannot rely on their local rural health centre because of a lack of staff. Instead, they normally travel to Maubin to see a” private clinic - if they have the money.

“Near our village we have a branch of a rural health centre which covers three villages bu t it only has a midwife,” she said. “If we fall sick we can go there bu t the midwife never comes to our house because she has her own baby to look after.”

Myanmar has traditionally been

More than 1000 meet to discuss girls’ rightsFIONA MACGREGORnew sroom 0m yanm artim es.com .m m

MORE than 1000 girls gathered in Yangon and Mandalay last week to call on the government to protect the ir rights and create a more equal future for young women.

Gender equality, the right to free high school education, and protec­tion from violence and exploitation were the key concerns raised by the adolescent members of the Colorful Girls organisation and discussed by young delegates at the two events.

The group said tha t the statem ent issued following the events is the first document of its kind in Myan­mar, having been developed by girls with the aim of highlighting” their and their peers’ concerns and needs.

“There are specific laws on violence against women, bu t not against girls. Girls suffer the highest rate of violence, bu t they often don’t know [their rights] because of a lack of education. So this statem ent calls on the governm ent to protect girls w ith specific laws in relation to violence and discrim ination and support educational and economic equality,” said Wa Wa Sein, one of the teenagers addressing the m eet­ing in Yangon.

Colorful Girls is a Myanmar NGO tha t works alongside partner Girl Determined to support girls aged 12 to 17 in developing leadership skills to advocate for their own rights. The aim is to establish a future where girls do not face the risks their coun­terparts currently face, including high school drop-out rates, labour exploitation, violence at home and in their communities, trafficking and gender discrimination.

Around 850 girls attended the Mandalay meeting on October 14

ranked among the lowest in the World Health Organization’s listing of the health systems of 190 coun­tries because of poor infrastructure and low public health expenditure.

The m ajor health challenges fac­ing the country include life expec­tancy rates as low as 63 years for a man and 67 years for a woman; high m orbidity for children under five years (62” per 1000 live births); and high m aternal m orbidity rate (200 per 100,000 live births).

There are an estimated 4-8 mil­lion people living with malaria, as 75 percent of the population lives in high m alaria prevalence areas. There are more than 500,000 cases of tu ­berculosis, as well as widespread poverty, lack of proper sanitation and water supply, m alnutrition and poor health awareness.

Dr Nwe Ni Ohn said by upgrad­ing the rural centre the governm ent hopes to increase average life ex­pectancy to 70 years for both men and women by” 2015, and reduce the num ber of women who die in childbirth.

Rain to continue despite close of monsoon seasonAYE SAPAY PHYUayephyu2OO60gmaiL.com

RAINY weather is likely to per­sist even after the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon season on October 12, meteorologists warn. The meteorology department an­nounced last week that the monsoon season had officially ended, two days after its earlier October 10 forecast”.

Department director บ Chit Kyaw said that most states and re­gions received more than their aver­age rainfall in September. “Yangon and Tanintharyi regions, Kayin and Kayah states had 10 inches (254 mil­limetres) more rainfall than their average, he said.

As of October 14, records showed that rainfall in Kachin, Northern Shan, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin and Mon states from January 1 to Octo­ber 14 was greater than their average rainfall for an entire year.

Meteorologists warned that storms in the Bay of Bengal would bring post-monsoon rains to much of the country for several more

10The number of inches of rainfall above the average that Yangon Region received in September

I Iweeks. “October and November are the second storm season. We expect­ed two low-pressure areas in the Bay of Bengal in October,” said บ Chit Kyaw.

A low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal from October 20 to 31 could intensify into a depression, forecast­ers predicted, urging farmers to take precautions. บทtimely rain could be useful for some growers, but could also damage crops,” บ TUn Lwin, a former director general of the de­partment, said in mid-October.

The department has forecast above-average rain for Shan, Kayah, Kayin and Mon states.

and about 400 others m et in Yangon on October 18 for the public release of the Teenage Girl statem ent, which was drafted in March this year at a peace-building summer camp a t­tended by 68 leaders represent­ing more than 1000 Colorful Girls members.

The original draft was then dis­cussed by Colorful Girls groups around the country leading to the creation of the final statement.

The group now plans to meet with members of the hluttaw and other senior government and non­government figures to further pro­mote girl-led advocacy.

During the meeting the young delegates discussed a num ber of im portant issues affecting girls in Myanmar including: exploitation in factories; sexual abuse; verbal and physical violence; and discrimina­tion in the education system, along with social attitudes tha t hold girls back from achieving their academic potential.

Girl Determined technical advis­er Brooke Zobrist said she was “so pleased” at the open nature of the discussions tha t took place during the Yangon meeting.

“The girls were so active and honest in their discussions, which I think really brings out the common concerns and hurdles tha t they face as adolescent girls in Myanmar to ­day,” she said.

In bringing all these girls togeth­er from some of Yangon’s very poor communities, I was also struck by the level of their motivation to im ­prove the quality of their own lives and the lives of others in their com­munities. Since we started our work here in Yangon, the girls have really taken it in and are now clearly lead­ing the conversation on girls’ rights.”

10 News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013Views___________Coops and the credibility gapDecades of state control over cooperatives could thwart the government’s efforts to revitalise the sector

President บ Thein Sein attends the launch of the government’s US$100 million cooperative program in Nay Pyi Taw on August 19.

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m ichael.wodzickiBcoopscanada.coop

IN conversations with people around Myanmar, you will be hard-pressed to find someone that admits to wanting to join a cooperative. Responses range from “I do not want a friendship with the government” to “Cooperatives are for poor people.” Such responses stand in contrast to recent high-profile gov­ernment initiatives to spur develop­ment using cooperatives as a means to alleviate poverty and promote economic development.

Ingrained scepticism in Myanmar about the cooperative business model is not surprising. Cooperatives were part of a state-planned economy un­til 1988. Memories persist of standing in line for poor-quality products or services from the local cooperative, which people had often been forced to join.

In 1988, cooperatives were among the first state-led institutions to be tar­geted by the people. The government at­tempted to resurrect cooperatives after 1992, ostensibly with an orientation to a freer market” However, the repeated sale of cooperative assets by the govern­ment to raise revenue and increasing government involvement in the opera­tions of cooperatives left them a bank­rupt business model, both financially and in the minds of many people.

Since 2011, cooperatives have re­gained prominence in Myanmar. They are identified explicitly in the govern­ment’s five-year development plan, as well as its Rural Poverty Alleviation and Development Framework. Vast numbers of cooperatives still exist, many established more than 20 years ago, regulated by government and with members that participate in the coop­eratives’ business.

Cooperative societies, as they are known in Myanmar, are often touted as a bridge between government pro­grams and the financial needs of Myan­mar’s urban and rural poor. In August, Myanmar’s parliament approved, to both acclaim and criticism, a US$100 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. The money will be lent to people in thousands of towns and villages across the country through existing and new cooperatives that the government is encouraging.

Cooperatives play key roles in many countries’ transitions to developed, market economies. Groups of individu­als and entrepreneurs come together to form co-ops. It is an independent, democratically run, market-responsive business that” provides needs or ser­vices that are unavailable in their com­munities. Rich, middle-class and poor

SOETHAN LYNNsoethanlynnragm ail.com

MEDIA watchdogs have complained that a draft law now before the parlia­ment could weaken their power and risk lowering standards, as well as re­ducing legal protections for publishers and journalists.

Their complaints concern the media bill drafted by the Interim Press Coun­cil, which is now before the Pyithu Hluttaw after being approved in the Amyotha Hluttaw.

people alike benefit from their services and products.

In places where there is no electrici­ty, no financial institution or no grocery store, cooperatives have been formed to fill the void. When farmers need to reduce prices paid for their inputs or to market collectively to increase the value of their product, cooperatives emerge.

TRILLION

$1The collective assets of the

world's 300 largest cooperatives

Cooperative businesses network to leam from each other, to lend each other money and to become a sector that operates differently from more traditional private sector actors. A co­operative’s profit is returned to the members that use its services and the communities where it operates, and not to external shareholders.

There is no single, simple approach to help build successful cooperatives, but there are common principles. Cooperative businesses need to be autonomous and independent. They need to be open to new members. All

But the Pyithu Hluttaw committee handling the bill has removed two nec­essary sections - 12 and 32 - from the draft,” Press Council secretary บ Kyaw Min Swe has told TheMyamnar Times.

“We protest against the removal of those two sections of the media bill. We included the sections after consult­ing with legal advisers. These sections are really needed. Section 12 concerns [journalistic] standards and the role of our council. Removing it could weaken the role of the Press Council,” he said.

“The council is the only group that

members have an equal say in the dem­ocratic elections of the cooperative’s leadership, no matter what the size of their business with the co-operative. Cooperatives need to succeed in their marketplace; they need business and marketing plans, good accounting and responsible management practices.

The global cooperative success story is remarkable. The collective assets of the world’s 300 largest cooperatives are more than $1 trillion. This would make cooperatives and their members the world ร lO01 largest economy. Co-op­eratives provide more than 100 million jobs - at least 20 percent more than multinational corporations.

In developing countries, coopera­tives are changing the agricultural and financial marketplace, in similar ways to what occurred in the United States, Canada and Western Europe 75 years ago. Governments have an important role to play, putting in place tax and financing mechanisms that allow coop­erative members to take on more risk and grow their business.

For all the success, there are many harbingers of cooperative failure. Co­operatives fail for business reasons, like any private sector actor that competes in the marketplace. They have been used in many countries for political reasons, such as to distribute political favours, and this has destroyed their credibility in the process. Government encouragement for cooperatives cannot become interference in business opera­tions or undermine member control.

Given the success of cooperatives

can act on behalf of the media sector under the proposed law,” he said.

Section 32 provided legal protec­tions of publishers and journalists, he said, by stipulating that any search or seizure” of media property, or any pro­posed ban on a newspaper or publica­tion should be conducted in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.

“I think the hluttaw should have asked the original drafters of the bill for their opinion before they amended it,” said บ Kyaw Min Swe.

“The Amyotha Hluttaw Bill

in developed and developing coun­tries, the potential of the cooperative model in Myanmar is apparent. The government’s strong political and fi­nancial commitment to working with and through cooperatives to alleviate poverty has been made clear. The min­ister of cooperatives has repeated that the government is willing to learn from past mistakes made in Myanmar and how the model is nurtured in other countries, and has invited advice and support in this regard.

The fact remains that cooperatives in Myanmar face a credibility gap. Us­ing them as a bridge to alleviate pover­ty is commendable, particularly given the striking needs that exist. For this to be done sustainably, it needs to be ac­companied by capacity building for lo­cal, regional, and national cooperative structures that prepare them to act as independent and autonomous coopera­tive businesses.

The long-term sustainability of co­operative businesses in Myanmar will depend on individual members in­vesting their time and money to make cooperatives work, supported by a regulatory framework that facilitates cooperative growth. This is a long-term process and if done right will go a long way to alleviating poverty and promot­ing” economic development.

Michael Wodzicki is director for market relations at the Canadian Co-operative Association, Canada’s national association of cooperatives.

Committee met with us before the draft was submitted to Amyotha Hlut­taw. The Pyithu Hluttaw hasn’t had any meeting or discussion with us. We heard that they met with the Ministry of Information before amending the bill and they have had regular contact.”

บ Kyaw Min Swe added, “Our soci­ety had” to live under a dictatorship for50 years. The hluttaw should not allow any room for anxiety and doubt [over protections for the media]. They should at least invite us for negotiations.”

- Translation by Thiri M in Htun

Press Council criticises media law amendments

www.mmtimes.com News 11

ROGER MITTONrogermitton0gmail.com

During a recent trip to Mawlamyine, one of Myanmar’s most pleasant cities, it was a shock to discover how many shops and cafes displayed a 969 sign near the entrance.

The little circular sticker, whose three digits allegedly signify aspects of Buddhist philosophy, indicates that Muslims are not welcome.

When queried about it, one restau­rant owner explained that it was just a reflection of patriotic sentiment.

When pressed about what ban­ning fellow citizens who happen to be Muslim had to do with patriotism, he frowned and said it was just better “be­cause they have their own places and we don’t like to mix with them”.

In fact, many Myanmar Buddhists, who form three quarters of the popula­tion and hold all key posts in govern­ment and business, loathe their Mus­lim compatriots with a passion.

It is a murderous passion that con­dones burning property, raping girls and beating up Muslim men, women and children and not only feeling no

shame, but actually boasting about it.That is the awful reality of modern

day “reformist” Myanmar.In a Yangon taxi, the driver, a rare

Muslim who retained his beard, skull cap and long shirt outside his longyi, told me, “This is a bad place now. We are all scared.”

He said fellow Muslims have formed watch groups and are preparing to fight back if they are attacked again, as they were not long ago in Meiktila, Lashio, Yangon and of course Rakhine State.

‘We have to defend ourselves,” he said. “The police do nothing. They just stand and watch.”

Even worse than the behaviour of the security forces is the response of the nation’s political leaders, who have done little else than make anodyne comments of concern.

Imagine Nelson M andela or Lech W alesa... standing back and saying they cannot learn how to stop the killings.

ViewsThe time for talk is overMyanmar’s political leaders must stand up to those inciting religious violence

In volatile Rakhine State earlier this month, President บ Thein Sein said, “It is important not to have more riots while we are working very hard to re­cover the losses we had because of pre­vious violent incidents.”

Well, yes, but far more important is for his government to take robust ac­tion against bigots like the anti-Muslim cleric บ Wirathu, by delegitimising hate speech that masquerades as cul­tural nationalism.

In doing so, he must be supported by Daw Aung San รนน Kyi, whose own condemnations of anti-Muslim po­groms have been shamefully muted.

As the International Crisis Group noted earlier this month, unless all Myanmar’s politicians unite and push for a fundamental change in social attitudes, anti-Muslim violence will probably escalate.

The ICG report, which blamed the racist purges on reduced military con­trol and endemic intolerance by the majority Bamar Buddhists, pointed out that continued anti-Islamic riots will have regional repercussions.

Already, Myanmar nationals work­ing in Malaysia have been murdered in reprisal attacks and there have been threats of a global jihad against Myanmar.

That is why fellow ASEAN lead­ers must press บ Thein Sein and Daw

Soldiers prepare to deploy เท Thandwe township on October 3. Photo: Kaung Htet

Aung San รนน Kyi to get their act to­gether or else this year’s Southeast Asian Games and next year’s hosting of the group’s annual summit may be jeopardised.

Those who spread messages of in­tolerance and hatred must not go un­challenged,” said Jim Della-Giacoma, the ICG program director for Asia “Otherwise, this issue may come to de­fine the new Myanmar.”

Instead of repeatedly stressing that the constitution must be amended to allow her to run for president in 2015, Daw Aung San รนน Kyi should concen­trate on preserving racial harmony at home.

Yet during her recent visit to East­ern Europe, she repeated that it was not up to her to stop the anti-Muslim sectarian attacks. “It’s not something that I could learn to do,” she said in Warsaw.

The comment was shocking. Imag­ine Nelson Mandela or Lech Walesa, confronted with ethnic genocide, standing back and saying they cannot learn how to stop the killings.

No, what can, and must, be done immediately is to outlaw the display of 969 signs and put บ Wirathu and his ilk in jail. That would send a signal that might nip this evil in the bud once and for all.

12 News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

ANALYSISMyanmar steps into ASEAN hotseatThe country will be chair of ASEAN at a crucial time for the 10-member bloc - a challenge that will test its diplomatic skills

MCLAUGHLINt im ot hy. m c laugh lin30g m ail.com

TAKING hold of the ASEAN gavel from Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on October 10, the normally subdued President บ Thein Sein sported an un­characteristic grin. He had good reason to smile.

For most of the past two decades Myanmar was the outcast of the 10- nation bloc. In just a few years it has successfully transformed its image to the extent where Myanmar’s partners have agreed to let it take on the lead­ership of ASEAN at a time of unprec­edented change.

In 1995, under the rule of former Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar was an outsider looking in at ASEAN, which was then a seven-nation group. Bolstered by the release of Daw Aung San รนน Kyi from house arrest in July of that year, Myanmar managed to talk its way into the bloc.

In 1996, Myanmar joined the ASE­AN Regional Forum (ARF). It became an official member in July 1997, along with Laos. Cambodia, delayed by in­ternal political turmoil, would join two years later as the lO01 member.

Despite its newfound status in the region, Myanmar remained aloof from ASEAN because of perceptions that other member nations were meddling in its domestic affairs. Senior Gener^ Than Shwe almost never attended ASE­AN meetings, opting instead to send his prime ministers or foreign minister. According to the recently released Sol­diers and Diplomacy in Burma, by aca­demic Renaud Egreteau and journalist Larry Jagan, some observers believe Senior General Than Shwe created the prime minister post in 2003 precisely so that he did not need to attend ASE­AN meetings.

Under the ASEAN policy of rotating the chairmanship based on alphabeti­cal order, Myanmar was finally tapped to lead the bloc in 2006. Howevei, in

President บ Thein Sein receives the ASEAN gavel from Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan on October 10. Photo: AFP

July of the preceding year it bowed to intense international pressure to relin­quish the position because of its poor human rights record.

Given this history, the chairmanship will be a coming-out party for บ Thein Sein and his government as they enter the second half of their five-year term. It will be a chance to showcase the gov­ernment’s steps toward democratic and economic liberalisation, as well as the development of Nay Pyi Taw, which was for years avoided by the international community.

“[The chairmanship] symboli­cally sanctions Myanmar’s re-entry into” the concert of nations, with the veto from Western powers eventually

gone,” said Mr Egreteau.“Second, it will certainly enable the

country and its leadership to draw at­tention [to] its needs as well as its commitment to change - whatever form this political, social and economic change takes.”

Despite the excitement, however, Myanmar will face serious challenges as it attempts to successfully steer ASE­AN through to 2016.

“Myanmar’s chairmanship is not an easy job at this moment,” cautioned บ Kyaw Lin Oo, an independent po­litical commentator and coordinator of the Myanmar People Forum Working Group”

To begin there is the logistics of hosting more than 1000 meetings of top diplomats, most of which will take place in the sprawling capital. The posi­tion will bring additional media scru­tiny for a government that is only be­ginning to relax its attitude toward the press. Unwanted attention from the nu­merous human rights groups focused on Myanmar is already increasing.

These domestic hurdles aside, there are larger regional issues at stake for the bloc.

Myanmar’s turn as chair comes a year before the full implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), an economically integrated sin­gle market and production base.

The AEC aims to turn ASEAN into a more competitive economic region by increasing business and trade coopera­tion among member nations through a number of measures including free trade agreements, abolishing import duties and streamlining of investment.

More developed economies, notably Singapore, are critical of countries like Myanmar and Cambodia joining the community, arguing that less-devel­oped nations are not yet ready.

But no single issue has dominated previous ASEAN summits as much as the infighting over member states’ ter­ritorial disputes in the South China Sea.

A small breakthrough came at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in June, when China agreed to conduct official consultations on a formal code of conduct for the South China Sea. Such a code would force China to deal with ASEAN as a whole, rather than Bejing’s preferred option of negotiating with individual

members. The code is yet to material­ise, however, and the issue is certain to drag on into 2014.

China has been one of Myanmar’s staunchest political and economic al­lies and บ Kyaw Lin Oo said members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were conscious of concerns in the region that China would be able to influence its handling of the issue in 2014.

Fuelling these fears among some ASEAN members will be memories of2012, when chair Cambodia was ac­cused of censoring an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting communique to remove references to the South China Sea at the behest of China. As the other members refused to issue the amended version, it became the first such meet­ing to end without an official commu­nique. The dispute reflected concerns

‘Nay Pyi Taw w ill walk a careful line [on the South China Sea] and strive not to be seen as Cambodia was last year.’

Nilanthi SamaranayakeAnalyst, CNA s tra te g ic S tudies

that Phnom Penh was using its posi­tion to push Beijing’s line rather than working as a mediator for its ASEAN counterparts.

In an indication of the delicate na­ture of the South China Sea issue, five members of parliament contacted by The M yanmar Times for comment last week on how Myanmar could handle the dispute declined to comment.

One of the few who agreed to com­ment was Pyithu Hluttaw representa­tive for Mahlaing บ Aye Mauk, who said he believes President บ Thein Sein will seek to collaborate with both ASE­AN members and China on the issue.

“I hope the president can [man­age] it successfully because China is one of our neighbours and we have closer ties with them than most of our

ASEAN counterparts,” he said.บ Aung Lynn, director general of the

Ministry of Foreign Affaire’ ASEAN Af­fairs Department” said the government would work closely with its ASEAN neighbours on the code of conduct for the South China Sea that the regional bloc is discussing with China.

He said Myanmar is also seeking to put other issues on the agenda that it believes are also important to the re­gion’s future.

“We are concerned about the effects of climate change, and we look forward to sharing our experience and discuss­ing what to do about it,” บ Aung Lynn said.

Last January, Myanmar set up groups of diplomats, professors and other specialists to discuss the South China Sea disputes. ‘We have been observing the situation in the South China Sea,” said retired ambassador บ Nyunt Maung Shein, a group member.

As a non-claimant country that is not in dispute with China over terri­tory, Myanmar is seen as unlikely to come under the same kind of domestic pressure as claimant countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, said Kavi Chongkittavorn, an ASEAN expert and consultant for The Nation newspaper.

บ Thein Sein has offered little on the issue or how Myanmar will use its chairmanship role, saying only that the country will focus on “moving forward in unity in a peaceful and prosperous community”.

Nilanthi Samaranayake, an Asia analyst at the US-based CNA Strategic Studies, said Myanmar will likely try to take a middle-of-the-road approach to the issue.

“Nay Pyi Taw will walk a careful line and strive not to be seen as Cambodia was last year with regard to China,” she said. “It [Myanmar] still appears to want strategic options other than Chi­na, and this will be a good opportunity to present its new orientation in a high- profile, multilateral setting.”

Both บ Kyaw Lin Oo and Ms Sa­maranayake agreed that Myanmar would likely learn from Cambodia’s experience in 2012. “ASEAN member countries were not satisfied by Cam­bodia,” บ Kyaw Lin Oo said. “Myanmar must learn this lesson.” - Additional reporting by N yan Linn Aung

www.mmtimes.com News 13

Wirathu gets around Sangha ban with new ‘969’ groupThe Organisation for the Protection of Nationalism and Religion permitted because it also includes laypeople

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บ WIRATHU has circumvented a ban on monks forming 969-related groups by establishing an organisation with a mixture of clergy and laypeople.

At a meeting earlier this month at Mandalay’s Masoeyein Monastery, บ Wirathu announced his plan to form the Mandalay branch of what he called the Organisation for the Protec­tion of Nationalism and Religion.

He outlined a vision for a nation­wide organisation of religious leaders and laypeople, including politicians, historians, lawyers, artists, journalists and civil society leaders.

The organisation aims to protect Buddhism, avoid conflict based on re­ligion or race, and to provide religion- based education, บ Wirathu said. It will carry out social activities in co­operation with civil society groups, government officials and the Sangha, or clergy; lobby for the introduction of laws to protect Buddhists; and to open Buddhist teaching schools around the country to conserve

‘The ban [is ] only [related] to monk associations.’

บ WirathuProm inent sayadaw

I

traditional customs and culture.The announcement comes after

the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Com­mittee ordered a ban on the creation of organisations based around the 969 ideology, of which บ Wirathu has been one of the main proponents.

However, the controversial monk said the new organisation complied with the committee’s directive.

“Technically, the venerable monks from the National Sangha Nayaka Committee did not oppose 969 groups. The instructions and rules they issued are only related to monk associations. They do not have any im­pact on groups that include laypeople. We have the right to form this group independently,” บ Wirathu said.

The organisation will feature ex­ecutive members in each state and region, with all senior positions to be held by monks. It will also include an information team, a training and education team, an historical research and record team, audit body and a le­gal affairs committee.

“You can’t get any title, power or authority from joining this organisa­tion,” he told supporters at the launch. “Your involvement must be a sacrifice so that Mandalay can live forever in peace and tranquility.”

Daw Khin Mar Sari, a ทนท from Chan Mya Waddy Monastery at the foot of Yankin Hill, said she attended the meeting because she supported ef­forts to provide more comprehensive religious education to young people.

I quite support this organisation,” she said after the event. “I believe it can spread religious and cultural knowledge widely to children who live in rural areas.”

- Translation by Zar Zar Soeบ Wirathu speaks at a press conference in Mandalay earlier this month. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

Two arrested over killings at Panasonic office in MandalayMANDALAY police have arrested two people over the killing of three people at the office of Japanese electronics company Panasonic earlier this month.

The bodies of night security guards บ Han Thaung, 70, and บ Tin Hla­ing, 54, were found along with that of บ Tin Hlaing’s wife, Daw Kyi Han, at about 6:45am on October 2 at the of­fice, on the comer of Ninsi Street and 69“ Street.

The three had been knocked un­conscious with rocks and then poi­soned, police said.

Police used security camera footage and traces of footprints to locate the two alleged perpetrators, one of whom was an employee of the company.

The motive for the crime remains a mystery, as no property is thought to have been taken during the attack.

“Police Second Lieutenant Ye Myint from the special crime task force came to the [Panasonic] office on October 5 to conduct the investigation. Police found a 10.5-inch [26.7-centimetre] footprint downstairs so all of the staff were exam­ined in the director’s office,” said com­pany manager บ Thet Naing Tun.

The footprint was eventually matched to that of an employee, 19, who had also been absent without leave while the police conducted the investigation. The employee’s 20-year- old roommate was also arrested.

Video footage from a security camera set up outside the office next door showed two young men driving a motorcycle on 69“ Street at about 10:20pm on October 1.

Both men have been charged with murder. - Than Naing Soe and Kyay Mohn Win, translation by Zar Zar Soe

Kayin project a ‘sign of peace’AUNG KYAW MINnew sroom O m yanm artim es.com .m m

A PROJECT to install a cable car to ferry visitors to the Buddhist monas­tery atop Kayin State’s Mount Zwega- bin has been hailed as a mark of the renewed stability of the volatile region at a ceremony involving government and ethnic party leaders"

Mount Zwegabin is 11 kilometres (7 miles) south of the state capital Hpa- an and its peak is 720 metres (about 2362 feet) above sea level. Visitors to the monastery have to undertake a gruelling climb of several hours.

In August, monks announced a project to install a cable car the coun­try’s first to allow easier access to the monastery. Projected to cost US$22 million and funded by donations, the project is a venture between a

Malaysian company, Special Methods and Engineering Techniques, and the Myanmar Engineering Society, with construction equipment to be import­ed from Switzerland and Australia.

The cable-car committee includes representatives of a number of dif­ferent organisations, including Phado Tue Tue Lay of the Karen National Un­ion (KNU)” บ Saw Kyaw Than of the Democractic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), บ Saw Chit Thu of a Kayin Border Guard Force (BGF) and more.

At a ceremony earlier this month in Yangon, Phado Tue Tue Lay called the project a “sign of peace” in the war- torn state.

บ Saw Khin Maung Myint, an of­ficial in the state’s Ministry of Trans­port, told The M yanm ar Times that the project will benefit residents, visi­tors and the tourism industry.

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1 4- News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

Campaign promotes children’s rights with workshops, theatreCHERRYTHEINt.cherry6(3gm ail.com

A CAMPAIGN is underway to raise awareness of the rights of children, w hether in the home, on the street or being illegally traf­ficked from one place to another.

Child on the Move aims to pre­vent child abuse, domestic vio­lence, human trafficking and child homelessness, with a particular focus on the issues of those chil­dren who are in transit or lacking stable accommodation. It brings together United Against Child Trafficking, an organisation based in Mae Sot, Thailand; Equal­ity Myanmar; and Burma Against Child Trafficking.

บ Ye Yint Naung, a member of United ACT, said the Child on the Move campaign is part of a larger movement to address the needs of one of the most vulnerable seg­ments of the population.

“It is not a new issue,” he said. “But part of the principle of the [UN] Convention on the Rights of the Child [CRC] mentions pro­tecting children on the move. We w ant to highlight the point.”

Preparation for the project be­gan in June and it was launched m September. Running through to ASEAN People’s Forum, sched­uled for March 2014, the project includes a training program on the CRC, talks, workshops and seminars in cooperation with gov­ernm ent sectors and civil society organisations.

W hether looking at forced or voluntary movement, the pro­gram breaks down the issues fac­ing children in transit into three areas of study: the child’s starting point, their life on the move, and their final destination.

“We need to do more research on the root cause on why children are moving, their struggles and danger on the way, and whether their final destination ends with success or failure. From there we can make better approaches to fix­ing the problem,” บ Ye Yint Naung said.

He said many children mov­ing from one place to another face physical or emotional abuse w hether they are alone or travel­ling with family.

One part of the campaign, called Destination Unknown, will let children’s voices take centre stage - literally. The organisations are seeking 25 interested children to participate in a play designed to spread knowledge about the is­sues in an entertaining way.

Training will be conducted during October, with experienced facilitators sharing information about the CRC as well as leading the children in acting, singing and making decorations. The play will be recorded on video and pre­sented on a num ber of significant dates, including International Children’s Day on November 20, International Anti-Human Traf­ficking Day on December 12 and International M igrant Day on De­cember 18.

The group will also perform live in Yangon in a num ber of townships, including Shwe Pyi Thar, Hlaing Tharyar, Mayangone, Dawbon and North Dagon.

Daw Kyi Phyu of Burma ACT said the activities aim to send a message to government sectors tha t they m ust strengthen imple­mentation of the convention.

“We will try to cooperate with government officials in every de­partm ent to share awareness on CRC and help to implement it as much as we possibly can. We want them to know tha t they are responsible for children on the street and [those who are at] risk of hum an trafficking,” she said.

She also said it is not enough to simply round up children from the street for their own protection.

“Removing street kids doesn’t mean putting them in prison. It is not the right solution to this issue.”

The organisations involved in Child on the Move plan to raise the issue of children’s rights at the ASEAN People’s Forum, to be held in Nay Pyi Taw in March 2014.

A primary school teaher speaks to children in a rural classroom. Photo: Kaung HtetMPs call for hurry-up on development budgetsWINKO K0 U\TT

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MONEY allocated to local development could go unspent because of delays in approving procedures for spending the funding, some MPs fear. Halfway through the current budget year, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has yet to agree on how to spend the K33 billion allocated to regional development - K100 million for each of the country’s 330 townships.

Observers say plans have been drawn up and are expected to be pub­lished before the end of October after hluttaw approval. That would leave about six months to implement local development plans. But any longer delay could mean that the budget will not be spent, some fear.

The program gives MPs control over the use of the funds and is designed to allow them to respond promptly to requests from constituents regarding

YANGON TO HOST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY AND FOOD & DRINKS EXHIBITION

small infrastructure projects rather than raising them in the hluttaw.

“The Pyithu Hluttaw planning com­mittee has drawn up the procedures for regional development spending for release this month after approval from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw,” said บ Thurein Zaw, Pyithu Hluttaw repre­sentative for Kawkareik and chair of the public accounts committee.

“It’s best if the procedures are re­leased by the end of the month, which would give us six months to imple­ment development plans,” said Daw Nyo Nyo Thin, representative of No 2 constituency in Bahan township.

“Half the budget year has passed but we haven’t implemented anything yet. People are waiting,” said บ Sal Thiha Kyaw, Pyithu Hluttaw repre­sentative for Mong Yai.

“The sooner the budget procedures are approved the better, agreed บ Hla Swe, an Amyotha Hluttaw representa­tive from Magwe Region.

He said he feared not being able to spend all the K100 million before the end of the current budget year, next March 31, a concern echoed by other MPs.

“If it takes until early 2014 to draw up the procedures, we’ll only have three months to spend the

entire amount,” said Daw Nyo Nyo Thin, adding tha t the time crunch could lead to plans being drawn up in haste. “I don’t w ant to be just a rubber stamp.”

‘H alf the budget year has passed but we haven’t implemented anything yet.’

บ Sai Thiha KyawPyithu H lu ttaw representative

To avoid this possibility, Pyidaung­su Hluttaw Speaker Thura บ Shwe Mann has urged MPs to finalise spend­ing plans in advance even before the money is distributed, said บ Hla Swe. “I have appropriated K5 million for60 plans, including repairing school buildings and hospitals, he said.

The 25 percent of military MPs, who represent no constituency, are not included in the regional develop­ment spending plan.

- Translation by Thiri M in Htiin

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UNESCO to assist with overhaul of university journalism program

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THE curriculum for a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program offered by the National M anagement College will be completely overhauled with assistance from the United Nations, the college’s principal said last week.

“We are planning to use the new curriculum prepared by UNESCO in the coming 2013-14 academic year,” principal บ Than Win said on October 9.

The college’s board of studies was to hold a workshop on October 20 to discuss the new curriculum.

“The details of the course will only be confirmed after workshop,” he said.

According to UNESCO, the cur­riculum is benchmarked against the UNESCO Model Curricula for Journal­ism Education and borrows concepts

from curriculums used at institutions in neighbouring countries.

The proposed courses in the UNESCO curriculum include Jour­nalism and Society, Media Laws, Journalism Ethics, Writing News in English, and Translation for Jour­nalists. The proposed specialised courses are Reporting Diversity, Economics and Business Reporting, and Public Affairs Reporting. The production courses are specialised and cover Newspaper Journalism, Radio Journalism, TV Journalism, Magazine Journalism and Interac­tive Journalism.

The National M anagement Col­lege was established in 2007 and introduced its journalism program the same year, accepting up to 50 students each academic year. The college is conducting a journalism education improvement program in collaboration with UNESCO.

www.mmtimes.com News 15

Hundreds of thousands enslaved in Myanmar: report

A worker digs out soil to to make bricks at a factory on the outskirts of Yangon last week. Photo: AFP

IN BRIEF

Shan leader praises ‘transparency’ of Kachin talksA Leader of the Red Shan ethnic group from Kachin s ta te has praised the governm ent and the Kachin Independence O rganisation fo r in v it­ing it to observe recent peace ta lks in Myitkyina.

บ San Wai, the patron of a Red Shan m ilitia in Kachin State 's Tar Law Gyi v illage near M yiktyina, was one of five Shan com m unity leaders w ho observed the October 8-10 ta lks , w h ich resu lted in a seven- point agreem ent. Representatives from two Shan po litica l parties, the Tai-Leng (Red Shan) N ationa lities Developm ent Party and the Shan N a tiona lities D em ocratic Party, were a lso present.

"This is the firs t tim e I was able to partic ipa te as an observer on behalf o f Shan e thn ic people in the peace ta lks " between the governm ent and KIO, บ San Wai said.

"Before th is, we never knew what they are doing, w ha t they discussed. We can say tha t th is has brought g rea te r transparency to the peace ta lks . We also had the chance to give advice. I am very pleased to be able to partic ipa te ."

He said he was pa rticu la rly pleased at the pledge to continue sca ling back the conflic t.

"Both sides concluded at the d iscussion tha t the re had been less figh ting between them ," he said. "They also agreed not to m ine the ra ilw ay and to reopen the Bham o road w ith in fou r m onths."

- Khin รน Wai

Minister pushes for agriculture co-opsM in is ter fo r A gricu ltu re and Irriga tion บ Myint Hlaing used his address on W orld Food Day on October 16 to ca ll fo r the establishm ent of cooperative agribusiness associations to boost fa rm ing productivity and alleviate ru ra l poverty.

บ Myint Hlaing said there is a c lear need to form agro-based industries tha t can generate h igher value f in ­ished products - and in the process boost fa rm ers ' incomes - ra the r than relying on the curren t practice of exporting m ostly raw m ateria ls.

We need to create h igher living standards and incomes fo r fa rm ers by prom oting the country's ag ribus i­ness sector, he said.

He added that M yanm ar had once been the w orld 's highest exporter of rice and needs to find ways of again penetrating the in te rna tiona l m a r­kets and boosting exports and export earnings.

บ Myint Hlaing added that years of low income fo r fa rm ers have pushed many ru ra l w orkers to find o ther pro ­fessions. - Pyae Thet Phyo, transla­tion by Zar Zar Soe

Workshop on constitution heldReducing the role of the m ilita ry in politics, and o ther aspects of c iv il-m ilita ry relations, were among the hot topics addressed in a public fo rum on the constitution. More than 300 people, many of them from p o liti­cal parties and civ il society organisa­tions, took part.

Organised by the People's N etw ork on the Constitution, the forum , at Yangon's Royal Rose restaurant on October 17, focused on the process o f amending the 2008 constitution. O ther topics under discussion inc lud ­ed the country's federa l s tructure , human righ ts including the righ ts of w om en and w orkers and land rights, and the qua lifica tions of presidentia l candidates.

Strong support was expressed fo r a reduction of the role of the m ilita ry in po litics and fo r a g rea te r infusion o f dem ocratic ideals.

The People's N etw ork on the Constitution is sponsored p rim arily by young m em bers of the National League fo r Democracy and other par­ties and civil society organisations. It has about 50 members. - Sandar Lwin

BRIDGET DICERTObridge t.d ice rtoO gm ail.com

AS many as 400,000 people are trapped in modern-day slavery in Myanmar, a new index estimates.

The inaugural Global Slavery Index 2013 released last week said between 360,000 and 400,000 of Myanmar’s estimated 52.8 million residents are hostage to slave-like conditions, placing it ninth out of 162 countries surveyed.

Based on these estimates 0.7 per­cent of the population is enslaved or enduring slave-like practices. India had the highest proportion of its population enslaved at about 1.12pc, the index said.

India and Myanmar are among a group of 11 countries that account for 76pc of the world’s 29.8 million peo­ple in modern-day slavery.

Compiled by the Walk Free Foun­dation, the index estimates absolute numbers of people bonded in slavery and analyses the risk of slavery in a population.

In the region Myanmar had the third-highest risk of slavery, behind Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan.

Factors or risks considered by the index were anti-slavery policies”, hu­

man rights, economic and social de­velopment, state stability, and wom­en’s rights and discrimination.

“Some countries, such as Myan­mar, have well drafted laws so the challenge relates to implementation,” the index stated.

Myanmar has ratified both the Forced Labour Convention and Free­dom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention but has been criticised in the past for flouting its obligations.

The index additionally assigned

a weighted ranking to each coun­try, based on absolute numbers of the population in slavery and risk factors. Myanmar ranked” 42, while Mauritania, which has deeply en­trenched hereditary slavery, topped the list.

“Whether it is called human traf­ficking, forced labour, slavery or slav­ery-like practices [a category that in­cludes debt bondage, forced or servile marriage, and sale or exploitation of children including in armed conflict] victims of modern slavery have their freedom denied, and are used and controlled and exploited by another person for profit, sex, or the thrill of domination,” the index stated.

The International Labour Organi­zation (ILO) lifted all its remaining restrictions on Myanmar in June this year. The ILO in cooperation with the government operates a Forced Labour Complaints Mechanism. This complaints mechanism is designed to allow genuine victims of forced labour, with the assistance of the ILO liaison office, an opportunity to seek redress from the government authorities in full confidence that no retaliatory action will be taken against them, according to ILO documentation.

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16 News THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

Election commission agrees to review protest law instructionParties say decision to force them to apply for permission for political rallies through provisions in peaceful protest law has proved unworkable because township officials are not following the rules

El El TOE LWIN

e ie itoe lw inO gm ail.com

UNION Election Commission chief บ Tin Aye has agreed to review an instruction issued to political parties earlier this year forcing them to ap­ply for permission under the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Protest Law to conduct public events.

The law, introduced in 2012, gives township police discretionary powers to block applications to stage political rallies or processions, and applications must be submitted at least five days in advance. However, political party lead­ers said at an October 11 meeting with บ Tin Aye that they normally have to submit applications weeks in advance to have any chance of approval.

“We have to request permission from the township administration or police force three weeks in advance,” said บ Sai Saw Aung, vice chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.

"We submit an application for per­mission according to the law but we receive permission just a day before the meeting. We have almost no time

to finalise our plans,” he said.บ Tin Aye said he would review the

instruction because of the difficulties it is causing parties.

“We abolished the old instruc­tion because it contradicted the law. I decided that everyone should follow the law but I didn’t consider that you might face these problems as a result. I understand your problems now and will review it,” he said.

In July the commission informed parties they would have to follow the peaceful protest law to hold party gatherings rather than an instruction issued in 2010, under which they had to give the commission at least one week’s notice of their plan to hold a party event. Significantly, however, the commission had no right to stop them.

บ Myo Kyaw, general secretary of the Arakan League for Democracy, said it had become harder to find ven­ues for events because of the change.

“The owners [of venues] ask us, ‘Do you have permission from the township administrator [to hold the meeting]? It’s not easy to get permis­sion. [The police or township officers] don’t want to grant permission easily, he said.

“We have to go to remote areas to explain about the current political process and we have many problems

getting permission there. But even if we want to hold a meeting in Yan­gon, we have to request permission ... about 20 days in advance. This delays our activities,” he added.

บ Myo Kyaw said despite the dif­ficulties most parties are careful to follow the law because of the stiff pen­alties for violations, which include a one-year jail term.

“There are many people who were charged under section 18 of the law because local authorities did not grant permission without giving any proper reason.”

บ Han Shwe, a member of the

‘I decided that everyone should follow the law but I didn’t consider that you might face these problems as a result. I ... w ill review it.’

บ Tin AyeElection Com m ission cha irm an

National Unity Party’s executive com­mittee, said parties are also confused about which of their events require prior permission.

“Section 2(b) states that people have the right to assembly peacefully in a public area. But the law doesn’t state what a public area is. Sometimes, particularly in rural areas, we use a monastery or private property for par­ty meetings. We are confused about whether we need to apply for permis­sion,” he said.

“We want to work under the com­mission and we request the chairman to review the instruction.”

A number of political parties are also pushing to amend the peace­ful protest law to remove section 18, which lists the punishments for breaches. The National League for De­mocracy plans to submit the proposed changes during the eighth session of parliament, which began on October 1.

But บ Kyee Myint, chairman of the Lawyers’ Network, told The M yanmar Times that the government should abolish the law because rules, proce­dures and penalties for gathering are already included in section 141 of the Penal Code.

"This law should not be amended,” บ Kyee Myint said. “The government enacted the law to restrict the freedom of the people.”

Project to map quake risk in Sagaing, Bago, TaungooAYE SAPAY PHYUayephyu2006(3gmail.com

SEISMIC hazard and risk maps now in the works for Sagaing, Bago and Taungoo will make it easier to iden­tify areas and buildings most vulner­able to potential earthquakes, an of­ficial from the University of Yangon’s Department of Geology says.

“We are testing soil conditions and properties in those three cities,” lecturer บ Myo Thant said, adding tha t the maps should be finished by March.

The project is a collaboration between the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, the Myanmar Geoscience

Society and the geology department, with funding from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN­HABITAT).

The two maps - hazard and risk- will cover different data, บ Myo Thant said. The seismic hazard map will include information on soil types, soil properties, the amplification fac­tor of seismic waves and peak ground acceleration, while possible loss and damages to infrastructure, and social and economic sectors will be covered by the risk map.

“The maps can be used in urban planning and infrastructure devel­opment in the future, as well as ret­rofitting work to allow constructed

buildings to be made more earth­quake-resilient. The aim of develop­ing these maps is to reduce loss and damages by earthquake.”

Daw Than Than Myint, a consult­ant with the Bangkok-based Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, said that disaster and climate risk man­agement need to be integrated into mainstream planning and not left on the fringes of discussions around development.

“Developmental gains achieved by Myanmar are often reversed because of the impact of disasters,” she said. “Skewed development itself increases vulnerability and exposure to natu­ral hazards. Development should be

sustainable, by considering disaster and climate risk management as part of the mainstream process.”

At least 90 people died and more than 18,000 were affected by two 6.8-magnitude earthquakes which struck Myanmar in March 2011 and November 2012, according to a Unit­ed Nations Office for the Coordina­tion of Humanitarian Affairs.

OCHA said that Myanmar is vul­nerable to a wide range of hazards, including floods, cyclones, earth­quakes, landslides and tsunamis, and that historical data shows there is a high likelihood of a medium- to large- scale natural disaster occurring every couple of years.

IN BRIEF

Dolphins born in protected areaThree Irrawaddy dolphins born in a protected area in Mandalay and Sagaing regions in May are เท good health, the M in istry of Livestock and F isheries says. บ Han Win, assistant fisheries o ffice r in the m in is try 's environm ent and endangered aquatic an im a l conservation unit, said fu rth e r surveys la te r th is month could un­cover more baby dolphins in the area.

He said the b irths were im portan t given that the population of the c r it i­cally endangered Irrawaddy dolphin appears to be on the decline.

The three baby dolphins born last May are s t i l l alive. We w ill find out if there are m ore dolphins breeding in fu rth e r surveys th is m onth," he said.

เท December 2005, the m in is try selected a 74-k ilom etre (46-m ile) stretch of the Ayeyarwady River between Mingun and Kyaukmyaung in Mandalay and Sagaing regions as a protected area fo r the dolphins.

- Aye Sapay Phyu

New Mandalay electricity minister appointedThe President Office's last week elevated Mandalay Region H luttaw representative บ Kyaw Myint to the position of regional m in is te r fo r e lec­tr ic ity and industry.

The incumbent m inister, บ Myint Kyu, has been appointed Mandalay Region m in is ter for finance and revenue, filling the position vacated on September 9 when บ Phone Zaw Han, a fo rm er mayor of Mandalay, was ap­pointed to the Nay Pyi Taw Council.

The la test appointm ents were an­nounced on October 15. บ Kyaw Myint represents the seat of Yamethin 2 เท the regional hluttaw. - Si Thu Lwin, translation by Zar Zar Soe

Arrested Mandalay jade trader was set up, says familyA fam ily is fighting to c lear the name of a man arrested fo r drug posses­sion, saying he was set up. Jade dea l­e r บ Lin Tun Thein, 411 was arrested on August 21 at a Mandalay karaoke lounge a llegedly in possession of 200 am phetam ine tab le ts concealed in a c igarette packet.

He and his fam ily say the packet was placed in his pocket by a p la in-clothed o ffice r from Southern Mandalay special drugs group. They allege tha t the police were called by another man who, they say, provided the packet.

บ Lin Tun Thein, who lives in Sa ward, Pyigyitagun township, has been charged w ith possession and faces t r ia l เท Mandalay d is tric t court.

At a press conference on October 15, his b ro the r Ko Aung Tun Ngwe told reporters tha t the fam ily has w ritten to the president, the com ­m ande r-in -ch ie f and the m in is te r fo r home a ffa irs "dem anding tha t the tru th come out".

"If we get no satisfaction, we w ill try to appeal to the hluttaw. Our fam ­ily has com m itted no crim e, and we w ill figh t fo r ou r dignity," he said.

บ Lin Tun Thein s w ife, Ma Aye Mon, said she had no grudge against the police in form ant, and wanted the tru th to come out.

A local elder, บ Than Tun Oo, said, "I've lived in the same ward as th is fam ily fo r 22 years and I know of no c rim in a l activity that they are involved

” Phyo Wa/ Kyaw, translation byเทThae Thae Htwe

www.mmtimes.com News 17

MMA to vote on headquarters plan in JanuaryYAMONPHUTHITyamon890gmaiL.com

REPRESENTATIVES from Myanmar Medical Association’s 88 branches will vote on a controversial plan to redevel­op the association’s Yangon headquar­ters at a meeting in January, chairman Dr Kyaw Myint Naing said.”

The voting will be conducted on January 11, the opening day of the as­sociation’s 60*11 annual medical confer­ence, which will run from January 11 to 17.

A secret vote will be conducted to decide whether the MMA should proceed with a plan to form a joint venture with a private company to redevelop the Thein Byu Road site in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township.

Representatives of its 88 branches will cast votes, association general sec­retary Dr Myint Thaung said.

“The official representatives will be elected from each branch by that branch’s members. Their vote's will therefore represent all the members,” he said.

The internal dispute over the cen­tral executive committee’s plan to work with a foreign company on the redevelopment has wracked the asso­ciation since the plan was announced in Mawlamyine in January.

CEC members said the move would create additional revenue for the as­sociation and allow it to conduct re­search, sponsor doctors for further study, improve association facilities for members and expand its public health activities.

But the proposal proved controver­sial among some of the association’s members, who questioned the motives of the central executive committee. In response to the anger, the CEC sched­uled a vote for July 13 but it was de­layed because, organisers said, there was not enough time to elect branch representatives.

CEC member Dr Tin Aye said on October 15 that the vote would defi­nitely go ahead and the result would be respected.

“It’s all about the result. Whether we do the proposal depends on the re­sult,” he said.

Dr Aung Khin Sint, chairman of the MMA Land and Building Protec­tion Committee, which was formed by members opposed to the project, said his group is also watching the process carefully to ensure it is fair.

“We will observe how transparent the voting is and will continue our work based on the result,” he said.

The MMA was established in 1949 and has more than 18,000 members.

88 Generation unveils plan for monument to fight for democracyEl El TOE LWINeieitoeLwinOgmaiL.com

THE 88 Generation is planning a monument - potentially a museum- to the 1988 uprising and all those who have given their lives for de­mocracy since the advent of military rule in Myanmar.

The group is seeking donations for the monument, which leader Min Ko Naing said will be a permanent re­minder of a time “when people unit­ed and fought to end oppression and injustice under the military regime”

The group is not yet sure what form the monument could take but hopes it will be similar to a museum, with artifacts from 1988.

“We have to continue to move with the ’88 spirit and we want to ensure that future governments don’t act in the same oppressive and unjust way again,” he said on Octo­ber 14.

The monument will honour all those who fought for democracy in Myanmar, said 88 Generation mem­ber Ko Zaw Thet Htwe.

“We consider it not only for the

8/8/88 students but all people who gave up their lives since the 1962 up­rising, Ko Zaw Thet Htwe said.

“So far we’ve really only got the idea and we only have K20 million in our hands ... It’s not enough ... Therefore we want to urge all, both local and international organisa­tions, to give us as much support as they can.

“Anyone can give us ideas about the monument. We want to coop­erate with everyone because we believe that the 8888 uprising con­cerned everyone.”

Tel ะ +95 1378975 (Ext:103)E-mail ะ info@intermachmyanmar.com

myanwater@ubm.com

18 News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

FEATUREMoving with the times: Bagan ̂horse carts face a new threatFor years the horse cart was the only option for visitors to Bagan but tourists are increasingly exploring temples on electronic bikes

El El THU91 .e ie ithu0gm a il.com

KO Ye has ferried tourists around the temples of Bagan in his horse cart for 11 years. Visitor numbers have boomed in the intervening years - Myanmar welcomed 554,531 visitors through Yangon in 2012, up from 212,468 a decade earlier - but busi ness has never been worse.

He is unequivocal when asked why: the arrival, in 2012, of electric bicycles, which are not covered by a municipal ban on tourists using mO' torcycles in the Nyaung Oo area.

“They [tourists] are allowed to take the electric bike because it has pedals,” Ko Ye told The M yanm ar Times as he waited for customers at the gates of Ananda Pagoda. “That harms our income.”

The downturn in business has left Ko Ye - and the 240 other horse cart drivers he estimates operate in Nyaung Oo - wondering whether the horse cart’s days are numbered.

He used to make about K25,000 a day before electric bicycles - better known as e-bikes - became popular in the middle of this year. Now, he said, a day can go by without one single passenger.

He charges K10,000 for a half-day and K15,000 a day for locals, and K12,000 and K20,000 respectively for foreigners.

“When I earn K10,000 or more, I give K7000 [to the owner] for a day. If

‘M ore tourists are com ing than last year but w e are still sitting beside the road.’

Ko YeBagan horse ca rt d rive r

I

Tourists take a horse cart through a gate in the walls of the old city of Bagan. Photo: Kaung Htet

I don’t get any passengers the whole day I tell the owner and I don’t need to pay money. But then I haven’t got anything for my family, either,” he said. “If I don’t do this job I don’t know what else I can do in Bagan.”

It costs about K2 million (US$2000) to buy a horse cart, he said. Like Ko Ye, about half of the drivers rent from other people. The owners have to pay K15,000 in tax each year to the municipal authori­ties. Ko Ye says no tax is being col­lected on electric bikes.

“The development committee said they plan to charge a tax of about K80,000 [a year] for electric bikes. But now they have been running for about five months without being taxed ... So more tourists are coming than last year but we are still sitting beside the road.”

But not everyone is unhappy about

the arrival of the new technology. บ Than Soe, who rents out e-bikes and bicycles from a shop in front of Areind- mar Hotel in New Bagan, agreed that e-bikes are a faster route to tourists’ wallets compared to horse carts.

“The horse carts are not hired as much now that e-bikes are popular,” he said.

He started offering e-bikes in March 2013 after tourists began to ask for them after seeing them else­where in Bagan. But he’s quick to emphasise that business isn’t always a smooth ride.

“E-bikes also have difficulties,” said บ Than Soe. “We have to charge the battery all night so it can go the whole day. Sometimes an e-bike breaks a wheel and can’t be used. Guests leave it somewhere and call me to pick it up. That is trouble for me.”

บ Than Soe now oversees a fleet

of 17 bicycles and five e-bikes. A day’s rental of an e-bike brings in K8000 compared to K3000 for a regular bi­cycle, but electric bikes are a much bigger investment, costing nearly K400,000 to purchase. And despite the fact that they bring in more income, บ Than Soe said they can be more costly to maintain than horse carts.

“E-bikes are very heavy to carry when their batteries run out. If that happens they are more trouble than horse carts. They need four batteries. Each costs K25*000, which is more than horse feed, he added.

บ Khin Maung Htwe, secretary of the M yanmar Restaurant Asso­ciation’s Bagan branch, said e-bikes are suited to the Bagan terrain. They don’t em it exhaust like m otor­cycles, he said, and yet they’re small enough th a t they w on’t cause traffic jam s on the area’s narrow roads the

way cars and buses do.While he said authorities should

encourage e-bikes as they blaze a new trail in the local economy, he also added that it’s im portant that the new technology doesn’t rein in other local money-making opportunities.

“What we want to make sure is that all are doing business,” said บ Khin Maung Htwe. “[The city] may need to issue licence plates for bikes to be systematic.”

He added that, e-bikes or no e- bikes, he’s not worried about the more traditional source of horse­power riding off into one of Bagan’s famous sunsets any time soon.

“Tourists arriving in Bagan might take a horse cart one day and then an e-bike on another,” บ Khin Maung Htwe said. “The culture of riding horse carts will remain for a long time into the future.”

Medical association trials new emergency ambulance hotlineYAM0NPHUTHITyamon89ragmaiL.com

“1830”: That will soon be the num ­ber to call if you need an am bu­lance, the president of the Myanmar Medical Association says.

Dr Kyaw Myint Naing said the num ber will summon am bulances a t any hour of the day and replaces a series of tough-to-rem em ber nine­digit numbers.

“The new hotline is more con­venient than the previous num bers, which were difficult to memorise and were not widely known,” he said.

Emergency am bulance services commenced operating in Yangon in October 2012. The service provides free pre-hospital care and tran s­portation services for emergencies, which include bu t are not limited to traffic accidents and natural or man-made disasters.

“People in emergencies suffer shock and have difficulty rem em ­bering anything,” he said. “So the fewer the digits in our hotline the easier it is to memorise.”

In August, Pyidaungsu Hlut- taw Speaker Thura บ Shwe Mann urged the M inistry of Communica­tions, Posts and Telegraphs to issue a three- or four-digit num ber for the am bulance services following a recom m endation from the medical association.

Speaking during the seventh ses­sion of parliam ent, Thura บ Shwe Mann said the long phone num bers currently in use made it harder for people to access help in an em er­gency.

Ambulance service general m an­ager Dr Aung Lin told The M yanm ar Times tha t the four-digit hotline is being trialled and will be formally launched “soon”. In the meantime, phone calls to the hotline will be

answered and ambulances des­patched as necessary, he said.

Operating from MMA’s head office in M ingalar Taung Nyunt township, the service runs five am ­bulances. In the past 12 months the am bulances have been sent to render assistance to more than 460 people, of whom 66 were injured in traffic accidents, Dr Aung Lin said.

He added th a t access to the ho t­line is critical because ambulance service operators also provide trau ­m a guidance before the ambulance arrives.

“When we receive a call, we first ask w hat the problem is and provide w hat advice we can before the am ­bulance arrives,” he said.

“If the patient is unconscious, we advice his or her companion to turn the patient on his or her side and check tha t the pa tien t’s airway is not blocked.”

The service was established with

support from both the MMA and Max M yanmar’s Ayeyarwady Foun­dation. But its work is only ju s t be­ginning, Dr Aung Lin said.

“We need to increase public

awareness and trust,” he said. “Some people would never dare to call our service because they are afraid tha t we will charge them money, even though it is totally free of charge.”

www.mmtimes.com News 19

Car dealers accuse Mandalay company of $3.1m fraudTHAN NAING SOEthennaingsoeragmaiL.com

A GROUP of car dealers in Mandalay who say they were “duped” out of K3 billion (US$*3.1million) by a local im­port firm have appealed to President บ Thein Sein and the Mandalay Region government for justice.

The group, which sent request let­ters on September 28, has also threat­ened to report the Chan Aye Thar San township company to police and is consulting with lawyers about possible criminal and civil charges.

The company, Lin Kabar, allegedly sold about 150 luxury cars to the deal­ers at a slight discount to the market

price for registered vehicles.While the cars arrived in Mandalay,

the company failed to arrange the reg­istration of the cars - leaving the own­ers with no licence plates, owner books or other registration documents.

“We are now negotiating a settle­ment. If no agreement can be reached, we will press charges against the com­pany” car dealer Ko Aung said.

“We paid the full price for the cars on contract. But [the company’s own­ers] suddenly disappeared when the cars were in our hands.”

The dealers said they have worked with the company for the past 10 years and never had problems. “But now they have swindled us,” Ko Aung said.

Other buyers were told to contact car companies in Yangon to arrange the registration for the vehicles. These companies, however, said the process

‘W e paid the full price for the cars on the contract... They have swindled us.’

Ko AungM andalay-based car dea ler

would cost K3 million for each vehicle and require a car import permit val­ued at K11.5 million, said Ko Aung Na­ing Win, one of the aggrieved buyers. “So now we are left having to pay an additional K14.5 million,” he said.

“The companies in Yangon are ask­ing us for more money [to arrange the registration],” confirmed another cheated dealer, บ Win Naing. “If we don’t pay the money we will have to sell the cars at a loss as unlicensed vehicles.”

Most of the car dealers involved in the dispute are from Mandalay, but others from nearby towns such as Ma- daya, Singu, Sagaing and Pakkoku are also involved.

“I bought five cars. Buyers, includ­ing me, want to know when they will hw e vehicle licences for their cars,” said บ Maung Maung from Singu township.

A spokesperson for the import com­pany declined to comment. However, m September, one of the two partners in the business, Ko Aung Ye Lin, pub­lished a notice in state-run newspapers revealing that his other partner, Ko Kyaw Khaing Soe, had disappeared af­ter selling the cars to the dealers.

Ko Aung Ye Lin said he was no longer connected with Ko Kyaw Kha­ing Soe but was trying to resolve the dispute with those who were cheated.

- Translation by Zaw Winn

Taxi drivers push YCDC for clarity on registrationsA planned handover of taxi registration responsibilities to Ma Hta Tha never took place - but drivers say they are Still in the dark about the registration process

NYEINWIN

ayenyeinw in.m cm ragm ail.com

YANGON’S taxi drivers are asking the city’s municipal and traffic authorities to improve their communication fol­lowing a debacle over taxi registrations.

Drivers say confusion over which body is in charge of handling registra­tions is costing them money, and have asked that future announcements be made through state-run newspapers and on television so that everyone gets the message.

Taxi driver บ Maung Maung said it is easy for the city’s cabbies to not know about new notifications - and end up paying for it in the form of fines.

“The relevant department should announce new rules and regulations for taxi drivers in newspapers and on television,” he said. “The notices should have a start and end date for the regu­lation, and there should be an educa­tion period where we are not penalised if we re in the wrong.

S y d n e y H a r b o u r B o a t b u i l d e r s ( Y a n g o n )

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Fixed P rice Q u o te s » Fixed D e a d lin e s

Full W e ste rn S e rv ice P roject M a n a g e m e n t

A ll W o rk G u a ra n te e d

“When taxis drivers break the rules we can be fined - I got a fine of K51,500 from the Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Traffic Rules Enforce­ment,” บ Maung Maung said. “It would be best if the notifications were broad­cast for five days continuously’

He added that some processes are needlessly difficult and expensive. “Now, all taxi drivers are trying to do their registrations at once, so it IS over­crowded.”

Yangon City Development Commit­tee (YCDC) is in charge of taxi registra­tion but earlier this year the Yangon Region Buses Control Committee, bet­ter known by its Myanmar acronym of Ma Hta Tha (central), announced it would take over responsibility from April 1. When the transfer of responsi­bility did not eventuate, a clarification was published in state media but many drivers did not know about it until they were fined, said driver บ Ko Ko.

"We have been changing our old cars for newer ones and we asked YCDC for a city taxi registration,” he said. “But the officials we spoke to said they were no longer in charge and referred us to Ma Hta Tha. We had no idea which department we needed to contact, and

A Suzuki R+ taxi stops at a traffic jam in Yangon last week. Photo: Zarni Phyo

only found out that YCDC remains in charge of registrations when we are fined.”

บ Nyi Nyi Oo, deputy head of YCDC’s Revenue Department, admit­ted that the committee had erred in not better publicising the decision to keep taxi registration m-house.

"We planned to shift taxi registra­

tion to Ma Hta Tha but we did not fol­low through, and we didn’t announce that decision widely enough,” he said.

The committee is processing about 150 to 200 registrations a day but this is nowhere near enough to cope with demand. To avoid wast­ing time in queues, some drivers have resorted to a time-honoured tradi­

tion of paying an agent to complete the registration for them, paying from K20,000 to K30,000.

“This is the first time I’ve needed to register my taxi and I didn’t want to do the process myself,” said taxi driver บ Myint Oo Naing. “I hired an agent who got it done in a day. It cost me K30,000. If you do it yourself it is K10,500.”

P h ะ P e t e r ( 9 5 9 4 2 0 0 4 8 1 3 4 ) A l a s t a i r ( 9 5 9 4 2 0 1 1 1 7 0 2 ) E m a i l ะ p e t e r < ® s y d n e y h a r b o u r b o a t b u i l d e r s . c o m

ะ a l a s t a i r < S > s y d n e y h a r b o u r b o a t b u i l d e r s . c o m

20 News THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

Mandalay residents walk past shops and houses built Illegally on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Photo: Phyo Wai KyawConfrontation looming over riverside homes

IN BRIEF

Nok A ir to begin Yangon- Bangkok serviceThai ca rrie r Nok A irw il l Launch fligh ts between Yangon and Bangkok's Don Mueang International A irport on November 1, an o ffic ia l from the Thai embassy in Yangon said Last week.

Charge d'affaires Chainarong Keratiyutwong said the expansion was made possible by the government's efforts to encourage more airlines to enter the m arket to meet demand from business trave lle rs and foreign tourists.

However; he said Thailand "want[s] to see more competition" in Myanmar's skies, adding that th is would bring bet­te r quality services, reasonable prices and more choice for consumers.

The new a irline w ill s ta rt w ith four fligh ts a week from Yangon to Don Mueang. A ll services w ill use a Boeing 747-800 w ith 189 seats.

The a irline began services between Yangon and the Thai border town of Mae Sot on October 1 using a SAAB 340B a ircra ft w ith 34 seats. - Wa Lone

UNESCO launches peace education in Rakhine StateEducation for peace - that is the aim of a US$300,000 program that w ill tra in teachers in con flic t-h it Rakhine State. The UNESCO project w ill oper­ate in 40 schools in Maungdaw, Buthi- daung and Rathedaung townships, and planning is already underway.

The M inistry of Education an­nounced its approval of the scheme on Septem ber 21 - the International Day of Peace.

"The project has started opera­tions and is in its in itia l design phase," said Daw Khin Khin Lwin, a program o fficer at UNESCO Myanmar. The aim is "prom oting education fo r a ll and providing access to all", she said.

The program w ill tra in 350 basic ed­ucation school teachers, reactivate 40 parent-teacher associations and set up three com m unity learning centres in each township. UNESCO said the project would also help facilitate civic dialogues on in te r-cu ltu ra l awareness and peaceful co-existence.

In itia l funding is being provided by the Belgian government, and funding is likely to be increased as various foreign donors show interest in the project, said Daw Khin Khin Lwin.

- Sandar L win

Sagaing residents to appeal trespassing ja il termThree people who lived on vacant land in Sagaing Region w ith perm ission from local offic ia ls fo r more than 10 years have been given a one-m onth ja il te rm fo r trespassing. Their sup­porters have sent an appeal to Nay Pyi Taw against the verdict, which was handed down on October 10.

บ Kyaw Kyaw, head of H tut Khaung village, said the 1.15-acre site was fo rm erly used fo r a failed castor oil plantation.

"People living there are not squat­ters. The fo rm er heads of the village allowed them to live there ... more than 10 years ago," he said. "The of­fic ia ls who charged them d idn 't even come to look at the village ... The resi­dents should not be sentenced to one m onth's im prisonm ent. The villagers w ill send a com pla int le tte r to Nay Pyi Taw because it is not fair."

เท 2011, residents applied to the township Settlem ents and Land Records Departm ent for perm ission to live perm anently on the land. Later, a nunnery from Sagaing also applied to use the land. Local adm inistrators, however, asked the departm ent to is­sue the perm it to the residents.

- Hlaing KyawSoe

CorrectionThe artic le "Despite violence, M uslims to press on w ith Eid festivities th is week", published in the October 14­20 edition (No 699) of The Myanmar Times, said บ Myo Win is a m em ber of Yangon's Islam ic Centre. บ Myo Win is no longer associated w ith the centre. We regret the error.

PHYO WAI KYAWpwkyawO gm ail.com HLAING KYAWSOEhla ingkyaw soe850gm ail.com

FAMILIES living in temporary huts and houses along the Ayeyarwady River in Mandalay’s Chan Aye Thar San township are petitioning the municipal authorities not to follow through with a threat to evict them.

In the first week of October, Man­dalay City Development Committee sent notifications to residents in the area ordering them to move by the end of the month. It also warned that those who refuse to leave will face le­gal action under municipal laws.

Residents, however, say they are doing everything they can to make their presence permanent.

“We’ve sent petitions to the may­or, the office of the chief m inister of Mandalay Region and other relevant

PHYO WAI KYAWSI THU LWIN TOE WAI AUNGnew sroom O m yanm artim es.com .m m

POLICE have investigated a string of suspicious objects amid heightened anxiety over a series of blasts and unexpioded devices found in Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing.

At least 12 explosive devices were detonated, discovered or defused be­tween October 9 and October 16, but several more suspected bombs turned out to be false alarms.

On October 16, a cardboard box was spotted in an external corridor on the first floor of Mandalay’s Zaygyo Market. After a careful examination, police con­firmed it was empty. “It’s just a symptom of people’s anxiety at this time,” a senior police official from Chan Aye Thar San township said.

The potential impact of an explo­sion in the Zaygyo Market, particu­larly in the lead-up to a festival like Thadingyut, when there is a higher- than-normal number of customers, could be devastating.

“Business could be hurt if people

officials asking them to take into ac­count the fact tha t we rely on the riv­er for our livelihoods ... We will get into trouble if we have to move from here,” said resident Ma Kay Thwe.

Thousands of people live illegally along the Ayeyarwady River bank, with the area between Nyaungkwal and Kywalsun ports the most densely populated. The majority earn their living as casual labourers carrying goods from ships that dock along the river.

The M yanm ar Times contacted the deputy head of the cleaning de­partment, บ Soe Tint Aung, for com­ment but he said he did not know about the eviction order.

Some residents said they have lived legally in the area for the past two decades by paying land tax to MCDC.

“Beside the riverbank it’s easier for us to earn money,” said one female

think the market is not safe so officials should handle these frightening inci­dents carefullyf said the 55-year-old owner of a wholesale slipper shop in the market.

Similarly, a suspicious cardboard box was found in Pyinmana’s Myoma Market at about 11am on October 15. “The box contained sand and sheets of cardboard,” a spokesperson from the market said.

A similar scare occurred on October15 on Yangon’s Mahabandoola Road, a busy shopping street, when a leather bag was found discarded in a rubbish bin in front of a computer shop. Police removed the bag, which is not thought to have contained explosives.

“It was first noticed at about 10am and we informed the police station be­cause we were unsure about it,” said one resident of 37s Street. “Police set up sandbags and tyres around it and then called an engineer unit. They used their sniffer dogs to investigate the bag. After checking I t ... they took it away’

Other incidents were also reported in Yangon, where social media fuelled rumours of further bombings. Ko Aung Soe from Thaketa township, where a

labourer, as she carried a bag of char­coal to the shore.

“We have children attending the local school so it is hard to move. We have been warned countless times to move ... If we have to go somewhere else we will just return again because we’ll be destitute in any other place.”

The threat rings true: After the committee’s Cleaning Department and local government officials de­molished illegal homes in the area in June 2011, evicted families promptly returned to the site.

“In 2011, officials evicted us from this site as part of a plan to beautify Strand Road,” said the 45-year-old owner of a roadside restaurant, who asked not to be named.

“There are 90 huts around my shop. Those people are really poor so they will live here as long as they can.”

- Translation by Zar Zar Soe

bomb went off on October 14, injur­ing two teenage boys, said numerous rumours were spreading about further devices having been uncovered, most of which turned out to be false.

“I’m just trying to listen to the statements that are released by the officials and what is reported on FM

Speaker pushes govt to stabilise, develop RakhineWIN KO KO LATTw inko la tt20120gm a il.com

PYIDAUNGSU Hluttaw Speaker Thu- ra บ Shwe Mann has urged President บ Thein Sein to stabilise unrest-hit Rakhine State by better implementing the rule of law, preventing illegal im­migration and bringing socio-econom­ic development.

Thura บ Shwe Mann said devel­opm ent would decrease poverty and must be considered a priority to end the communal violence in the state, he wrote in a letter to the president dated October 15.

“[The] hluttaw will also promptly implement the cases [that are pre­sented] to it,” the letter states.

His letter comes following a meet­ing in Yangon on September 29 at which Thura บ Shwe Mann prom­ised “support” for Rakhine efforts to safeguard the country’s borders from illegal immigrants. The meeting was attended by more than 500 people and touched on a range of issues, including stability, security, develop­ment, the rule of law - and a propos­al to form a local m ilitia in Rakhine State. The speaker promised partici­pants tha t he would forward the is­sues raised to the government.

บ Zaw Aye Maung, a m inister for Rakhine affairs in the Yangon Region government, said last week Thura บ Shwe Mann s letter also touched on the need to find ways to solve the conflict “in a democratic m anner”.

บ Zaw Aye Maung thanked the speaker for sending the letter to the president and particularly for high­lighting the issue of illegal migra­tion. He estimated there are more than 500,000 illegal immigrants in Rakhine State.

A meeting concerning poverty and development in Nay Pyi Taw in Sep­tember 2012 suggested the formation of industrial zones in Rakhine State could help to develop the state and al­leviate widespread poverty. - Transla­tion by T hin M in H tun

radio stations.”Despite the false alarms, Manda­

lay City Development Committee has urged those working in hotels and pub­lic places, such as markets or highway bus terminals, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or people.

- Translation by Zar Zar Soe

Multiple false alarms as fear rises after bombings

A police officer hold an empty cardboard box that sparked a bomb scare in Mandalay’s Zaygyo Market on October 16. Photo: Si Thu Lwin

www.mmtimes.com News 21Residents of Shid Ein Dan village in Yesagyo township sit beside a recently eroded stretch

of the riverbank this month. Photo: Wa Lone

In Magwe, a village under threatWALONEwalone140g mail, com

THE Chindwin River is devouring neighbouring farmland as erosion sweeps away hundreds of acres, de­stroying homes and bringing poison­ous snakes and disease. Local resi­dents have appealed to the regional authorities for help but say they are being ignored.

Every year the west bank of the Chindwin,” as it flows through Pakokku and Yesagyo townships in Magwe Re­gion, crumbles further as the swollen waters claim more land. Villages have been repeatedly displaced and farm­ers reduced to ruin as their lands are washed away.

Shid Ein Dan village, in Yesagyo township, has about 200 houses. The village has been uprooted twice as the neartiy riverbank collapsed, taking with it 300 acres of land.

Resident Ko Htain Oo, 42, said he once had 5 acres but lost all of it last year through erosion.

“My family has been displaced three times,” he said. “And 95 houses of my village have collapsed into the river, including my house last year. Every time the bank collapses it takes

15 to 20 houses with it. This has been going on since 1997.”

Landless villagers are reduced to working as labourers for other farm­ers, growing onions on alluvial land, or even making sticks of incense for K1000 a day or less.

Shid Ein Dan village has relocated itself further from the river onto what was previously farmland. But villagers say they have to pay K20,000-K50,000 annual rent, and are not allowed to dig wells or latrines.

They also fear snakes. Daw Saw Shwe, 62, told The M yanm ar Times that a pregnant woman was bitten by a venomous snake while she slept in her bed. “The snake floated in with the tide when the river flooded,” she said. “Two other villagers have been bitten since we moved here.”

Old people and children are suffer­ing severe health problems, including dengue haemorrhagic fever and diar­rhoea because of the bad water. They cannot even bury their dead safely since the cemetery was swept away.

“I don’t think we will be allowed to burn dead bodies on these farmlands if somebody dies in this village,” one resident said. “When an old man died of a broken heart after his house had been swept away by the flood, we had to burn his body on a hill near the river.”

บ Ohn, of the Forest Resources Environment Development and

‘Every tim e the bank collapses it takes 15 to 20 houses w ith it. This has been going on since 1997.’

Ko Htain OoResident of Shid Ein Dan

Conservation Association (FREDA), said the erosion and landslides were due to deforestation and the chang­ing climate.

“It’s about the deforestation of tid­al areas and 80 percent deforestation along the Ayeyarwady River,” he said.

villagers were expecting a visit from Magwe Region Chief Minister บ Phone Maw Shwe on October 3 but it was later cancelled. The regional au­thorities had promised to dig two 500- foot (152-metre) sluiceway pools to reduce erosion but instead are investi­gating other, more “modern” measures

to stem the erosion, a local water re­sources department official said.

“We don’t have an emergency res­cue committee for erosion and land­slide areas, but our regional depart­ment is taking steps to deal with this problem on an urgent basis,” he said.

But village administrator บ Thaung Htay said the regional government was hampering local efforts to resettle the displaced.

“The village and township level administration have agreed to reset­tle the villagers, but there is a dispute at the regional level over where they should go,” he said.

“Our villagers have been suffering a decline in their social and economic conditions as the river bank has col­lapsed, and we need support from the regional authorities.”

บ Khay Meinda, a Buddhist monk, said most residents have been reluc­tan t to leave until right before their homes topple into the river. “Some villagers can afford to buy land else­where,” he said. “But they have lived with the threat of this natural disaster for many years because they wanted to save their village.”

Gangaw residents oppose Myitthar dam planTHAN NAINGSOEthennaingsoeragmaiL.com

RESIDENTS of four villages in Magwe Region’s Gangaw town­ship said they will not move from their settlements to make way for the proposed Myitthar hydroelec­tric dam project until they receive sufficient compensation.

The government is prepar­ing planning for a new town - Sanpya Myitthar Myothit - to house those due to be resettled from Sabei, Panan, Yinmar and Sinpone villages. A total of 5788 acres, including more than 1600 acres of farmland, will be includ­ed in the dam’s floodway.

However, the residents said the new town does not have enough farmland and lacks the basic features of a town.

Residents are yet to receive information about how much money they will be compensated for their lost houses and land.

“We have yet to negotiate about compensation,” said บ Than Swe from Panan village.

Residents have demanded that the new town include a monastery, school, hospital, cre­matorium, playground, roads and other basic amenities.

The Myitthar dam project was announced in the 2001-02 financial year, with an installed capacity of 40 megawatts. It will also be used to irrigate 12,000 acres of farmland, official docu­ments for the dam project show.

Residents, however, say they are sceptical the dam will be able to fulfil its intended function.

“The Myitthar River typi­cally runs dry in the summer but floods in the wet season,” said บ Shwe Ko from Panan village. “It’s impossible that the dam can ir­rigate 12,000 acres of farmland given the geography of this area.”

Other residents said the dam’s spillway collapsed in 2006, and its temporary dyke was breached in 2007 and 2008 during floods.

- Translation by Zar Zar Soe

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22 THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

B u s in e s sBomb fallout hits touris

Hotel bomb takes toll on businessAYE THIDAR KYAWayethidarkyawOgmaiL.com

THE bombing at Traders Hotel that injured one American national has already tarnished the Yangon staple’s business, a hotel director said.

Daw Yin Mar Nyo, director of sales and marketing at the Shangri-La- owned luxury hotel, said while the hotel is operating as usual, there had been a small number of cancellations from concerned tourists.

“We are still getting regular cus­tomers in check-in and check-out, and in the restaurant as well,” she told The M yanmar Times, declin­ing to comment in detail about the cancellations.

Due to the ongoing investigation, Daw Yin Mar Nyo said she could not speculate about the series of bomb­ings that rocked Yangon last week.

“A few of our customers worry about that, but the issue is in many places at the moment, not just [at Traders],” she said.

She said the explosion that oc­curred in a 9“ level hotel room is “un­der investigation”.

“The local authorities and Shangri- La International Hotel Management Limited, which sent additional secu­rity personnel from Hong Kong, have both cleared, swept and secured the building. In addition, the analysis of the hotel’s CCTV footage and profiling by the police assisted the arrest of a suspect,” she said in a later statement emailed to The M yanmar Times. “In line with advice from our security experts and the prevailing situation, the hotel is supplementing its exist­ing comprehensive security surveil­lance systems and will deploy en­hanced security controls in the form of specialised technical equipment.”

AYE THIDAR KYAW El El THU

HOTEL and tourism-reliant business­es have begun to feel the fallout from the bombings in Yangon and across the country last week, including one at Traders Hotel, while others in the pri­vate sector are concerned about last­ing damage to tourism as the country approaches the high season.

With a dozen bombs found or ex­ploded last week, several embassies have already issued travel warnings advising against travel to Myanmar as the government has alluded that some of the attacks were aimed at foreigners.

Parkroyal Hotel marketing man­ager Ma Michelle Win said her hotel has already experienced cancellations and would likely see more in coming weeks due to the high-profile bombing at Traders Hotel.

“We have experienced bombings [in Yangon] before, but not in a hotel. This is the first time in a hotel and we are quite concerned.

“We have attended emergency meetings about the impact on tour­ism and we have increased [the num ­ber of] security guards, checking all guests’ bags. The only thing hotels can do is to increase security’ she said. “Tourists [coming to Yangon] should insist that security guards are check­ing their bags and their rooms.”

Governor’s Residence sales coordi­nator Ma Shwe Sin also said there has been some cancellations at the hotel.

“We have had a group tour cancel,” she told The M yanm ar Times. “We have had some cancellations from people who were supposed to come in December or even next year.”

But, perhaps the most heavily im­pacted business is the high-end Trad­ers Hotel, where an American tourist was injured by a bomb blast October

14. The blast made international head­lines and the hotel issued a statement online to allay fears over hotel safety.

Ministry of Hotels and Tourism di­rector general บ Aung Zaw Win said the explosions in hotels in Yangon and other towns were the result of weak­nesses in CCTV security and hotel housekeeping.

Speaking at a televised press con­ference October 15, the director gener­al said the focus of the ministry would be ensuring the safety of the 33 hotels in Yangon and other towns that will be linked to the SEA Games visitors in

December.บ Aung Zaw Win said the min­

istry held concerns that the image of Myanmar’s tourism sector would be tarnished in the minds of foreign visitors and that increased hotel secu­rity vigilance would be seen across the country.

The” bombings come on the cusp of Myanmar’s tourism high season, which also boasts several major festi­vals, as well as the SEA Games.

Myanmar Travel Association union secretary บ Naung Naung Han said he believed” the nation’s tourism industry

would be tainted by the bombings.“Due to the explosion other coun­

tries think Myanmar is not safe and secure so we will lose the kinds of op­portunities that developed in the years when the country was viewed optimis­tically,” he said. “Tourists can change their plans and visit other countries they view as safer,” he said. “We need proper management to ease concerns about security or natural disasters when the incidents occur. That is very important,” he said.

บ Phyo Wai Yaza, All Asia Exclusive Travel Company managing director,

Go Furtherford-myanmar.com

BUSINESS EDITOR: Philip Heijmans I pheijmans130gmaiLcom 23

Rubber exports to double

BUSINESS 25

Signing a lease: know your rights

PROPERTY29

Exchange Rates (October 19 close)

Currency Buying Se llingEuro K1310 K1325Malaysia Ringitt K300 K305Singapore Dollar K780 K785Thai Baht K31 K31.50US Dollar K970 K972

รท! sector

said that while other ASEAN coun­tries experienced bombings, such as in Thailand’s volatile south or in Indone­sia, Myanmar’s speedy and transpar­ent government announcements on the situation would help to ease tour­ists’ worries.

“The important thing is how gov­ernment and authorities handle and investigate [the bombings], raise secu­rity precautions and make transparent and timely announcements to the me­dia,” he said.

The Myanmar Restaurant Associa­tion also held briefings for members,

educating restaurateurs on correct procedures for bomb location and re­moval inside a dining environment.

“We don’t hold legal authority like the police so we have been educating members on what to do in a situation where there is a suspicious person in the restaurant,” บ Nay Lin, vice chair­man of the association, told The M y­anmar Times.

The governments of Australia, Brit­ain, France and the United States all issued travel alerts in the wake of the bombings, which killed two people and injured four others.

All travel alerts urged vigilance, but stopped short of advising against travel to the country.

Outside of Yangon, other tourism operators were reporting business as usual.

“We are not affected in any way,” said Ma Thin Sande, marketing man­ager with Air Mandalay. “The passen­gers are only worried about staying in Yangon hotels,” she said, adding that the airline had not seen a drop m res­ervations or increased cancellations.

An unattributed op-ed in the gov­ernment-run New Light o f M yanmar newspaper last Thursday aimed to dispel fears.

All the hotel rooms have been booked. The airports have been busy with tourists flooding into the country which has just woke up from a night­mare to see a beautiful morning,” the op-ed read.

“The recent blasts suggested that the bombers targeted tourist spots, in­cluding hotels and a pagoda parking lot in Sagaing, a town with abundant temples, pagodas and tourist spots near Mandalay.”

The new spaper also issued a call from police for anyone with in ­form ation about the bombings or nam ed suspects to come forward to authorities. The tourism industry generated about US$956 million m the 2012-13 fiscal year, M inistry of Hotels and Tourism statistics showed.

- Additional reporting by Bridget Di Certo

New trade program on wayAYE THIDAR KYAWayethidarkyaw O gm ail.com

AN internationally backed export support program will be im plem ent­ed next m onth to help reduce the country’s trade deficit, the Ministry of Commerce says. The program will follow completion this m onth of the National Export Strategy Workshop called to discuss the export deficit Myanmar has run up over the past two years.

Norway, Germany, Japan and Chi­na will provide financial and techni­cal assistance, said commerce minis­try spokesperson บ Win Myint.

“We know how to solve the problems of the lack of capital and technology in our domestic m arket through the workshop,” he said. “We will announce in November w hat the solutions are,” he said.

Total trade volume in the current year is more than US$11 billion, of which exports am ount to $5.4 billion, leaving a $500 million trade deficit, mainly because of the import of ve­hicles and construction materials for

investment, the ministry said.Spokesperson บ Win Myint added

tha t trade regulations governing re­mittance services and interest rates would be required.

MILLION

$5.6Value of exports thus far this year

The deficit has occurred since export credits were abolished two years ago, ending a practice by which im porters bought the credits, which were priced 10 percent higher than the US dollar value, to buy products, he said.

Firms face financial accuracy issues ahead of bourse launchAYE THIDAR KYAWayethidarkyaw O gm ail.com

MYANMAR companies might not be ready for the scheduled launch of the country’s stock exchange in 2015, of­ficials and experts are warning. The lack of transparency and accounting efficiency on the part of firms wish­ing to develop initial public offerings could contribute to the slowdown of the much-anticipated launch, they say.

Last month, officials developing the exchange said they were facing delays due to being unable to get a legai frame­work up and running.

Even with an operational stock ex­change, firms are still a long way from being able to list because they have not been subjected to modern auditing practices, the full and accurate disclo­sure of their finances or pressure to of­fer investor-oriented business planning, Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre executive director บ Soe Thein told The Myanmar Times.

“Public companies should begin of­fering accurate financial statements and to avoid [being seen as not] paying taxes, or tricking their auditors and fi­nancial regulators,” he said.

He added that even with a regula­tory framework in place, there has been little in the way of enforcement to pre­vent illicit activity. “Law enforcement is not effective and most public compa­nies do not follow the rules and regula­tions,” he said.

During a press conference in

September, Deputy Finance Minister Maung Maung Thein expressed simi­lar thoughts and voiced doubt as to whether any company had the capacity to restructure the way it does business in just two years.

“Stock exchanges historically took many years to set up in other coun­tries ... but we’ve just started and I can’t say we will complete ours” in time, he said.

Tatsuo Murao, founder of CAST Consulting, a firm that helps Japanese firms invest in local businesses, said in­efficient accounting and transparency practices stemmed from a lack of skilled professionals able to bring businesses up an international standard.

“Human resources staff equipped with the required financial skills need time to develop, so it would be difficult for Myanmar to be fully prepared for the start of the new stock exchange,” he said.

Water and soda manufacturing con­glomerate Loi Hein plans to open its books next March to the Daiwa Insti­tute of Research, which is providing IT support to help develop the exchange, said the company’s chairman Sai Sam Htun.

‘We will face some problems and we have to be sure of the strength of our funding through exchange rate fluc­tuations and other issues. The bigger a public company is, the bigger those im­pacts are,” he said.

“At this point, it is too early to say whether we would be able to achieve

Sai Sam Htun. Photo: staff

listing in time for the launch, he said.On July 31, President บ Thein Sein

signed the Securities Exchange Law, which allows for the establishment and operation of a securities regulator. Laws that will outline how the bourse will be regulated are still not yet in place, the Central Bank has said.

According to media reports last month, the managing director of the Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre, Shigeto Inami, said that only about eight companies might be listed on the exchange when it opens.

These are expected to include First Myanmar Investment (FMI), First Pri­vate Bank and Asia Green Development (AGD). Myanmar Citizens Bank and Forest Products Joint Venture Corp are currently traded over-the-counter and are also considered to be among those that would list.

24- Business THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

Protests held over proposed hotel at Aung San speech site

Protestors at the construction site in Hpa-an hold signs that read “ Get out.” Photo: Saw Sein Win

WALONEw a lo n e l 40gm a il.com

PLANS to build a new hotel in Hpa- an in a historic park with links to Bo- gyoke Aung San are at risk following an outbreak of public opposition.

Managing director บ Moe Kyaw of Sone Ye Construction said his com­pany had received “legal permission” from the Kayin State government to develop the US$15 million hotel on the corner of Kantharyar and Strand roads in the Kayin State capital. He dismissed demonstrators’ claims that the site had historical significance and should be left as a public park.

But after more than 1000 people, including Buddhist monks, staged a rally demanding a halt to the project, and after a flood of petitions and written complaints, he may be forced to reconsider.

At the demonstration in Hpa-an on October 6, protesters said the site had been used by Bogyoke Aung San to deliver a message of unity to ethnic Kayin prior to independence. They carried placards bearing the message, “Get Out”.

Local Amyotha Hluttaw repre­sentative บ Saw Aung Kyaw Naing of the Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party said he had raised the issue with Thura บ Shwe Mann when the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw speaker visited” Hpa-an in November 2012. The speaker ordered the Kayin State chief minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs to halt the develop­m ent immediately in line with the people’s wishes.

But บ Moe Kyaw of Sone Ye said the company had already paid $8.7 million m taxes and signed a con­tract with the Hpa-an district ad­ministrative office to complete the project within a year.

The project is being developed by three firms. One of those is Mya Htay Kywe Lin, a company run by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army that bought a 90-year lease on the land from the district administration

office in 2000.The other Amyotha Hluttaw rep­

resentative for Hpa-an, บ Mann Kan Nyunt of the USDP, said the DKBA company then sold shares in the property to Yaung Ni Oo and Sone Ye Construction as part of an agreement to jointly develop the hotel.

He said a complaints commit­tee set by the Amyotha Hluttaw had forwarded several letters about the project to parliament for further

investigation.The Kayin State government

did not respond when contacted for comment but the companies in­volved said they would respect the decision of the President’s Office and parliament.

“We will stop this project if they decide we are wrong,” said บ Moe Kyaw. “But if they decide we are right we will continue. It should be by the law.”

Demand for energy will double, ADBPHILIP HEIJMANSpheijm ans13Sgm aiL.com

ENERGY demand in Myanmar is ex­pected to double by 2035 as economic progress continues, according to a re­port issued last week by the Asian De­velopment Bank.

Energy demand is expected to rise at an annual rate of 3 percent on the heels of a growing need for electricity throughout the country, according to the regional report Energy Outlook fo r Asia and the Pacific.

As of 2010, energy consumption in Myanmar per capita was among the lowest in the region, at just 0.29 tonne of oil equivalent (toe), compared to a regional average of 0.92toe! The gov­ernment has stated that only about 30pc of Myanmar’s population has ac­cess to electricity.

“While Myanmar is on the way to developing its potential, the country is expected to see soaring demand for electricity, which is a fundamental input to every modern economy,” the report states.

Of the total amount of energy con­sumed, the residential, commercial, agricultural and fisheries industries will see a decline from 82.9pc in 2010 to 64.6pc as energy will be utilised elsewhere, the report states, adding that transportation is expected to ac­count for 23.4pc of total energy con­sumption in 2035.

“Income growth will boost the country’s motorisation, which entails fast growth of energy demand in the transport sector at a rate of 7.5pc per year,” it continues.

Kyauktan shrimp farmers consider quittingIN BRIEF

Google shares soar past $1,000 on strong earningsShares of Internet search and advertis­ing titan GoogLe soared more than 13 percent to pass the US$1,000 m ark for the firs t tim e at the cLose of the week after a strong earnings report.

The earnings demonstrated that GoogLe was smoothLy buiLding its pres­ence in the mobiLe area.

France’s Dumex pledges change after China bribery claimsFrench baby formuLa m aker Dumex has pLedged discipLinary action and management changes เท China after state media accusations surfaced recentLy that staff offered heaLthcare w orkers bribes to promote its products.

State teLevision reported Last month that Dumex employees made payments to doctors and nurses at hospitals in the northern city of Tianjin to provide Dumex formuLa to newborn babies. - AFP

MYAT NYEIN AYEm yatnyeinayel 1092SgmaiL.com

IT’S hard to see where it has gone all gone wrong: 7000 acres of prime aquaculture farm land only 30 miles or (48 kilometres), from the coun­try ’s biggest city and m arket, Yan­gon, bu t nearly half of the zone’s farm ers are giving up.

The zone, at Mayan Zwebar vil­lage in Kyauktan township in Yan­gon Region, includes nearly 50 farmers, bu t 22 say they m ust soon stop working because they are not m aking money.

The Myanmar Fisheries Federa­tion (MFF) says it will do w hat it can to provide technology and a t­trac t foreign investm ent, said the body’s vice president, บ Kyee Ngwe.

“This is a good place for farming because we can farm prawn and m a­rine fish species such as long-finned eel [ngalin ban], giant seabass (ka ka tit) and crab,” he said. “All of

those species can fetch good prices locally and internationally. But to do so we need good infrastructure and some capital.”

Tiger prawns are selling for be­tween K15,000 and K20,000 a viss (1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds), while long-finned eel trades for about K24,000 a viss and giant seabass sells for about K10,000 viss.

บ Kyee Ngwe added th a t farmers face high production and transport

MILLION

K1PossibLe earnings fo rshrim p farmers

per acre during a good year

costs, and do not have the capital needed to improve the ir operations.

“There are no good highway roads and no electricity, which makes life difficult for farmers,” he said. “And farm ers cannot upgrade the ir farms. Only about 700 acres of the zone can be said to have really good production.”

When farmers sell the ir produce nearby they are unable to get the best prices because the goods must be transported to Yangon, said บ Thein Kyaw Nyunt, owner of a 200- acre prawn farm.

“We cannot sell our products in Yangon m arkets because transport and freezing is expensive,” he said. “Ice sells for K1000 a pound in Yan­gon bu t i t’s K3000 here.”

He said th a t farmers m ust in ­stead accept lower prices, up to K2000 a viss, and sell to traders who transport to m arkets in town.

บ Thein Kyaw Nyunt said farmers need to invest K500,000 an acre and

in a good year when shrimp prices are high m ight earn K1 miilion an acre. Most farms produce yields of between 20 and 50 viss an acre.

A M yanmar Shrimp Association spokesperson said farms tha t used technoiogically advanced farm ­ing techniques could significantly increase yields bu t the cost of pro­duction could be 30 tim es higher when the capital investm ent was included.

Current plans to attract foreign investm ent are based on govern- ment-to-government assistance pro­grams or direct join t ventures be­tween companies, said บ Kyee Ngwe.

“If o ther countries w ant to assist the ministry, we will help tha t pro­cess. Currently Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia are interested in invest­ing,” he said.

บ Han Htun, MFF executive vice president, said an efficient prawn farm ing zone in Yangon could supply the nation’s needs.

• • ^ ) j g j 'UNFPA Vacancy Notice

Want to be part of ล team bringing positive impact directly to families within Myanmar? Join นร and you will too, because at UNFPA, everyone counts.

Applications are invited from interested Myanmar Nationals for the following positions.

Sr. Title and Level Type o f ContractService Contract Service Contract Service Contract Service Contract Service Contract Service Contract

Duty StationMyitkyina Yangon Myitkyina ร ittwe Myitkyina ร ittwe

Deadline4 November 2013 4 November 2013 4 November 2013 4 November 2013 4 November 2013 4 November 2013

1. National GBV Field Officer, Kachin (SC- 9)2. National GBV Field Coordinator, Yangon (SC-9)3. National RH Field Officer, Kachin (SC-9)4. National GBV Field Officer, Rakhine (SC-9)5. Programme Assistant, Kachin (SC-5)6. Programme Assistant, Rakhine (SC-5)

Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention: International Operations Manager, Room A-07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon. Email : myanmar.office@unfpa.org

For further details, please see the vacancy announcement posted at UN billboard. No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org)

Applications will be considered only when meeting all requirements set in detailed vacancy announcement.

Petronas to begin exploration in Pakokku and Myaing blocksMALAYSIA’S Petronas Carigali plans to drill ex­ploration wells in January at the two onshore blocks it acquired in a 2011 block tender, the company’s general manager, Ahmad Lutpi Ha- ron, said last week.

The RSF-2 and -3 blocks are located in upper Myanmar, he said.

“We have already finished early exploration and geophysical analysis and we can soon start drilling exploration wells early next year,” he said. “We might be operating the blocks by 2018.”

Petronas has exported 400 million cubic feet of natural gas through Thailand’s PTTEP com­pany from the Yetagun offshore block, which the

company started operating with the government via a joint venture in 1997.

“We don’t know exactly how long we can ex­tract gas from the Yetagun block but we have signed a 30-year production sharing contract,” said Petronas manager Edward Zan.

The company also won the right on Octo­ber 10 to explore for oil and gas at two onshore blocks that were part of an 18-plot tender an­nounced in January.

But Ahmad Lutpi Haron told The M yanmar Times on October 17, “We haven’t received any official letter yet. When we get one, we will sign immediately.” - N yan Lynn Aung

www.mmtimes.com Business 25

Rubber exports set to double

1 !M•A *' J < ■' “14

Rubber trees grow on a plantation near Lamine village in Mon state. Photo: Tin Moe Aung

Garment sector faces challegesNYAN LYNN AUNG29.nyanLynnaungragmaiL.com

BURSTING order books and an influx of big-name manufacturers are boost­ing the fortunes of the country’s gar­ment industry. Myanmar is attractive to investors as wages rise in China, factory fires taint the reputation of Bangladesh and investors in Cambodia face political problems.

But factory owners also face a range of obstacles, including unreliable elec­tricity, expensive transportation and workers’ demands for more pay and rights.

The apparel boom in Myanmar be­gan when the European Union lifted sanctions in April last year, ushering in major European brands, including Spain’s Zara, to join the Japanese and Korean companies already established here, said บ Myint Soe, chairman of the Myanmar Garment Association. Long- shuttered local firms could also reopen.

Speaking to The Myanmar Times, บ Myint Soe said, “Japan and Korea oc­cupy most of the market, but now the EU is next. Major Western factories are starting to place orders here.”

According to the MGA, 283 garment factories are operating in Myanmar, of which 25 have opened recently, includ­ing 16 foreign direct-investment compa­nies, mostly based in Japan, Korea, the EU, China and Singapore. Since sanc­tions were lifted, nine local companies have been launched.

‘We can’t take any more orders un­til March next year because our books are full. All the garment factories have a heavy workload,” said บ Myint Soe.

283Num ber of garment factories operating

in Myanmar

But problems abound. “Our main challenge is labour. Skilled workers leave to earn more money, or demand higher wages and more rights,” said Ma Khine, a staffer at Apt Land Garment Manufacturing.

“Our garment industry faces great opportunities said,” บ Myint Soe. “We’re getting lots of orders, but we also have to contend with shipping bottlenecks, bad transportation, unreliable electric­ity and port congestion. Ports are the main obstacle. The country doesn’t have a proper port for shipping. And we have to pay as much to transport goods from the factory to the port as it costs to ship from Myanmar to Singapore.”

IN BRIEF

Magnate Batista sells 65pc stake in Brazil iron portEmbattLed BraziLian tycoon Eike Batista says he has soLd a 65 percent stake in an iron ore port fo r US$400 miLLion to an Abu Dhabi fund and a Dutch firm .

เท a statement Last week, Batista's MMX mining company said it ceded controL of the port, Located in Rio de Janeiro state, to Abu Dhabi sovereign weaLth fund MubadaLa Development Co and to Trafigura, a Dutch commodity trading company.

The $400 miLLion w ill be invested in Porto Sudeste Ltda, an iron ore port currentLy under construction and due to begin operations next year. - AFP

รบ PHYO WINsuphyo1990ragmaiL.com

RUBBER exports are set to soar, and could even double within three years, say some industry experts. Plans to diversify the rubber market and im­prove the quality and added value of the product are being studied follow­ing a national export strategy work­shop held from October 7 to 9.

But Myanmar is far from posing a threat to the world’s top rubber pro­ducer, Thailand. The rubber sector has been growing rapidly since 2005, but still needs to improve the quality of its product and to develop export strate­gies, said บ Khaing Myint, secretary general of the Myanmar Rubber Plant­ers’ and Producers’ Association.

“I think production could double by 2016. But we exported only 160,000 tonnes last year, while Thailand ex­ported 3.7 million tonnes,” he said.

About 70 percent of Myanmar’s rubber exports go to China, Malaysia,

160,000Tonnes of rubber exported by

Myanmar Last year

Korea and Singapore, leaving only 8pc for local use. Throughout the country some 1,430,000 acres are devoted to rubber, though latex production occu­pies just 520,000 acres, the association says.

Paul Baker, chief executive of In­ternational Economics, noted that Myanmar rubber had huge potential, but relied too much on the Chinese

and Malaysian markets. Its product was too low-grade and needed diver­sification.

‘We’re looking at how we can up­grade and add value to the product. Thailand is more diversified m terms of both products and market,” he told The Myanmar Times.

Because of its quality, the price of Myanmar rubber is far lower than the

world rubber price, and despite the lifting of sanctions, Myanmar can ex­port only 20 tonnes of rubber to Eu­rope, said บ Khaing Myint.

“The world price is US$2500 per tonne this week, but we can get less than $2200. We export RSS1, RSS3, RSS5, MSR20 and MSR50 grades of rubber, mostly RSS3 and MSR20,” he said.

26 Business THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

E-shopping slowly taking hold

Online shopping on social media websites such as Facebook is becoming popular among Myanmar’s growing population of internet users. Photo: Ko Taik

TIN YADANAR HTUNyadanar. mcmOgmaiL.com MYATNOE 00myatnoe.mcm OgmaiL.com

ONLINE retailing is beginning to take hold of young consumers in My­anm ar thanks to a growing awareness of social networking websites as well as a growing taste for the finer things.

For 20-year-old student Ma รน Thandar Hlaing, shopping online is the cheapest and best way to get cut­ting edge goods.

I started using online shopping websites last year,” she said. “I always buy shoes, bags and accessories from shopping websites. I like shopping online because I can get the newest items and imports.”

E-commerce cuts the overhead costs of traditional shops but comes with its own challenges, including low internet penetration, an unso­phisticated payments system and high Yangon delivery cost, shop own­ers say.

Although online retailing has be­come big business in many markets around the world, domestic online shop owners said internet-based commerce is still in its infancy in My­anm ar and most run the business on a part-time basis.

“People can purchase anything they want after reading the descrip­tions by simply clicking,” said บ Pyae

‘People can purchase anything they want after reading the descriptions by sim ply clicking.’

บ Pyae PhyoeOwner of Yangon OnLine s to re

Phyoe, the owner of Yangon Online Store, which operates through its stand-alone website.

“But Myanmar people do not have much experience with online shop­ping, and continue visiting stores.”

บ Kyaw Aye Naing, owner of Shwe 99 online store, said e-commerce spending habits tend to match those in the real world and increase mark­edly around major holidays such as Christmas and Thadingyut”

Daw Myint Myint Wai, owner of

Sin Min Pasoe Myanmar, said she opened the store in 2011 after witness­ing growing public interest. The site initially focused on selling longyis but expanded into goods aimed at young people after a number of customer re­quests, she added.

“Many customers are between 15 and 25 years old, so I began selling the accessories that these customers want to buy,” she said.

Customers looking to purchase clothes over the internet can browse

through photos of items on websites or Facebook pages. After placing an order via email or phone call, the store owner will then send a courier to the customer’s door to collect payment.

If the goods m ust be imported it can take two more weeks for it to be delivered, although some stores keep inventory on hand in Myanmar and can deliver faster.

Although it costs significantly less to open and operate an online shop, owners said a number of barriers pre­

vent further expansion.Daw Myint Myint Wai said deliv­

eries are slow and expensive given the heavy traffic in Yangon, which is home to the majority of the country’s online shops.

Payments also present a chal­lenge” with online transfers rare, inefficient and deemed unreliable. As a result, shops rely on the same person-to-person m ethod used to de­liver goods.

However, there are hopes that electronic payments will improve in future.

Co-operative Bank media and marketing manager บ Thein Myint said online shopping is slowly catch­ing on, adding that customers can make payments through the bank with MasterCard and Visa.

บ Kyaw Aye Naing added another issue, although one that is common everywhere: Customers often com­plain that the products they receive do not match the descriptions online, despite the firm’s attempts to explain details clearly.

“I prefer traditional shops because I can see and touch the things I want to buy,” said 20-year-old Ko Ye Min Htut.

Traditional shop owners say the marketplace is changing in Myanmar. Pinky Fashion shop m busy Mingalar Market has contemplated offering online sales to complement its tra­ditional street-front operations, said manager Ma Nilar.

“So far it seems too expensive to create an online presence due to de­livery costs, difficulty making pay­ments and ensuring that products meet customer’s demands,” she said.

However, if these barriers are ad­dressed, Ma Nilar said it is likely the firm will move at least partly online.

“If online shopping keeps on de­veloping, I will use online shopping as my secondary business, but it’s a ways away from” becoming my main business.”

The Fine PrintH E B B I HSalient provisions of the telecommunications law

ALESSIO POLASTRIAND KARINA PENGaLessio0pwpLegaL.comkarinaOpwpLegaL.com

WITH the promulgation of the Telecom­munications Law of October 8, 2013, Myanmar is seeing through its plan for wider economic development through the liberalisation of its telecommunica­tions sector. The Telecommunications Law provides a broad-based framework governing the conduct of telecommuni- cations-related activities in Myanmar. This article looks at several salient pro­visions of the Telecommunications Law.Licence categoriesNo entity shall be permitted to provide, “network facilities” or “network ser­vices” in Myanmar unless a licence has been obtained from the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). “Network facilities” means “any element or combination of such elements of infrastructure, used for the provision of network services” “Network services” means services per­taining to the “transmittal of informa­

tion by any means of communication”Obligations of licenseesApart from compliance with applicable laws, procedures and conditions upon which a licence has been granted, the licensee shall be obliged, among other things to (a) comply with the radio fre­quency spectrum plan approved under the Telecommunications Law; (b) apply for a licence/permission to provide ad­ditional services or to cooperate with other licensees; and (c) abide by MCIT’s instructions for network suspensions.Spectrum and interconnectionMCIT shall determine a national fre­quency spectrum plan and shall pre­scribe rules and regulations on matters concerning access to and interconnec­tion of network facilities.Disputes settlementThe Telecommunications Law provides for a disputes settlement mechanism by which licensees may refer disputes arising from the operation or the provi­sion of telecommunications services or network facilities or services to MCIT. A right of appeal against MCIT’s decision to a tribunal to be formed at the Union government level is also provided.Alessio Polastri, Managing Partner and Karina Peng, Partner, Polastri Wint & Partners.

HELSINKIJapanese firms pay $1.5B in ‘Clash of Clans’ game swoopTWO Japanese companies have bought control of Finnish computer game maker Supercell for 1.1 billion euros (US$1.5 billion), the Helsinki-based firm said on its website last week.

The Japanese investors SoftBank and GungHo have bought 51 percent of Supercell, known for its game Clash of Clans.

The transaction, which one source said doubled the value of Finland’s game industry overnight, is aimed at exploiting synergies that can help both sides expand globally.

“This new partnership will acceler­ate Supercell towards our goal of being the first truly global games company the company’s chief executive Ilkka Paananen said in a statement announc­ing the sale.

The objective is for Supercell to have a strong foothold in both the West and the East, including Japan, South Korea and China, he said, suggesting the com­pany could become a new Nintendo.

80%SoftBank's side of the financing for the

new SuperceLL investment

I

Finnish game company Supercell CEO and founder Ilkka Paananen poses for a photographer at the company’s head office in Helsinki. Photo: AFP

“We want [people to] look back in 30 years and talk about all the great games that we developed and the im­pact they had on people’s lives, the same way I personally feel about Nin­tendo, for example,” he said.

The Japanese investment provides “a massive selection of strategic re­sources” which will help Supercell with the distribution of its games to “hun­dreds of millions of new consumers all

over the globe,” he added.While Supercell, a relatively new

start-up from 2010, aims to expand into new Asian markets, its new investors see an opportunity to grow globally.

“In our quest to become the no. 1 mobile Internet company, we scour the globe in search of interesting opportu­nities and right now some of the most exciting companies and innovations are coming out of Finland,” said the founder of SoftBank, Masayoshi Son, in a statement.

SoftBank said it provided 80pc of the financing for the investment and GungHo the rest.

The deal follows SoftBank’s move earlier this year to secure a controlling stake in number three us mobile car­rier Sprint. - AFP

IN BRIEFChinese Lenovo m ulls buying BlackBerry: report showsChinese computer and phone m aker Lenovo is considering a counter bid to buy aLL of Canadian smartphone manu­facturer BLackBerry, the WaLL Street JournaL reported Last week.

The newspaper, citing unnamed sources dose to the matter, said that Lenovo had signed a confidentiaLity agreement to access BLackBerry's accounts. - AFP

www.mmtimes.com Business 27Burberry CEO resigns, joins AppleBRITISH luxury fashion group Bur­berry said on October 15 that its long- serving chief executive Angela Ahrendts will step down next year to take up a newly created position with Apple.

Burberry’s chief creative officer Christopher Bailey will take over from the 53-year-old us national, adding chief executive to his title, the company said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange.

British luxury fashion group Burberry last week said its chief executiveofficer Angela Ahrendts will step down to take up a new position with Apple.Photo: AFP

Burberry’s share price slumped 6 percent at the open in reaction to the surprise announcement. It later stood down 4.23pc on London’s FTSE 100 in­dex, which was 0.65pc higher.

Apple said Ms Ahrendts would over­see the “strategic direction, expansion and operation” of its retail and online stores.

“I am thrilled that Angela will be joining our team,” said Apple chief ex­ecutive Tim Cook.

“She shares our values and our fo­cus on innovation, and she places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience. She has shown herself to be an extraordinary leader throughout her career and has a proven track record.”

Ms Ahrendts will have been chief ex­ecutive of Burberry for about eight years by the time of her departure in 2014.

The London-listed firm, famous for its trademark red, camel and black check design on clothes and handbags, has undei^one huge expansion into emerging markets m th Ms Ahrendts at the helm!

Mr Bailey, who has been at Burb­erry since 2001 and chief creative of­ficer for the past six years, said he was “profoundly moved and humbled to be asked to take on the CEO role”

Burberry chairman John Peace de­scribed the appointment as “a natural progression”

Separately last week, Burberry re­ported sales of £1.03 billion (US$1.65 billion) in the group’s first half, up 14pc compared with the six months through to the end of September 2012.

-A FP

IN BRIEF

International tribunal prevents Laos from seizing propertyMembers of an international arb itra l tribuna l have ordered the govern­ment of Laos not to seize assets o r take other adverse actions that would aggravate a dispute between Netherlands-based Lao Holdings, NV and Laos, pending resolution of that dispute.

The award of provisional measures against Laos prevents the Lao govern­ment from seizing a resort hotel and casino in Savannakhet, Savan Vegas; from fu rthe r interfering w ith the busi­ness operations of Lao Holdings; and from implementing a new, confiscatory 80 percent tax on gross casino revenue.

- A F P

PARISShares fall for Louis VuittonA women peers into a Louis Vuitton outlet in Paris. Photo: AFP

.

ฯ&พิรรริ

FRENCH luxury goods giant LVMH fought off a plunge in its shares last week, reassuring that Chinese consumers were still hun­gry for goods from the key Louis Vuitton part of the business where sales flagged.

The pnce of shares in the global group was showing a fall of 6.42 percent in an overall French market down 0.7pc.

Analysts at Bank of America-Mer- rill Lynch lowered their investment

recommendation for the shares last week.

At brokers Aurel BGC, analyst David Da Maia said: “The setback for Louis Vuitton in the third quarter is likely to weigh on all luxury com­pany shares.”

LVMH also said tha t currency factors did play a role in the per­formance of sales by the high-end clothes maker.

The Louis Vuitton range of prod­ucts again lagged those of the fash­

ion and leatherware brands.Louis Vuitton accounts for more

than 70pc of annual sales of the fash­ion and leatherware division which also includes the brands of Celine, Givenchy, Fendi and Kenzo. Vuitton is the main profit driver of the entire LVMH group.

It turned in sales estimated to to­tal 7.3 billion euros (US$9.9 billion) last year but since then has had dif­ficulty in generating growth.

-A F P

SAN FRANCISCOYahoo holds onto AlibabaYAHOO last week took attention off a lackluster quarterly report with word that it plans to hold onto a larger chunk than originally planned of Chi­nese e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba.

The California-based internet pio­neer that has been struggling for years to reinvent itself after withering in Google shadow said that its profit in the recently-ended quarter slipped from the same period a year ago, when its coffers were swelled” by the sale of shares in China’s Alibaba.

Yahoo reported earnings of US$297 million on revenue of $1.139 billion in the quarter that ended Sep­tember 30. The profit was a steep drop from what was posted in the same period last year, when Yahoo sold part of its stake in the Chinese e-commerce giant.

“I’m very pleased with our execu­tion, especially as we’ve continued to invest in and strengthen our core busi­ness,” said Yahoo chief Marissa Mayer.

“Now with more than 800 million monthly users on Yahoo - up 20 per­cent over the past 15 months - we’re achieving meaningful increases in user engagement and traffic.”

-A F P

28 THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

PropertyJob watch

Department for International Development

Job Vacancy

The Department for International Development (DFID) is currently looking to recruit 02 (two) highly motivated and energetic individuals to join our team as Programme Officers.

DFID is based at the British Embassy, Yangon.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the link below:

https://www.aov.uk/aovernm ent/world /oraanisations/british-embassv-ranaoon/about/recruitment

Deadline for submission of applications will be on 25 October 2013.

Save th e C h ild ren

Save the Children is one o f the two designated Principal Recipients (PR) for Myanmar’s three successful Round 9 Global Fund (GFATM) proposals in HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Save the Children is seeking to recruit the Procurement & Supply Management (PSM) O fficer for GFATM (PR).

Summary o f Key Tasks• Conduct local procurement activities• Review shipping documents and prepare necessary

documents for receiving cargo• Keep update procurement filing system and send weekly

report• Develop and foster relationships with partners and

suppliers

Detailed jo b descriptions fo r th is position w ill be available at the Save the Children office or www.them im u.info/jobs/index.php.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to send an Application Letter, Curriculum Vitae and Clearance of Criminal Record to:

Human Resources Department, Save the Children, Wizaya Plaza-First Floor, 226 บ Wisara Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar(or)recruitment.mvanmar@savethechildren.ora not later than 5 P.M., 25 Oct 2013 (Friday)

Phone: 375 791, 375 801, 375 739, 375 796, 375 747, 537 387, 536 732, 537 092 Ext: 106,129

Note: Only short-listed candidates w ill be contacted

SEOULN Korea gets new Kaesong ventureDeal involves partnership with foreign investors for new high- tech industrial zoneNORTH Korea has agreed with an international con­sortium to develop a new high-tech district in Kae­song, close to the newly reopened industrial zone it operates with the South, state media said last week.

The jointly run Kaesong industrial zone was shut in April amid high cross-border tensions. Seoul and Pyongyang agreed last month to reopen the park, but relations have since soured again.

The North’s announcement of a new international deal came after South Korea said October 14 it had postponed a planned investment road show aimed at drumming up foreign interest in Kaesong.

Seoul said the move reflected a recent downturn in relations and slow progress at talks aimed at re­suming full operations at the complex.

Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the North had reached an agreement on build­ing a “high-tech development district” in Kaesong with a consortium of East Asian and Middle Eastern companies including Singapore’s Jurong Consultants and OKP Holdings, and Hong Kong’s P&T Architects & Engineers Ltd.

“They will soon enter the implementation phase of the project,” it said, adding that the consortium also agreed to enter a joint venture with the North to build a highway linking Pyongyang’s airport to the city.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman said it had no official comment, but stressed the pro­ject had “nothing to do with the existing Kaesong zone”.

The firms named by KCNA were also tight-lipped about their participation.

OKP Holdings said its involvement was “in the preliminary stages”, while Jurong and P&T both de­clined to comment. -A F P

Signing a leasWhether it is high rent, substandard living conditions or badBRIDGET Dl CERTOB ridge t.d ice rto0gm a il.com

THE house was perfect.Artfully revamped, the colonial

villa emerged from lilting greenery on the large estate. The rent was high - about US$2500 per month - and the landlord was happy to make a quick deal provided he was paid 12 months’ rent up-front.

“But something was not right with this guy,” said บ Robin Saw Naing, managing director of Pronto Services real estate agency. “So I had my legal adviser examine the ownership title, and it was fake. It’s not his property but his friend’s who is not in the country’

While rental scams like this are rare, middlemen soliciting rental properties are not unheard of, บ Robin Saw Naing told The M yanmar Times. He stressed that tenants must ensure they are dealing with the ac­tual landlord during negotiations, as often when landlords live overseas it can be hard to resolve problems.

Yangon expat Eileen Lui learned this lesson the hard way.

“When the rainy season started, the apartment leaked everywhere. Ceiling, walls, windows ... It was a nightmare, Ms Lui said. “I literally had to clean up flooding in the apartment.”

Ms Lui had signed a standard rent­al contract with her landlords, who lived overseas.

“They kept saying they were not in the country and [could not help]. They passed us over to a contractor who we found out later was just a friend help­ing the landlord,” she said. “It was veiy difficult getting anything done.”

Not all agents are necessarily on the side of the tenants, warned บ Moe Lwin, senior consultant at Moe & Tun

Examining the lease with a trusted set of eyes

Associates.“Devious brokers are out to cream

you, and landlords who don’t appreci­ate complaints about dirt, breakages and rats” are just some of the prob­lems foreigners face while renting in Yangon, the lawyer told The M yanmar Tiines via email”

Choosing a broker you trust is im­portant when “things go south” บ Moe Lwin said. “Look at 10-plus sites be­fore you decide. You will gain experi­ence and start noticing patterns - and

• UN OPSThe United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Myanmar is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:

Sr. Title and level Duty sta tion Position1. Programme Assistant (LICA3) Yangon National2. Field Finance Assistant (Roving) (LICA3) Yangon National

Deadline22 October 2013 28 October 2013

The benefit package for the above positions includes an attractive remuneration, 30 days annual leave and 10 holidays per year, medical insurance, learning and development opportunities and a challenging working environ­ment with 200 national and international colleagues.

All applications must be made through the UNOPS E-recruitment System (https://gprs.unops.org) and click on the post you are interested in applying for.

If you have further queries, please contact 95 1 657 281-7 Ext: 149

UrbanisationBILL0T00LEbotoole l 20gm a il.com

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A DELEGATION from the United Na­tions Human Settlements Programme wrapped up its visit to Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw last week with a vow to assist the government as it grapples with the problems and opportuni­ties afforded by the nation’s rapid urbanisation.

Joan Clos, the executive director of UN-HABITAT, spent most of the week in Nay Pyi Yaw meeting members of

‘The one law o f urbanisation is you need to be patient, not to expect m iracles in a short period o f tim e.’

Joan ClosExecutive director, UN-HABITAT

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BUSINESS EDITOR: Philip Heijmans I pheijmans130gmail com

70% construction increase in Israeli territoriesPROPERTY 30

29

Plane crash in Laos kills 49WORLD 34

Property bounces back in Dubai

PROPERTY 30

e: What you need to knowlandlords, it is essential for you to cover your bases when it comes time to sign a new lease on an apartment or house

will help protect you from possible scams. Photo: staff

beware of [agents or brokers] who don’t speak much English.”

Standard rental agreements are loaded against foreign tenants, บ Moe Lwin said.

Under the standard contract the tenant is “fully and absolutely respon­sible” for all repairs, which must be “an exact replica” of anything broken or damaged, the lawyer said.

“Normally you can buy [a contract] at a local photocopy shop and fill in the blanks and you are good to go.

no responsibility for problems later.”Given the unsophisticated state of

the residential rental market in Yan­gon and other major cities, there are no official channels for dispute resolu­tion and the matter often falls to the intervention of a diplomatic real es­tate agent.

“In transactions between local land­lords and local renters, the landlords’ care for the apartment is negligible and they don’t always follow the rental agreement. Renters are responsible for [upkeep],” said บ Robin Saw Naing.

Despite this custom, landlords are slowly modernising their approach to rental arrangements.

Ample negotiation and discussion of rental terms between a lessor and a lessee can ward off much trivial wran­gling over responsibilities down the line, he added.

Foreigners may want to include an early termination-of-lease clause that provides for the transfer of the remaining rental period and/or the refund of rent already paid. This is particularly important for foreigners, who cannot stay here forever,” said บ Robin Saw Naing.

In 2008, renters discovered a

critical and often overlooked rental term. When Cyclone Nargis wreaked havoc on the country, renters found themselves stranded in unlivable properties with landlords unwilling to begin repair work or refund advance rental payments.

“It must be in the contract that in the event of natural disasters, it is the owner’s responsibility to repair imme­diately - just like with wear and tear,” he said.

Sky Bridge Real Estate’s Ko Thurane Win agreed that as Myan­mar continued reforming, logistics for residential renting would continue to streamline, including the process for foreigners registering with the local authorities.

“You need to register as a foreigner, but the landlord as well as the agent themselves would register for you as a duty of real estate policy,” Ko Thurane Win said adding that he expected reg­ulation of foreign visitors’ accommo­dation in Yangon to be relaxed. “There are not too many disputes between tenants and landlords. The main dif­ferences occur when the rent goes up by lOpc or 15pc from one year to the next.”

[But] some sorry, poor, street-mouse lawyer probably 'wrote it up for a cup of tea and now it’s used throughout [the country].”

บ Robin Saw Naing agreed the choice of agent and contract could make a sweeping difference in a for­eigner’s rental experience.

“It’s very important for a foreigner to choose an agency that is a registered company [for renting an apartment]. My advice is to not choose a broker from the street corner as they will take

‘Devious brokers are out to cream you, and landlords who don’t appreciate complaints about dirt, breakages and rats are just som e o f the problems foreigners face w hile renting in Yangon.’

Moe LwinSenior consu ltant, Moe & Tun Associates

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A SIXTY-YEAR OLD public housing project is to be redeveloped in a joint project by government and developers, and the homes rented out to civil serv­ants.

The Department of Human Settle­ments and Housing Development in Mandalay Region has announced that work will begin next month to upgrade the city’s Sate Ta Ya Mahi complex.

“Once redevelopment is complete, we will let the rooms at a fixed rent to the civil servants already living in the apartments. The government will keep it as public rental housing and has no plans to sell,” said the spokesperson.

The redevelopment will feature el­evators and an underground car park.

The housing official told The M y­anmar Times that the complex will be completely rebuilt within one year, and the entire redevelopment is projected to be finished within two years. Demolition will start on November 1 and soil studies will be conducted on November 25.

The Sate Ta Ya Mahi redevelopment project drew 13 bidders, including pub­lic developers. Myanmar Mandalay, United Pacific, New Innovation, New Starlight and MGW won the govern­ment auction.

“This redevelopment project in­cludes six condo buildings, five eight- storey public residential buildings and one commercial five-storey building. The rooms will be shared 48 percent to private companies and 52pc to the housing department. This will be first condo project for MandalayT said บ Than Win of Myanma Mandalay Com­pany. - Translation by Zar Zar Soe

on UN-HABITAT agenda

UN-HABITAT director Joan Clos speaks in Yangon last week. Photo: staff

several government ministries, in­cluding the ministries of forestry and construction, although he said no specific initiatives were discussed.

He did, however, advise on inter­im policy changes that could provide some relief in overcrowded Yangon, including limiting the number of ve­hicles on its roads as well as quickly expanding the number of residential homes in order to accommodate a rapidly increasing population.

“The infrastructure can’t cope with the elevated population of this city. We need to try to see the possi­bility of the government planning the

expansion of the city,” he said.While quick-fix policies do exist to

alleviate the city from the pressures that come with a growing economy, he said that long term growth would take more time.

“The one law of urbanisation is you need to be patient, not to expect miracles in a short period of time.”

UN-HABITAT has been active in Myanmar since the early 1990s, and continues to run dozens of small pro­jects in rural Chin, Shan and Kachin states, mainly focused on small- scale infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.

HOUSE OF THE WEEKOne size fits allThis beautiful white modern house w ith long windows is lo ­cated in Mayangone township. Not too close to downtown, th is 7650-square-foot privately located two-storey home contains a renovated and lovely in te rio r complete w ith a winding staircase, very high ceilings and a subtle yet e l­egant chandelier. Altogether, this home contains six double bedrooms, two kitchens and two sm all maid rooms, but the main attraction is in the living room. Long, white curta ins drape over 20-foo t-ta ll glass windows above refined wood­en floors, creating the feeling of a grand ballroom.

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30 Business Property THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

JERUSALEM70% rise in construction in disputed territoriesNew settlement construction starts rose by 70 percent in the first half of 2013 compared with a year earlier, an Israeli NGO said last week, describing the in­crease as “drastic”

According to figures released by Peace Now, the construction of 1708 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem began between January and June 2013, compared with 995 in the same period last year.

86%Proportion of new developments being

carried out w ithout tenders

Billing the figures as a “drastic rise” Peace Now said 44pc of the new con­struction had taken place east of Isra­el’s vast separation barrier which cuts through the West Bank, and 32pc fell to the east of it.

And 86pc of the new construction was carried out in areas where tenders were not required, it said, meaning it did not technically flout the quiet freeze on tenders Israel reportedly agreed to this year as Washington pushed for a resumption of direct peace talks. -A FP

IN PICTURES Workers load bricks onto a truck at a factory on the outskirts of Yangon on October 13. Sales prices have doubled or even trebled over the past two years in some neighbourhoods and developers are scrambling to build new properties.

Photo: AFP

BEIJINGChinese firm in $1.2๖ British airport dealCHINESE construction giant Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) has signed a deal with Brit­ish firms to develop a business dis­trict around Manchester airport, the companies involved in the project announced on October 13.

The development of Britain’s- third busiest airport - described as one of the largest construction pro­jects in the United Kingdom since the 2012 London Olympics - will cost £800 million (US$1.27 billion).

MAG, the operator of Manchester airport; GMPF, a pension fund; and the British construction group Caril- lion will work alongside BCEG in the joint project, a statement released by the companies said.

A breakdown of each company’s investment in the business district, dubbed “Airport City’; was not given in the statement.

British finance minister George Osborne, who is currently on a trip to China hoping to boost trade ties between the two nations, wrote on his verified Twitter account that the development is “one of the largest” in Britain since the Olympics, and would eventually create 16,000 jobs for the region.

The deal comes at a time when Britain is seeking to bolster trade

BILLION$100Expected bilateral trade between

Britain and China by 2015

with China, with both nations agree­ing in 2010 to double their trade to $100 billion by 2015.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was also in Beijing Sunday in what Chinese state media said was a “campaign to lure Chinese sovereign funds, banks and developers to fund an overhaul of the British capital in the years to come”

‘‘Our mayor’s interest is about new infrastructure,” a member of the delegation was quoted by state news agency Xinhua as saying. “The mayor identified 33 areas across the city where we will be intensifying the density of [housing] and putting in new infrastructure.

Kit Malthouse, the London dep­uty mayor for business, told Xinhua that London officials were hoping to attract “lots and lots of capital to help the city deal with population growth.

Chinese investment in Britain rose to $4 billion in 2012, up 80 percent from a year ago, Xinhua reported.

Deals such as that struck over Manchester’s Airport City are seen as “an extension of the memorandum of understanding between China and the UK where we have been looking to further explore joint in­frastructure opportunities for some time,” Xing Yan, managing director of BCEG, said in the statement an­nouncing the agreement.

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of MAG, added, “The inclusion of BCEG is significant because as a Group, we have been keen to forge greater links with the Far East and this gives us an opportunity to strengthen vital business links with China.”

DUBAIProperty bounces back in Dubai, fears remainTHE property sector in Dubai is making a strong comeback five years after pric­es in the emirate nosedived, but a surge in demand and bouncing prices have triggered calls to remember the crisis.

Scale models of grandiose develop­ments rolled out at the three-day City- scape property show, which ended last week, showed the renewed confidence in a market that shed around half of its value.

But Ali Lootah, chairman of Na- kheel, the giant developer behind a clutch of landmark projects in the Gulf emirate including its famous palm­shaped man-made islands, was bullish.

Dubai is booming again,” he said.He was speaking as Nakheel

launched a new seafront development on reclaimed land, along with a handful of residential projects.

“We have a lot of people moving to Dubai. Dubai is back in business, and I’m not really worried about specula­tions,” he said.

Speculation on the market pushed

‘W e have a lot o f people moving to Dubai. Dubai is back in business, and I’m not really worried about speculations.’

Ali LootahChairm an of N akheel

Visitors look at one of the many models of development projects showcased at the annual Cityscape Global show on October 8, which showed the renewed confidence in a market that shed around half of its value in the Gulf emirates of Dubai. Photo: AFP

property prices to record highs before sending them tumbling during the global financial crisis.

Dubai’s property market grew rap­idly during the five years before the crash as the sector became a magnet for foreign investors.

But foreign financing dried up when the global financial crisis hit the sector, just as it struck the heavily indebted government-related companies, while the economy contracted in 2009 and 2010.

Dubai has weathered the debt crisis, leaning on its robust trade, tourism and transport sectors, although the city- state still carries a large burden of debt

exceeding US$100 billion.Its economy grew 3.7 percent in 2011

and 4.4pc in 2012, and is expected to ex­pand by 4.1pc this year.

Some residential property has bounced by about 20pc, said Alan Rob­ertson, chief executive officer for the Middle East-North Africa region at Jones Lang LaSalle property consul­tancy.

“We think prices will continue to grow quite quickly over the next 12 months, but over the next 24 months we will see the rate of growth slow down,” he told AFP, adding that prices were still 20 to 30pc below their 2008 peak. - AFP

M CM

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www.mmtimes.com Science & Technology 33

Toxic bomb’ ticks on Maldives isleDESCENDING by plane into the Mal­dives offers a panoramic view of azure seas and coral-fringed islands, but as the tarmac nears, billowing smoke in the middle distance reveals an envi­ronmental calamity.

Thilafushi Island, a half-hour boat trip from the capital, is sur­rounded by the same crystal clear waters and white sand th a t have made the Indian Ocean archipelago a honeymoon destination for the rich and famous.

But no holidaymaker sets foot here and none could imagine from their plane seats that the rising smoke is the waste from residents and previous visitors being set alight by men like 40-year-old Fusin.

A migrant from Bangladesh, he is one of several dozen employees on “Rubbish Island” - the biggest waste dump in the country where he’s paid US$350 a month for 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.

With no safety equipment bar a pair of steel-capped boots, he clambers over a stinking mountain of garbage, eyes streaming and voice choked af­ter four years’ exposure to thick, toxic fumes.

Beneath his feet lie the discards of the cramped capital Male and the lo­

cal tourism industry that has helped turn the collection of more than 1000 islands into the wealthiest country in South Asia.

Bottles of beer - illegal for local Muslims but ubiquitous on tourists’ islands - lie scorched next to piles of half-burnt hotel forms requesting speed boat transfers.

A discarded plastic diving mask lies in a heap of packets of juice, plas­tic bags and rotting vegetables that awaits Fusin’s attention.

“Before we used to separate card­board and glass, but now the company is not so strong,” says site manager Islam Uddin, a friendly man who has worked here for 16 years.

He complains of neglect from suc­cessive governments and laments that a privatisation deal signed in 2008 with a German-Indian waste manage­ment company has stalled as a result of local political upheaval.

Only plastic bottles, engine oil, met­als and paper are collected, with the waste sent by boat to India, forming the biggest export from the Maldives to its giant neighbour to the northeast.

All of the rest, including electronics that escape the attention of hundreds of human scavengers and batteries, go up in flames - with no sign of the high-

tech incinerators promised as part of the privatisation deal.

“The batteries contain lead. There are products with mercury in them. All of these can easily get into the food chain,” says Ali Rilwan, an envi­ronmentalist with local organisation Bluepeace Maldives.

“Unlike landfill, this is the ocean they are filling.”

As he speaks, waves lap at the edge of the dump which has been expand­ing steadily into the sea since 1993 and upwards - forming one of the highest points in the whole country, 80 per­cent of which is less than one metre

above sea level.He cites government figures show­

ing visitors to the Maldives created on average 7.2 kilograms of waste per day, compared with 2.8 kg for residents of Male, which make up a third of the 350,000-strong population.

Tourists, at nearly a million last year, outnumber locals by a ratio of about three-to-one.

Local authorities plan to stop the toxic open burning on the island and the private operator of the site, finally set to start work after a five-year delay, will build an incinerator.

Better waste management in the

capital Male through door-to-door col­lection and recycling will also help to reduce environmental damage, says a city councillor from the capital, Ahmed Kareem.

“The project that is going ahead will monitor air pollution and also the sea pollution near Thilafushi Island and so no further expansion by waste will be done for Thilafushi,” Mr. Ka­reem told AFP.

The Maldives Association of Tour­ism Industry declined repeated inter­view requests from AFP seeking com­ment on efforts of resorts to reduce their environmental impact. -A F P

NAIROBIKenya to microchip all rhinos to stop poachers

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INTERNET provider Redlink says it has big plans to expand its business as soon as the laws allow private compa­nies to offer online access independ­ent of state-run Yadanarpon Teleport.

“Now, Redlink Company is giv­ing service [in a joint venture] with Yadanarpon Teleport,” said บ Thein Than Toe, the company’s vice chair­man and co-founder in a workshop at October 4.

He said, “We will expand our cur­rent service, and we will try to get an ISP [Internet Service Provider] licence at the same time.”

Once granted an ISP licence, Redlink said, it will build more tow­ers in the three cities it already services -Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.The company plans to have over 50 towers total by the end of 2013, said บ Myo Myint Nyunt, assistant general manager of sale's and marketing.

บ Myo Myin Nyunt said the extra towers will help bring better signals in

crowded urban spaces where signals are often blocked by buildings.

“After we have got an ISP license and the law [allowing private internet providers] has been enacted, we will offer Wi-Fi service in public areas such as parks, shopping centres, Yangon University, the University of Foreign Languages, the University of Medicine ... the railway station and the airport,” บ Myo Myint Nyunt said.

Redlink also announced plans to expand its service to o ther cities in the future.

KENYA will place microchips in the hom of every rhino in the country in a bid to stamp out a surge in poaching the threatened animals^ wildlife offi­cials said Wednesday.

“Poachers are getting more sophis­ticated in their approach,” Paul Udoto, spokesman for the Kenya Wildlife Ser­vice (KWS), told AFP.

“So it is vital that conservation ef­forts also follow and embrace the use of more sophisticated technology to counter the killing of wildlife.”

Kenya has just over 1000 rhino, and the tiny chips will be inserted and hid­den in the horn, which is made of kera­tin, the same material as fingernails or hardened hair.

The World Wildlife Fund donated the chips as well as five scanners at a

cost of US$15,000 (11,000 euros), al­though tracking the rhino to dart them and fit the device will cost considerably more.

However, it will boost the ability of police to prosecute poachers or traf­fickers, allowing for all animals to be traced and providing potential vital in­formation on poaching and smuggling chains.

“Investigators will be able to link any poaching case to a recovered or confiscated hom, and this forms crucial evidence in court, contributing towards the prosecution’s ability to push for sentencing of a suspected rhino crimi­nal,” KWS said in a statement.

Poaching has risen sharply in Africa in recent years. Elephants and other large mamlmels are also targeted.-A F P

This new picture from the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory released on October 14, 2013, shows the remarkable super Star cluster Westerlund 1 (esol034). This exceptionally bright cluster lies about 16,000 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation of Ara (The Altar). The biggest known Star in the cosmos is in its death throes and will eventually explode, astronomers said on October 16, 2013. Photo: AFP

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DAMASCUSRebels kill top officer, Syria says peace talks possibleWAR-TORN Syria says peace talks could be possible next month amid international efforts to push for a con­ference in Geneva as a top military in­telligence officer was killed in clashes with rebels.

Syrian state television announced on Thursday that Major General Jam aa Jam ma “was martyred while carrying out his national duties to de­fend Syria and its people and pursuing terrorists in Deir Ezzor”

Mr Jamaa was in charge of military intelligence in the eastern province, where jihadist forums said he was killed in clashes with radical Islamist fighters.

The peace process will get a re­newed push from us Secretary of State John Kerry, who will travel to London next week for a meeting of the core countries making up the Friends of Syria, the State Department said.

“We are trying to move the process forward. I’ll have meetings next Tues­day in London with the support group of the [Syrian] opposition,” Mr Kerry said.

“We’re working towards this Gene­va conference, not that we know what the outcome is,” he said in an us radio interview.

In Moscow, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Q&dri Jamil said a proposed peace conference in Geneva could take place November 23-24, saying, ‘We are closer than ever to holding the Geneva 2.”

Both the Russian foreign ministry and the United Nations said the date of the conference would be decided by UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

“When it is time for an announce­ment, the secretary general will make one,” UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters in New York.

“And I would remind you and eve­rybody that it is the secretary general who will be convening the conference and it will be the secretary general who invites the different parties to attend.”

Russia and Western nations have been pushing since May for new talks between the Syrian regime and re­bels on a negotiated solution to the conflict, which has killed more than 115,000 people since March 2011.

The Syrian opposition is divided on attending the conference, and Presi­dent Bashar al-Assad’s regime says his removal from office will not be on the table at any talks.

The National Coalition, the oppo­sition umbrella group, said it would hold internal discussions next week culminating in a vote on whether to attend the gathering.

But Mr Jamil said there was “no al­ternative” to the peace conference and that the absence of parts of the Syrian opposition would not affect the timing or format.

The international community has renewed its push for the Geneva conference following a deal under which Syria will turn over its chemical arsenal for destruction.

The agreement, enshrined in a UN Security Council resolution, staved off threatened us military action against the Assad regime after an August 21 sarin attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.

Under the resolution, a team from the United Nations and the Organisa­tion for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has been in Syria overseeing the destruction of its chemical arms.

On Thursday, the OPCW, which was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, said nearly half its inspections of the arsenal were complete.

“We have done nearly 50 percent of the verification work of the facilities that have been declared to us,” Malik Ellahi, a political advisor on Syria for OPCW, told journalists in The Hague.

Despite the progress, Mr Ellahi said security remained a concern for the unprecedented mission in war- torn Syria, with mortar and car bomb attacks taking place in areas near to the inspectors’ Damascus hotel.

“There have been a number of inci­dents over the last few days which gives some cause for concern,” Mr Ellahi said.

So far Damascus has won praise for its cooperation with the inspectors, but the United Nations has stressed that key deadlines be met.

Inspectors have until June 30 next year to complete the destruction of Syria’s chemical arsenal. -AFP

PAKSE17 bodies found afterLAOS on Friday said rescuers had re­covered at least 17 bodies after a plane plunged into the Mekong River in the country’s worst ever air disaster, with one corpse found miles downstream from the crash site.

All those on board the plane died when the Lao Airlines turboprop ATR- 72 went down in stormy weather on Wednesday, September 16.

Of the 49 passengers and crew, more than half of them were foreign­ers from nearly a dozen countries.

Volunteers searched the river on boats of all sizes, mustered for the grim task of plucking the dead from the turbulent waters and its muddy banks.

The aircraft sank to the bottom of the river. Rescuers said that recov­ering the wreckage would be an ex­tremely difficult task, complicated by raging currents.

Soubinh Keophet, a former na­tional footballer and a volunteer with a Laos rescue foundation, said one body was discovered as far as 30 kilo­metres (19 miles) from the crash site.

“We travelled 50 kilometres (31 miles) along the river and found four bodies,” he said, after he pulled a re­cently discovered limb from the water.

“Although they know the location of the crash, they still can’t find the main body of the plane because it has broken up into small parts and spread everywhere and the current is very strong,” he added.

A witness recounted a desperate attempt to rescue passengers after the plane dived nose-first into the river.

“The front of the plane went under but the tail was still floating. There was smoke coming out,” Pham Quang Nhat told Vietnam’s Tuoi Tre newspaper.

“We waited to be sure the plane would not explode then some people used boats to approach the plane, climbing on the wings hoping to find survivors. But we couldn’t get inside,” the Vietnamese worker said!

Sommad Pholsena, Laos’s minister of public works and transport, told re­porters that 17 bodies had been found so far.

“We have to investigate about the cause of the accident but initially I think it was caused by bad weather,” he said.

A large Laos naval vessel, several smaller Thai and Laos rescue boats, dinghies and a jet ski were seen on the waters on Friday.

Thai Transport Minister Chatchat Sitthipan said that the rescue opera­tion was being led by local authorities with the support of the Thai navy, air­force and volunteer rescue teams.

‘We stand ready to support Laos with

whatever it needs,” he said.The flight from the capital Vienti­

ane was carrying 44 passengers and five crew, including 28 foreigners, when it crashed near Pakse airport in Cham- pasak province, according to officials.

Rows of wooden coffins were seen at a mortuary in Pakse, which is a hub for tourists travelling to more remote areas in southern Laos.

Lao Airlines said the aircraft hit “ex­treme” bad weather, while witnesses described seeing the plane buffeted by strong winds from tropical storm Nari”.

MOSCOWRussia says diplomat’s apartment broken into in The Hague

A police officer stands guard on October 17 outside a building in The Hague, that was broken into. Photo: AFP

RUSSIA said Friday tha t unknown intruders had broken into the apart­m ent of one of its embassy staff in The Hague, in the latest incident to spike tensions between the two countries.

The break-in occurred on Thurs­day evening at an apartm ent com­plex housing foreign dignitaries lo­cated outside the Russian embassy’s grounds, the foreign m inistry said in a statement.

“Returning home from work, Russian embassy staff in The Neth­erlands ... discovered traces of an illegal entry into one of the apart­ments,” the Russian m inistry state­m ent said.

“The apartm ent is occupied by a staff member of the embassy’s administrative-technical personnel, who is currently on vacation.”

The statem ent added tha t Rus­sia expected “the Dutch authori­ties to take exhaustive measures in

order to establish the culprits of this crime”.

The statem ent came just three days after a senior diplom at at the Dutch embassy in Moscow was beaten up at his home residence in the Russian capital by unknown a t­tackers.

Relations between Russia and The Netherlands have deteriorated recently over Moscow’s arrest of the 30-member crew of a Dutch-flagged Greenpeace ship and an earlier de­tention of a Russian diplom at in The Netherlands.

The deputy head of the Dutch mission in Moscow was approached at his home on Tuesday by two men who presented themselves as electri­cians and then beat him up.

The 60-year-old diplomat was not badly harm ed and did not seek medi­cal attention.

Last week, police in The Hague detained a Russian diplomat over

accusations he was m istreating his two young children.

The Netherlands later apologisedfor breaching the Vienna Conven­tion on diplomatic relations, which grants diplomats im m unity from

arrest, but said police had acted out of professional responsibility when detaining the diplomat. - AFP

35

Dalai Lama professes support for medical marijuana useWORLD 37

NSA survelliance feeding CIA attacksWORLD 35

Rare RioTinto pink diamonds fetch record priceWORLD 33

Laos air crash

According to an updated passen­ger list from the airline, there were 16 Laotians, seven French travellers, six Australians, five Thais, three South Koreans, three Vietnamese, and one national each from the us, Malaysia, China and Taiwan. Australia said a family of four was among its nationals feared dead.

The pilot was a Cambodian nation­al said to have “many years” of flying experience.

French-Italian aircraft manufactur­er ATR said the twin-engine turboprop

aircraft was new and had been deliv­ered in March.

Witnesses recounted seeing the plane in trouble before it came down.

“I heard a boom, a sound like a bomb going off. There was smoke and flames before it crashed,” local village chief Buasorn Kornthong, 37, told AFR

Founded in 1976, Lao Airlines serves domestic airports and destina­tions in China, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Impoverished Laos has seen 29 fatal air accidents since the 1950s.-A F P

TAGBILARANPhilippine earthquake death toll rises to 172THE death toll from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines rose to 172 on Friday last week as authorities warned the num­ber of dead would probably climb even higher.

The tourist island of Bohol, which was the epicentre of Tuesday’s quake, suffered the most with 160 people dead, the civil defence office for the region said.

Twelve others were killed on other central islands.

Bohol police commander Senior Superintendent Dennis Agustin said22 people were missing on the island, including five children who were play­ing by a waterfall when the quake hit.

It was unlikely many of them would be found alive, he warned.

“It looks doubtful.“This is the fourth day since the

quake. It is an [extremely unlikely]

possibility they will be recovered alive,” he said. “Some are believed bur­ied under landslides, some are under fallen structures. We will likely get more reports of deaths.”

Bohol, an island of about a million people around 600 kilometres (370 miles) from Manila, is known for its beaches, its rolling “Chocolate Hills” and tiny tarsier primates.

It suffered huge landslides, fallen bridges, shattered roads and collapsed structures during the quake.

Government and aid groups have been rushing to deliver assistance to the affected areas, but travel has been hampered by the bridges and roads that have been rendered impassable by the quake.

Fearing the many aftershocks could cause their homes to collapse, many Bohol residents have been living in tents. - AFP

PHNOM PENHEx-Khmer Rouge leaders ‘killed for power’FORMER Khmer Rouge leaders on tri­al for crimes against humanity “spilt blood for power” in their quest to make the country a slave state, Cam­bodia’s UN-backed war crimes court heard last week.

“Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan killed for power. They spilt blood for it. They brutalised and dehumanised their own people and kept spilling blood for power,” prosecutor William Smith said m closing statements at the court.

But he said the two leaders ordered others to do “their very dirty work” for them.

“Seeing your victim’s eyes makes it hard to kill,” Mr Smith said.

“If you look close enough you see your own humanity in their eye's. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan chose not to see the eyes of their victims. They chose not to see their own hum anity’

More than three decades after the country’s “Killing Fields” era, the UN­backed court is moving closer to a ver­dict in their complex case, which has been split into a series of smaller trials.

The first trial has focused on the forced evacuation of people into rural labour camps and the related charges of crimes against humanity.

The evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975 was one of the largest forced migrations in modern history.

More than 2 million people were expelled from the capital at gunpoint and marched to rural labour camps as part of the regime’s plan to forge an agrarian Utopia.

Mr Smith said Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were prepared to do whatever it took to realise their radical vision of Cambodia as “a slave state”.

“Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan and their criminal partners were the masters and the Cambodian popula­tion were their slaves. They were dic­tators who controlled Cambodians by brutal force and fear,” he added

The defendants deny charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Other allegations are due to be heard in later hearings al­though no date has yet been set. - AFP

This April 17,1975 picture shows people leaving Phnom Penh after Khmer Rouge forces seized the capital. PHOTO: AFP/Documentation Centre of Cambodia.

IN BRIEFR IYAD HSaudi turns down UN Security Council membershipSaudi Arabia on Friday turned down m embership in the United Nations Se­curity Council, accusing the powerful body of "double standards" a day after it won a seat on it.

"Therefore Saudi Arabia ... has no other option but to turn down Security Council membership until it is reformed and given the means to accomplish its duties and assume its responsiblities in preserving the world ร peace and security," the Saudi foreign m inistry said in a statement.

PARISFrench mayors can’t refuse to marry gay couples, court saysFrances top court ruled on Friday last week that mayors cannot refuse to conduct same-sex marriages on the ground it goes against the ir religious o r m oral beliefs. The Constitutional Council's ruling followed an appeal by mayors and registrars opposed to path- breaking legislation legalising gay m ar­riage on May 18.

A five-page judgement said the ir contention was not valid as the "freedom of conscience" clause they evoked as a constitutional right was not present in the legislation.

B E IJIN GChina summons Japan ambassa­dor over Yasukuni visitChina summoned Tokyo's ambassador Friday to protest over visits by a Japa­nese cabinet m in ister and scores of parliamentarians to the controversial Yasukuni w a r shrine, Beijing's foreign m inistry said.

"Vice Chinese Foreign M inister Liu Zhenmin has summoned the Japanese ambassador to China for a solemn protest and a strong condemnation," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. The visit "is a blatant attempt to w hite­wash Japanese m ilita rism 's history of aggression and to challenge the outcomes of the Second World War", Hua added. -A FP

36 World International THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

WINMALEEBushfires ravage southeast AustraliaRESIDENTS faced scenes of dev­asta tion Friday after bushfires rav­aged com m unities and destroyed “hundreds” of homes in southeast­ern Australia, leaving one man dead w ith dozens of blazes still out of control.

Cooler tem peratu res and a drop in wind offered firefighters some relief after an intense battle Thurs­day bu t nearly 100 fires were still raging across the state of New South Wales.

NSW Rural Fire Services Com­m issioner Shane Fitzsim m ons said the situation was still “very active, very dynamic, very dangerous”.

“We are going to ... continue to save life and to pro tect as much property as possible, bu t at the same tim e slowly take advantage of the w eather conditions th a t are more favourable than was o th ­erwise presented yesterday,” he said, adding th a t 91,000 hectares (224,000 acres) had been b u rn t out so far.

Several m ajor blazes fanned by high, erratic winds in unseasonably w arm w eather ripped through com­m unities in the Blue M ountains w est of Sydney on Thursday w ith whole streets razed.

One fatality has been reported so far. A 63-year-old m an died from a h eart attack as he defended his hom e on the Central Coast, north of Sydney.

“T hat’s the w orst th a t anyone w ants to happen and we send” our sym pathy to his family,” said NSW

state Prem ier Barry O’Farrell, add­ing th a t two firefighters were in hospital w ith one undergoing an operation.

The Central Coast blaze was described as “apocalyptic” by resi­dents, w ith a t least five h is to ri­cal buildings in the seaside town of Catherine Hill Bay reduced to charred ruins or badly damaged.

“It was huge, strong southerly winds and flames as high as trees,” said long-time Catherine Hill Bay residen t Wayne Demarco.

H undreds of residents spent the n ight in evacuation centres in the Blue M ountains and awoke Friday m orning to confront the extent of the disaster.

Ron Fuller was one of those who lost his hom e in W inmalee, a town w ith a population of about 6000 located 80 kilom etres (50 miles) in ­land from Sydney.

“We’ve had a num ber of fires through here before bu t th is was an extraordinary fire. The speed was extraordinary. It ju s t raced through this whole area, took out some houses, left o ther ones stand ­ing,” he said.

Blue M ountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said the enorm ity of the catastrophe was only now being fully realised.

“I th ink people who lost the ir homes yesterday are h itting reality today,” he told ABC radio.

“You can see the devastation on the ir faces. I t’s very, very difficult.”

The Rural Fire Service said in

a tw eet th a t crews were assessing the damage across the state street by street.

“It appears there may be h un ­dreds of homes destroyed,” the ser­vice said.

Prime M inister Tony Abbott, h im self a volunteer firefighter, visited some of the worst-affected areas, w arning “there has already been loss of life, and we fear m ore”.

“A ustralia is a country th a t is prone to natural disaster bu t eve­ry tim e it strikes it hu rts , and we grieve for those who are now h u r t­ing because of w hat has happened in New South Wales,” he said while authorising disaster recovery pay­m ents to help people get back on the ir feet.

Mr O’Farrell praised the re­sponse from fire crews, m any of whom are local volunteers battling the blazes as the ir own hom es go up in flames.

“I th ink the planning, p repara­tion and response has been some of the best we ve seen,” he said, call­ing the fires “some of the w orst we have experienced around Sydney in living m em ory”.

“We’re in for a long, tough sum ­mer,” he added.

W ildfires are common in Aus­tra lia ’s sum m er m onths between December and February, and au ­thorities are expecting a” rough fire season this year due to low rainfall th roughout the w inter and fore­casts of hot, dry w eather ahead.

-A F P

SYDNEY

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Tough laws target Aus iker gangsTOUGH new laws to combat biker gangs were passed in an Australian state Wednesday as authorities seek to “destroy these criminal organisations” that have become a growing menace across the country.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs linked to organised crime,” particularly drugs and guns, are an increasing problem across Australia with recent brazen violence and intimidation on the Gold Coast tourist strip proving the last straw for Queensland politicians.

In a marathon overnight session of the state parliament new legislation was unanimously passed that includes mandatory sentences of 15 years or more for crimes committed as part of gang activity, in addition to the usual penalty for the offence.

Those found guilty also face in­carceration in a bikers-only prison with no gym facilities or television access and having their motorcycles destroyed, while being banned from owning or working in tattoo parlours.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said, “The unequivocal pur­pose of these laws is to destroy these criminal organisations,” vowing to pursue gang members “relentlessly”.

“This is not some flash-in-the-pan or momentary phase. We are going to hunt you down, he said.

Mr Newman suggested bikers should “take off your colours, get a real job, act like decent, law-abiding human beings and become proper citizens in the state of Queensland and you will not have to go to jail”.

The legislation names 26 “criminal organisations” including well-known gangs such as the Bandidos, Hells An­gels, Rebels and the Finks as well as lesser-knowns like the Muslim Brother­hood, Iron Horsemen, Mongols, Fourth Reich, and Life and Death. - AFP

www.mmtimes.com Asia-Pacific World 3 7SURABAYASecond orangutan dies at Indonesian ‘death zoo’AN endangered Borneo orangutan died Thursday at Indonesia’s “death zoo”, the latest in a series of suspicious animal deaths prompting calls to close the notori­ous facility.

Fifteen-year-old Betty the orangutan had difficulty breathing before she died, Sura­baya Zoo spokesman Agus Supangkat said, adding she had just undergone a week of intensive treatment.

“Based on her medical records, she was suffering from inflammation of the lung.”

Mr Supangkat said the inflammation was caused by “extreme hot weather that has h it Surabaya city”

The ape’s death comes two weeks after a 12-year-old Borneo orangutan named Nanik died from an intestinal tum our and liver problems. Orangutans typically live between 50 and 60 years.

Mr Supangkat denied any negligence by the zoo, saying the orangutans lived m a leafy outdoor enclosure and were given healthy di­

ets of fruit, milk and multivitamins.The Surabaya Zoo is Indonesia’s largest

and has been dubbed a “death zoo” as hun­dreds of animals have died prematurely or suffered abuse there in recent years.

In July last year a 15-year-old endan­gered orangutan at the zoo named Tori was forced to quit smoking. Management had allowed visitors to throw lit cigarettes at her for 10 years, making the smoking oran­gutan the zoo’s star attraction.

Also last year a 30-year-old male giraffe died at the zoo with a 20-kilogram (44 pound) beachball-sized lump of plastic in Its stomach from food wrappers thrown into its pen by visitors.

Animal welfare groups have been cam­paigning for the zoo’s closure.

There are an estimated 45,000 to 69,000 Borneo orangutans left in the wild. They are native to the vast island of Bor­neo,” shared among Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. -A F P

Four-month-old orangutan Rlzkl Is seen Inside his cage at the Surabaya zoo. Photo: AFP

SYDNEYRio Tinto pink diamonds fetch record pricesTHE annual sale of Rio Tinto’s rare pink- hued diamonds attracted unprecedented interest with at least two of the stones fetching record prices of over US$2 mil­lion, the mining giant said last week.

The 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Ten­der of 64 red, pink and blue stones drew a record num ber of bids over $1 million

from established markets Japan and Aus­tralia and emerging markets China and India.

The highlight was the Argyle Phoenix, a 1.56 carat gem and one of three Fancy Red diamonds on offer, which sold for more than $2 million to a Singapore- based jeweller, the highest per carat price

paid for any diamond ever produced from Rio’s Argyle mine in Western Australia. The exact price was not disclosed due to client confidentiality.

Another record was set for the Argyle Dauphine, a 2.51 carat Fancy Deep Pink diamond, which also sold for more than $2 million, to a US-based dealer. - AFP

BANGKOK

Rhianna tweets lead cops to Thai sex showTHAI authorities last week ar­rested the owner of a sex show visited by pop icon Rihanna - the latest crackdown inadvert­ently triggered by the singer’s tweets.

The bar owner on the island of Phuket has been charged in connection with the lewd per­formance, local district chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol told AFP, following an operation in­volving undercover officials.

“It was the result of the visit by Rihanna. The authorities will be more strict towards in­appropriate shows or wildlife attractions,” he said.

Thai tourist officials were left red-faced after Rihanna’s tweets last month drew world­wide attention to the kingdom’s seedier side.

“Either I was phuck wasted lastnight, or I saw a Thai wom­an pull a live bird,2 turtles, razors, shoot darts and ping pong, all out of her pu$$y, she

wrote in a message in Septem­ber to her more than 32 million followers on Twitter.

“The birds feathers were all damp! Lol. Only in ^Thailand,” she added.

“And THEN she tried to turn water into coke in her $!! Uhh yea, all I’m saying is water went in and soda came out! I’m trau­matized!!!”

It is the second time the pop diva has unwittingly helped to clean up Phuket, one of Thai­land’s top tourist destinations.

Last month two men were arrested for possessing a pro­tected slow loris after Rihanna posted a picture of herself with the primate on a night out dur­ing the same visit to the island.

The image - captioned “Look who was talkin dirty to me!” - generated outrage from wildlife activists about ram­pant exploitation of animals m Thai tourist areas.

Use of the slow loris and other protected species for tourist snaps - while common in Thai tourist resorts - is offi­cially illegal.

According to wildlife pro­tection campaigners, mother lorises are often killed while the young are stolen.

The primates’ teeth are also removed due to their toxic bite.

Local tourist police volun­teers warn against venturing into strip clubs offering “ping- pong shows” due to the risk of overpriced drinks and threats of violence against people who refuse to pay the exhorbitant bills. - AFP '

TRADE MARK CAUTIONKao K abushiki K aisha (also trad in g as Kao Corporation), a joint-stock company duly organized under the laws of Japan, of 14-10, Nihonbashi Kayabacho 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

COFFRET D’ORReg. No. 4427/2007

in respect of “Int’l Class 3: Soaps; perfumery; essential oils; cosmetics; hair lotions; dentifrices. In t’l Class 21 ะ Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes), perfume atomizers (containers), cosmetic brushes, eye brow brushes, hair brushes, nail brushes, shaving brushes, hair combs, powder compacts not of precious metals (containers), dispensers for liquid soap, soap holders, sponge holders, powder puffs”.

CYTODINEReg. No. 5963/2010

CARNI-VITALReg. No. 5964/2010

in respect of “In t’l Class 1: Chemical preparations for use in the manufacture of cosmetic products”.Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law.Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Kao Kabushiki KaishaP. o. Box 60, YangonE-mail: makhinkyi.law @ mptmail.net. 111111Dated: 21st October, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONChrysler Group LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, of 1000 Chrysler Drive, City of Auburn Hills, State of Michigan 48326, United States of America, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-MOPAR

Reg. No. 3152/1991in respect of “Motor vehicles, parts and accessories thereof’.Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law.Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Chrysler Group LLCP. o. Box 60, YangonE-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mmDated: 21st October, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONSchering-Plough Ltd., a Company incorporated in Switzerland, of Weystrasse 20, CH-6000 Lucerne 6, Switzerland, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

PEG-INTRONReg. No. 9449/2005

in respect of “Class 5: long-acting broad spectrum antiviral and immunomodulating agent”.Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law.Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Schering-Plough Ltd.P. o. Box 60, Yangon.Email: makhinkyi.law @ mptmail.net. 111111 Dated: 21st October, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONMSD Oss B.V., a company organized and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, of Kloosterstraat 6, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands , is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

IMPLANON NXTReg. No. 744/2010

(IMPLANON NXT Logo) Reg. No. 745/2010

in respect of “ Class 5: Medicines and pharma­ceutical preparations for human use, among which contraceptives; contraceptive pharmaceutical pre­parations contained in or released from contraceptive sub-dermal implant. Class 10: Sub-dermal implant”.Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law.Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for MSD Oss B.v.P. o. Box 60, YangonE-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mmDated: 21st October, 2013

38 World International THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

Pacific man bids to become the world’s first climate change refugeeA PACIFC islander is attempting to be­come the world’s first climate change refugee in New Zealand as rising seas threaten his low-lying homeland, the man’s lawyer said fast Thursday.

Ioane Teitiota, 37, launched an ap­peal this week against a decision by New Zealand immigration authorities to refuse him refugee status and deport him to Kiribati in the central Pacific, lawyer Michael Kitt said.

Mr Kitt acknowledged Mr Teitiota’s New Zealand visa had expired but said he should not face deportation because of the difficulties he would encounter in Kiribati, which consists of more than

30 coral atolls, most only a few metres above sea level.

He said rising seas had already swamped parts of Kiribati, destroying crops and contaminating water.

Fresh water is a basic human right. The Kiribati government is unable, and perhaps unwilling, to guarantee these things because it s completely beyond their control,” Mr Kitt told Radio New Zealand.

He said Mr Teitiota’s case had the potential to set an international prec­edent, not only for Kiribati’s 100,000 residents but for all populations threat­ened by man-made climate change.

As the environmental problem worsens a new class of refugee emerg­ing that is not properly covered by ex­isting international protocols, Mr Kitt said.

“It’s a fluid situation. Eventually the courts and legislatures are going to have to make a decision on how we deal with this,” he said.

Mr Kitt said deporting Mr Teitiota to Kiribati was like forcing a gay person to return to a country where they faced persecution or a domestic violence vic­tim to go somewhere which offered no protection of women’s rights.

In refusing Mr Teitiota’s application

earlier this year, immigration authori­ties argued that he could not be con­sidered a refugee because no one in his

100Thousand Kiribati island inhabitants

threatened by climate change

homeland was threatening his life if he returned.

Mr Kitt countered by arguing that the environment in Kiribati was effec­tively a threat to Mr Teitiota and the three children he fathered in New Zea­land, who will have to return with him if he is deported.

“Mr Teitiota is being persecuted pas­sively by the circumstances in which he’s living, which the Kiribati govern­ment has no ability to ameliorate,” he said.

A decision from the Auckland High Court is expected to be released before the end of the month. - AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that M orinaga Nyugyo Kabushiki Kaisha ( also trading as Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.) a company organized and existing under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 33-1, Shiba 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks:-

m o r i n a g a

(Reg: No. IV/6758/2013)in respect of:- “Powdered milk for babies, infants and children; Powdered milk for pregnant and nursing women; Powdered milk for middle-aged people and elderly people for medical use; Pharmaceutical preparations; Veterinary preparations; Sanitary preparations for medical purposes; Dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use; Food for babies; Dietary supplements for humans and animals; Medicated confectionery; Liquid food supplements for humans and animals; Nutritional additives for medical use; Dietetic food for pregnant and nursing women for medical use; Dietetic beverages for babies, infants and children for medical use; Dietetic beverages for pregnant and nursing women for medical use; Dietetic beverages for middle- aged people and elderly people for medical use; Food for infants and children for medical purposes; Additives to fodder for medical purposes; Chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes; Chemical contraceptives; Chemical preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy; Diagnostic preparations for medical purposes; Medicated baby care products; Bacteria for medical use; Antiseptics; Fungicides; Disinfectant bactericides; Detergents for medical purposes; Disinfectants for hygiene; purposes; Germicides; Lotions for pharmaceutical purposes; Cattle washes; Disinfectants for chemical toilets; Animal washes; Biocides; Soil-sterilizing preparations; Germicides for agriculture purposes; Milk; Milk beverages; Milk drinks with honey flavors and tastes; Milk drinks with vanilla flavors and tastes; Milk drinks with chocolate flavors and tastes; Milk drinks with strawberry flavors and tastes; Lactic acid bacteria drinks; Cream; Whipped cream; Cheese; Butter; Buttercream; Powdered milk(except for infants); Powdered milk for middle-aged people and elderly people; powdered milk as food supplements; Condensed milk; Yoghurt; Yoghurt drinks; Yoghurt-based beverage; Milk products; Margarine ; Soya milk(milk substitute); Tofu ; Soup mixes; Black tea [English tea]; Japanese green tea; Oolong tea [Chinese tea]; Coffee; Coffee-based beverages; Cocoa ; Chocolate- based beverages; Confectionery; Ice candies; Ice cream; Sherbets; Frozen yoghurt; Pudding; Jelly; Instant pudding mixes; Cookies; Biscuits; Crackers; Cones for icecream; Chocolate; Doughnuts; Instant ice cream mixes; Instant sherbet mixes; Instant soft cream mixes; Processed food;

Carbonated drinks; Non-alcoholic beverages; Fruit juices; Vegetable juices; Mineral water; Whey beverages; Soybean beverages; Syrups for beverages”

(Reg: No/ IV/6759/2013)in respect of:- “Powdered milk for babies, infants and children, powdered milk for pregnant and nursing women, pharmaceutical preparations, veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations for medical purposes, dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use, food for babies, dietary supplements for humans and animals, powdered milk for middle-aged people and elderly people for medical use, medicated confectionery, liquid food supplements for humans and animals, nutritional additives for medical use, dietetic food for pregnant and nursing women for medical use, dietetic beverages for babies, infants and children for medical use, dietetic beverages for pregnant and nursing women for medical use, dietetic beverages for middle-aged people and elderly people for medical use, food for infants and children for medical purposes, additives to fodder for medical purposes, chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes, chemical contraceptives, chemical preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy, diagnostic preparations for medical purposes, medicated baby care products, bacteria for medical use, antiseptics, fungicides, disinfectant bactericides, detergents for medical purposes, disinfectants for hygiene purposes, germicides, lotions for pharmaceutical purposes, cattle washes, disinfectants for chemical toilets, animal washes, biocides, soil-sterilizing preparations, germicides for agriculture purposes” - Class:5“Milk drinks with honey flavors and tastes, milk drinks with vanilla flavors and tastes, milk drinks with chocolate flavors and tastes, milk drinks with strawberry flavors and tastes, milk, milk beverages, lactic acid bacteria drinks, cream, whipped cream, whipped cream, cheese, butter, buttercream powdered milk (except for infants), powdered milk for middle-aged people and elderly people, powdered milk as food supplements, condensed milk, yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, yoghurt-based beverage, milk products, margarine, soya milk(milk substitute), tofu, soup mixes” - Class:29 “Black tea [English tea], Japanese green tea, oolong tea [Chinese tea], coffee, coffee-based beverages, cocoa, chocolate-based beverages, confectionery, ice candies, ice cream, sherbets, frozen yoghurt, pudding, jelly, instant pudding mixes, cookies, biscuits, crackers, cones for icecream chocolate, doughnuts, instant ice cream mixes, instant sherbet mixes, instant soft cream mixes, instant soft cream mixes, processed food” Class: 30 “Milk drinks with honey flavors and tastes, milk drinks with vanilla flavors and tastes, milk drinks with chocolate flavors and tastes, milk drinks with strawberry flavors and tastes, carbonated drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, vegetable juices, mineral water, whey beverages, soybean beverages, syrups for beverages” Class: 32

(Reg: No. IV/6760/2013)<hil»s<hool(Reg: No. IV/6761/2013)BfflT(Reg: No. IV/6762/2013)

the above three trademarks are in respect of:- “Powdered milk for babies, infants and children, powdered milk for pregnant and nursing women, pharmaceutical preparations, veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations for medical purposes, dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use, food for babies, dietary supplements for humans and animals, powdered milk for middle- aged people and elderly people for medical use, medicated confectionery, liquid food supplements for humans and animals, nutritional additives for medical use, dietetic food for pregnant and nursing women for medical use, dietetic beverages for babies, infants and children for medical use, dietetic beverages for pregnant and nursing women for medical use, dietetic beverages for middle-aged people and elderly people for medical use, food for infants and children for medical purposes, additives to fodder for medical purposes, chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes, chemical contraceptives, chemical preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy, diagnostic preparations for medical purposes, medicated baby care products, bacteria for medical use, antiseptics, fungicides, disinfectant bactericides, detergents for medical purposes, disinfectants for hygiene purposes, germicides, lotions for pharmaceutical purposes, cattle washes, disinfectants for chemical toilets, animal washes, biocides, soil-sterilizing preparations, germicides for agriculture purposes” - Class: 5 “Milk drinks with honey flavors and tastes, milk drinks with vanilla flavors and tastes, milk drinks with chocolate flavors and tastes, milk drinks with strawberry flavors and tastes, milk, milk beverages, lactic acid bacteria drinks, cream, whipped cream, whipped cream, cheese, butter, buttercream, powdered milk (except for infants), powdered milk for middle-aged people and elderly people, powdered milk as food supplements, condensed milk yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, yoghurt-based beverage, milk products, margarine, soya milk(milk substitute), tofu, soup mixes” - Class 29Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Win Associatesfor Morinaga Nyugyo Kabushiki Kaisha (also trading as Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.)

P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 21st October 2013

NSA intelligence behind drone attack that killed al-Qaeda official

www.mmtimes.com International World 3 9

GREG MILLER, JULIE TATE AND BARTON GELLMAN

IT was an innocuous email, one of millions sent every day by spouses with updates on the situation at home! But this one was of particular interest to the National Security Agency (NSA), and contained dues that put the sender’s husband in the cross hairs of a CIA drone.

Days later, Hassan Ghul - an associate of Osama bin Laden who provided a critical piece of intelligence that helped the CIA find the al-Qaeda leader - was killed by a drone strike in Paki­stan’s tribal belt.

The US government has never publicly acknowledged killing Mr Ghul. But documents provided to The Washington Post by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden confirm his demise in October 2012 and reveal the agency’s extensive involvement in the targeted killing program that has served as a centrepiece of President Barack Obama’s counterterror­ism strategy.

The documents provide the most detailed account yet of the intricate collaboration be­tween the CIA and the NSA in the drone campaign.

In the search for targets, the NSA has draped a suiTeil- lance blanket over dozens of square kilometres of northwest Pakistan. In Mr Ghul’s case, the agency deployed an arsenal of cyber-espionage tools, secretly seizing control of laptops, si­phoning audio files and other messages, and tracking radio transmissions to determine where Mr Ghul might “bed down”.

The email from Mr Ghul’s wife “about her current living conditions” contained enough detail to confirm the coordi­nates of that household, ac­cording to a document summa­rising the mission.

“This information enabled a capture/kill operation against an individual believed to be Hassan Ghul on October 1,” it said.

The file is part of a collection of records in the Snowden trove

that make clear that the drone campaign - often depicted as the CIA^ exclusive domain - re­lies heavily on the NSA’s ability to vacuum up enormous quan­tities of email, phone calls and other fragments of signals in­telligence, or SIGINT.

Tb handle the expanding workload, the NSA created a secret unit known as the Coun­ter-Terrorism Mission Aligned Cell, or CT MAC, to concentrate the agency’s vast resources on hard-to-find terrorism targets.

The unit spent a year tracking Mr Ghul and his courier net­work, tunnelling into an array of systems and devices, before he was killed. Without those penetrations, the document concluded, “this opportunity would not have been possible”

“Ours is a noble cause,” NSA director Keith Alexander said during a public event last month. “Our job is to defend this nation and to protect our civil liberties and privacy.”

The documents do not ex­plain how the Ghul email was obtained or whether it was in­tercepted using legal authori­ties that have emerged as a source of controversy in recent months and enable the NSA to compel technology giants in­cluding Microsoft and Google to turn over information about their users.

Nor is there a reference to another NSA program facing scrutiny after Mr Snowden’s leaks: its m etadata collection of numbers dialled by nearly eve­ry person in the United States.

Even so, former CIA offi­cials said the files are an ac­curate reflection of the NSA’s contribution to finding targets in a campaign that has killed

an estimated 3000 militants, as well as hundreds of civilians, in Pakistan, according to inde­pendent surveys. The officials said the agency has assigned senior analysts to the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, and deployed others to work along­side CIA counterparts at almost every major us embassy or mil­itary base overseas.

“NSA threw the kitchen sink at the FATA,” said a for­mer US intelligence official with Afghanistan and Pakistan

Keith AlexanderNSA d irec to r

experience, referring to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the region in northwest Pakistan where al-Qaeda’s lead­ership is based.

“But if you wanted huge coverage of the FATA, NSA had 10 times the manpower, 20 times the budget and 100 times the brainpower,” the former intelligence official said, comparing the surveil­lance resources of the NSA to the smaller capabilities of the CIA’s operations center.

“We provided the map,” the former official said, “and they just filled in the pieces.”

Mr Ghul, who is listed in other documents as Mustafa Haji Muhammad Khan, had surfaced on us radar as early as 2003, when an al-Qaeda de­tainee disclosed that Mr Ghul escorted one of the intended hijackers to a Pakistani safe house a year before the Sep­tember 11* 2001, attacks.

A trusted facilitator and cou­rier, Mr Ghul was dispatched to Iraq in 2003 to deliver a mes­sage to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the al-Qaeda firebrand who an­gered the network’s leaders in Pakistan by launching attacks that often slaughtered innocent

Muslims.When Mr Ghul made an­

other attempt to enter Iraq in 2004, he was detained by Kurd­ish authorities in an operation directed by the CIA. Almost im­mediately, Mr Ghul provided a piece of intelligence that would prove more consequential than he may have anticipated: He disclosed that Mr bin Laden re­lied on a trusted courier known as al-Kuwaiti.

The ripples from that revela­tion wouldn’t subside for years. The CIA went on to determine the true identity of al-Kuwaiti and followed him to a heavily fortified compound in Abbot- tabad, Pakistan, where Mr bin Laden was killed in 2011.

Because of the courier tip, Mr Ghul became an unw it­ting figure in the contentious debate over CIA interrogation measures. He was held at a CIA black site in Eastern Eu­rope, according to declassified Justice Departm ent memos, where he was slapped and subjected to stress positions and sleep deprivation to break his will.

The George พ Bush adm in­istration’s decision to close the secret CIA prisons in 2006 set off a scramble to place prisoners whom the agency did not regard as dangerous or valuable enough to transfer to Guantanamo Bay. Mr Ghul was not among the original 14 high-value CIA detainees sent to the US installation in Cuba.

Instead, he was turned over to the CIA’s counterpart in Pakistan, with ostensible assurances tha t he would re­main in custody.

A year later” Mr Ghul was released. There was no pub­lic explanation from Pakistani authorities. CIA officials have noted that Mr Ghul had ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group supported by Pakistan’s intelligence service. By 2007, he had returned to al-Qaeda’s stronghold in Waziristan~

In 2011, the Treasury De­partment named Mr Ghul a target of U.S. counterterrorism sanctions.

Since his release, the de­partment said, he had helped al-Qaeda re-establish logistics networks, enabling al-Qaeda to move people and money in and out of the country.

The NSA document de­scribed Mr Ghul as al-Qaeda’s chief of military operations, and detailed a broad surveil­lance effort to find him.

“The most critical piece” came with a discovery that “provided a vector” for com­pounds used by Mr Ghul, the document said. After months of investigation, and surveillance by CIA drones, the email from his wife erased any remaining doubt.

Even after Mr Ghul was killed in Mir Ali, the NSA’s role in the drone strike wasn’t done. Although the attack was aimed at “an individual believed to be” the correct target, the out­come wasn’t certain until later when, “through SIGINT, it was confirmed that Hassan Ghul was in fact killed”.

- The Washington Post

Tracking Hassan Ghul2004 Captured in Iraq and eventually

moved to a secret CIA prison in Eastern Europe.

2006 Moved to a prison in Pakistan after the closure of CIA secret prisons.

2007 Released from Pakistani detention.

2008 Named as a "senior Al-Qaeda facilitator" in a terrorism list who "launched attacks against aircraft in Yemen."

2 0 1 1 Named by บ.ร. Treasury as a target of บ.ร. sanctions.

201 2 Killed in a drone strike in Mir Ali, Pakistan.

Eastern * Europeแ RUSSIA

IRAQIRAN fAFGH,

SAUDI ARABI Mir Ali

I N D ^

PAKISTAN

IndianOcean

‘Ours is a nobel cause. Our job is to defend this nation and to protect our civil liberties and privacy.’

TRADE MARK CAUTIONPhilip M orris Global Brands Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America and having its principal office at 9711 Farrar Court, 23236 Richmond, Virginia, USA, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark:-

MARLBORO CLASSICS(Reg. No. 3157/2002)

In respect of:-Intemational Class 18: LEATHER AND IMITATIONS OF LEATHER, AND GOODS MADE OF THESE MATERIALS AND NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CLASSES; ANIMAL SKINS, HIDES; TRUNKS AND TRAVELLING BAGS; UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS AND WALKING STICKS; WHIPS, HARNESS AND SADDLERY;International Class 25: CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND HEADGEAR.Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademark will be dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Naing, L.L.B, L.L.M, H.G.P For Philip M orns Global Brands Inc.Tilleke & Gibbins Ltd.,17th Floor, Sakura Tower,339 Bogyoke Aung San Road,Kyauktada Township, Yangon,Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dated : 21st October, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONPhilip M orns Products s.A. a corporation organized under the laws of SWITZERLAND and having its principal office at Quai Jeanrenaud 3, 2000 Neuchatel, Switzerland, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademark is the Owner of the following Trade Marks :-

(Reg. No. 7139/2009)

Marlboro(Reg. No. 7140/2009)

In respect of:-Intemational Class 34: Tobacco, raw or manufactured; tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, tobacco for roll your own cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff tobacco, kretek; รทนร; tobacco substitutes (not for medical purposes); smokers' articles, including cigarette paper and tubes, cigarette filters, tobacco tins, cigarette cases and ashtrays, pipes, pocket apparatus for rolling cigarettes, lighters; matches.

#4(Reg. No. 742/1986)

International Class 34: Tobacco products (cigarettes). Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Naing, L.L.B, L.L.M, H.G.P For Philip M orns Products S.A.Tilleke & Gibbins Ltd.,17thFloor, Sakura Tower,339 Bogyoke Aung San Road,Kyauktada Township, Yangon,Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dated : 21st October, 2013

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www.mmtimes.com International World 4- 1ALBANONazi funeral called off in Italy as clashes eruptTHE funeral of a Nazi war criminal was cancelled in Italy last Tuesday after clashes broke out between protesters and far- right activists on the eve of a major Holocaust ceremony.

Catholic breakaway tra­ditionalists from the ultra­conservative Society of St Pius X had agreed to hold the fu­neral of former ss officer Erich Priebke at their seminary in Al- bano, a town near Rome”.

But mayor Nicola Marini and hundreds of local residents turned out to complain about the last-minute decision, fol­lowing Mr Priebke’s death last Friday in Rome, where he had been under house arrest.

“Assassin!” the protesters shouted as the hearse drove into the religious compound for the start of the ceremony, which was quickly suspended by a police order when neo- Nazis broke into the area.

“Take him to the landfill!” one man shouted as the hearse passed through the crowd, while others sang the Ital­ian partisan song “Bella Ciao” and held up a banner reading “Priebke the Hangman”

The far-right militants, some 30 of whom had gath­ered, gave Nazi salutes and fas­cist chants.

“We are here to celebrate his memory because he was part of our world,” said Maurizio Boc- cacci, head of the extreme-right Militia movement.

Mr Marini issued a last- minute decree to try to prevent the hearse crossing his town, saying it had been a centre of the resistance during World War II. But the ruling was struck down in Rome.

Dozens of riot police pushed about 500 protesters back and later fired tear gas after clash­ing with a few dozen neo-Nazis who attacked with glass bottles and chains, shouting, “He was a hero!”

A priest from the Society of St Pius X also had to be pro­tected by police as he tried to enter the seminary after being shoved by the protesters.

The controversial funeral was called off, w ith Ita lian

People protest as the hearse carrying the coffin of Nazi war criminal Erich Priebke arrives in Albano Laziale near Rome last week. Photo: AFP

authorities particularly con­cerned as tensions were al­ready running high ahead of the 7001 anniversary of a raid by Nazi troops that cleared out the city’s historic Jewish quarter.

The ceremony was suspend­ed in the afternoon, then Mr Priebke’s lawyer Paolo Giach- ini decided later to call off the private religious ceremony to avoid further trouble.

Mr Priebke, who was 100 when he died, was convicted of the 1944 massacre of 335 people, including 75 Jews, at the Ardea- tine caves near Rome in a Nazi retaliation for a partisan attack.

The unrepentant Holocaust denier, who claimed he was only following Gestapo orders, has continued to cause uproar even in death with an interna­tional controversy over his fu­neral and final resting place.

“This is a m om ent of mourning and has nothing to do with politics.

We have done our best to re­spect the feelings of his critics,” the lawyer Mr Giachini told reporters before the funeral

ceremony got underway.The Society of St Pius X is

a Catholic conservative group that broke from the Vatican in 1970 over opposition to reforms and is often accused of far-right and anti-Semitic leanings.

Father Floriano Abrahamo- wicz, a St Pius X priest, de­fended the controversial deci­sion to host the funeral, telling Radio 24 “Priebke was a friend of mine, a Christian, a faithful soldier.”

“His was the only case of an innocent man behind bars. It’s a scandal how he was persecuted in Italy while immigrants are re­ceived with dignity, he said.

The funeral coincided with a silent procession through the Rome Ghetto in honour of the more than 1000 Jews who were taken away to concentration camps - of'whom only 16 came back alive.

Italian media reports sug­gested that the authorities wanted Mr Priebke cremated, amid fears a burial could be­come a rallying point for far- right groups”.

Argentina, where Mr Priebke lived for nearly 50 years before being extradited to Italy and where he wanted to be buried, has refused to take the body.

The body was left at the seminary overnight, but the next moves, towards a probable cremation, were undecided.

The Vatican also issued an unprecedented ban on cele­brating the funeral in any Cath­olic church in Rome, although it said a priest could officiate a private ceremony at home.

Jewish groups and relatives of the massacre victims have said the body should be cre­mated and the ashes scattered to erase his memory forever.

Mr Priebke escaped from a British POW camp in Italy im­mediately after World War II and was supplied with Vatican travel documents by a Nazi- sympathising Catholic bishop.

He was sentenced to life in prison in 1998, but because of his age and ill-health was al­lowed to serve out his sentence at home.

-A F P

SAN FRANCISCO DEL RINCON

Dalai Lama backs medical marijuanaTHE Dalai Lama weighed in on Mexico’s marijuana legalisation debate last Tues­day, telling an audience that he backs the drug’s use for medicinal purposes.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, speak­ing at an event hosted by former Mexi­can president Vicente Fox, said that “the exception” for smoking m arijuana would be if its use has pharmaceutical virtues.

“But otherwise if it’s just an issue of somebody [using the drug to have] a crazy mind, that’s not good, he said after being asked his position on legalisation at the outdoor event at the ex-president’s Fox Center in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato.

Mr Fox, who laughed when the ques­tion was asked to the Dalai Lama, has become a leading voice in favour of legal­ising the narcotic in order to cut down a major revenue stream for ultra-violent drug cartels.

The Dalai Lama has been touring Mexico since last Friday but the govern­ment of President Enrique Pena Nieto, who has sought closer ties with China, has decided not to meet with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama also told Mexicans that Christianity and Buddhism coincide in their pursuit of human happiness.

Both religions promote “love, compas­sion and self-discipline” that lead to hap­piness, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader told some 3000 people.

More than 90 percent of Mexico’s 118 million people are Catholic.

With his usual smile and good humor, the Dalai Lama said that for decades, Christian leaders have been interested in some Buddhist teachings.

Christianity promotes the concept of a transcendent and unique God as creator, while Buddhism refutes the existence of a creator. - AFP

Exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, wears a Mexican charro hat during a conference in Mexico. Photo: AFP

IN BRIEF

SeoulThousands of N Korea cyber attacks on South: m inistryNorth Korea has staged thou­sands of cyber attacks against the South เท recent years, causing financial losses of around US$805 m illion, a Seoul lawm aker said citing govern­ment data last week!

"A lot of data related to our national infrastructure, includ­ing chemical storage facilities and information relating to personal financial dealings have been stolen," ruling party MP Chung Hee-Soo said.

M r Chung told parliam ent that the South Korean m ilitary alone had been the target of 6392 North Korean cyber at­tacks since 2010. The included website intrusions, malware deployments and the use of virus-carrying emails.

"Our m ilitary's cyber warfare ability to fend off such attacks is incomparable to the North's, which is known to be one of the w orld 's best," M r Chung said.

North Korea is believed to run an elite cyber-war unit of 3000 personnel, while the South has only 400 specialised staff.

North Korea has denied any involvement.

TokyoJapanese doctor with TB saw over 600 patientsA doctor infected w ith tuber­culosis examined more than 600 patients w ithout wearing a mask, an offic ia l said last week.

The doctor, who is in his 50s and runs a clin ic in central Ito city, began displaying symptoms of the potentially lethal airborne disease in m id-August, but brushed them off as a common cold, authorities said.

He continued to see patients, w ithout wearing a face mask, until he was diagnosed with tuberculosis earlier th is month.

During that tim e he had con­tact w ith 658 people, including family members, clinic staff and more than 600 patients, five of whom were children.

Tuberculosis is a bacte­ria l infection that attacks the lungs and can be transm itted by coughing or sneezing. It k ills approximately a m illion people around the world every year, according to the World Health Organization.

Letters were being sent to a ll patients examined by the doctor, the health authority spokesman said.

-AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTIONPhilip M orris (Pakistan) Limited., a corporation organized under the laws of the Pakistan and having its principal office at 4th Floor, Bahria Complex 3, M.T. Khan Road, Karachi, 74000 PAKISTAN, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trademarks

MORVEN GOLD(Reg. No. IV/5515/95)PARK LANE(Reg. No. IV/5518/95)

In respect of International Class 34: Tobacco products; smokers’ articles.

KENMORE(Reg. No. IV/5516/95)

In respect of International Class 34: Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco manufactured and raw, matches, cigarettes lighters and smokers’ articles

MORVEN(Reg. No. 6898)

K2(Reg. No. 6890)

In respect of In tern ation a l Class 34: Tobacco, raw or manufactured; tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, tobacco for roll your own cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff tobacco, kretek; tobacco substitutes (not for medical purposes); smokers' articles, including cigarette paper and tubes, cigarette filters, tobacco tins, cigarette cases and ashtrays, pipes, pocket apparatus for rolling cigarettes, lighters; matches.Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trademarks will be dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Naing, L.L.B, L.L.M, H.G.P For Philip M orns (Pakistan) Limited.Tilleke & Gibbins Ltd.,17th Floor, Sakura Tower,339 Bogyoke Aung San Road,Kyauktada Township, Yangon,Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dated : 21st October, 2013

42 World International THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

RIO DE JANEIRO

For postal workers, delivering mail is akin to detective work in Brazilian slumTWISTING their way through labyrinthine alleys, postmen in the Rio favela of Rocinha have to resort to detective work as they figure out where to deliver mail.

Police and the army moved in to clean up the sprawling mini-city of some 150,000 two years ago in a bid to rid Brazil’s biggest slum of the scourge of drug dealers.

But even after “pacification” of the area, doing the rounds here can still be risky business.

“There’s one house with a dog called Warrior,” said postal official Edson Martins.

Mailmen, no matter where, have long had to deal with vi­cious dogs. But their routes here are also rendered danger­ous by Rocinha’s maze of nar­row streets and steep cliffside drops.

And then there’s the fact that, as the area develops, some ramshackle abodes vanish and

new ones spring up.Just finding an address of­

ten requires a real sleuth.“Sometimes to get to a resi­

dent you have to go through the kitchen of another house,” Mr Martins told AFP.

Shanty houses dot the Rio hillside, with the structures providing shelter to tens of thousands - many work-hun­gry migrants from Brazil’s pov­erty-stricken northeast.

Rocinha was a lawless bas­tion of drug dealers for some 30 years until troops and police,

backed by helicopters and ar­moured vehicles, moved in two years ago.

Since then, authorities have attempted to modernise the area and draw up a registry of streets, number houses and generally make some sense of the maze of paths and the jum ­ble of electrical wires.

The postal service, for one, is tasked with attributing a zip code to each region to enable residents to get their mail at home.

“Before, road number 4 was just a simple pathway; today it’s a real road, wider. That makes our job easier,” says mailman Ricardo Pinto, 52.

Previously, Mr Pinto and his colleagues would barely ven­ture into Rocinha’s main street for fear of coming face to face with armed men.

Instead, they would drop the mail off with traders or resi­dents would come pick it up.

Today, six mailmen do the rounds on foot, delivering some 5200 items per day to houses on streets with a designated name.

A truck, meanwhile, serves as a ‘poste restante’ where peo­ple can come and collect items.

Even so, Mr Martins said, “these postmen still only cover around 30 percent of Rocinha”.

One particularly tough neighborhood to navigate is above the Valao’ - Rocinha’s open sewer system - where the roads are unnamed.

“Our work starts where that of the postal service stops,” Si­las Vieira, 44, told AFP.

“We go into little alleyways which haven’t been registered, to houses with no number.”

Along with Carlos Pedro, 43, Mr Vieira founded ‘Carteiro Amigo’ (‘Friendly Postman’) 13 years ago with an unemploy­ment insurance payout.

Today, their small company employs seven

“mailmen” - albeit ones who are not recognized by the official postal service.

They deliver mail to more than 8000 households, which each pay around US$7 a month for the service.

Mr Vieira and Mr Pedro both hail from Rocinha and have drawn up their own ad­dress registry based on names given by locals to some 3000 pathways, alleyways, squares and even staircases”

Creating that was “a real de­tective’s job” they said.

Neither Mr Vieira nor Mr Pedro will say what kind of revenue their fledgling firm has -but they do let on that turn­over has “tripled in 10 years”

They have also opened fran­chises in 10 other favelas.

Another colleague, a 32-year-old who only gave his name as Max, finds the work keeps him in shape as he logs some 10 kilometres (6.25 miles) a day on his route.

His work is highly appreci­ated by the locals.

“He has changed my life,” said Norma Lucia, a woman in her 50s, as Max handed her a letter.

Yet some complain about having to pay for a service that elsewhere in” Rio de Janeiro is provided for free.

“The post is a public ser­vice,” complained a man who identified himself as Jose, 55.

Some two million people live in Rio’s favelas.

Those in the southern part of the city have gradually been “pacified” since 2008 as au­thorities try to spruce up the metropolis ahead of next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Even so, many slum resi­dents still lack basic services such as drinking water, sewage systems, refuse collection - and mail delivery.

-AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that The Singer Company Limited, s.a.r.l a company organized under the laws of Luxembourg and having its principal office at 1, rue des Glacis, L-1628 Luxembourg is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-

SING ER(Reg: No. IV/8281/2013)

in respect of:- “Washing machines; sewing machines and parts; vacuum cleaners; power drive saws; cordless power drills; cordless power wrenches; power driven sanders and grinders.” Class: 7“Televisions; stereo and mini component; video players and recorders; iron press and dry iron (electric flat iron); fax machines.” Class: 9“Refrigerators; air conditioners; air cleaners; freezers; microwave ovens; wine cellar (refrigerator for wine bottles); gas cookers and gas ranges; water coolers; water filters and water electrolysers; vacuumizer (to keep food in a refrigerator); electric fans; rice cookers; water heaters; vapoclean (cleaner using steam); electric thermo pots.” Class: 11“Chairs; tables; cabinets; beds; shelves for storage;entertainment cabinets (furniture); show cases;furniture.” Class: - 20“Freezers and coolers.” Class: 21Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of thesaid trademark or other infringements whatsoever willbe dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Win Associatesfor The Singer Company Limited, s.a.r.lP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 21st October 2013 An employee of “ Carteiro Amigo” --a local postal service-- delivers

letters in Rocinha slum in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: AFP

www.mmtimes.com International World 43BERLINEU embraces crooked fruit, ugly veggiesANY takers for blemished apples, mis­shapen carrots and bent cucumbers?

Some European retailers are en­tering the market of ugly fruits and vegetables, positioning themselves as crusaders against food waste.

This week Edeka of Germany start­ed selling the flawed items in some of its stores across the country, as part of a four-week pilot project.

Normally the crooked veggies would end up thrown away or as animal feed, because consumers “buy with their eyes too, and have gotten used to certain norms” of shape and colour, said Gernot Kasel, a spokes­man for Germany’s number one re­tailer by market share.

Branded “nobody is perfect”, the ill-

proportioned apples, potatoes and car­rots sell cheaper than their “normal” counterparts.

Swiss market-leader Coop entered similar new ground in August with a range called “Unique”, on offer in about a third of its stores.

After blemished apricots and freck­led cauliflowers, three-legged carrots are vying for buyers’ favours, said Coop spokeswoman Nadja Ruch.

They are priced about 60 percent cheaper than “first-class” carrots.

“There would be scope for sell­ing many more of these products, as demand has certainly exceeded our hopes,” said Ms Ruch. But there is sim­ply no more supply of these “moods of nature”, as Coop likes to refer to them.

German retailer Rewe launched its own “พนทderling” range last week in its Austrian stores. The name is a cross between the words “anomaly” and “miracle”.

British retail giant Sainsbury’s had paved the way last year. Adverse weather conditions translated into a

750Billion dollars of food thrown away

annually worldwide

dramatic drop in the country’s fruit and vegetable production, and a high rate of misshapen and damaged goods.

Sainsbury’s nevertheless commit­ted to buying all the output, including ugly specimens. They found their way onto the shelves or as ingredients in readymade meals or pastries.

For retailer Rewe, entering that market “isn’t a decision based on eco­nomic considerations” the company said. It sees the project, which will be extended to other markets if the Aus­trian experiment is a success, as “a concrete step against the food waste culture”

According to recent figures by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisa­tion, over a billion tons of food is

thrown away each year, costing the world about US$750 billion.

Environmental and anti-poverty groups have long highlighted the problem, and 2014 has been labelled the “European Year against Food Waste” by the European Union.

With their ugly fruit and veg ac­tion, Edeka, Coop and the others have clearly embraced a trend.

The products “are optimal in qual­ity and taste”, says Rewe.

Growers welcome the new market for their flawed pieces of fruit and vegetable, especially if the arrival of strange-looking potatoes and zucchi- nis on supermarkets shelves “raises real questions about nature” for the consumers. -A F P

VILNIUSLithuania moves to legalise ritual slaughter amid Polish ban

Animals are slaughtered on October 15, 2013, on the first day of the Muslim Eld al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice holiday เท Islamic communities and countries. Photo: AFP

EASTERN European country Lithuania last week took the first step toward legalising the ritual slaughter of livestock for food, seeking to expand its exports after neighbouring Po­land imposed a ban.

“Arab countries and Israel represent new opportunities for meat exporters,” lawmaker Vytautas Gapsys, who tabled the draft legislation, told Lithu­anian parliament.

In the first reading, 51 law­makers in the 141-seat parlia­ment voted in favour of legali­sation and two against, with seven abstentions.

According to EU law, ani­mals in Lithuania and other member countries must be stunned before slaughter.

Kosher and halal slaughter require that an animal be killed by slitting its throat without first being stunned.

Two more parliamentary votes and a presidential sig­nature are needed to approve the law that would exempt re­ligious communities from the requirement.

Lithuania’s tiny Jewish com­munity on Tuesday welcomed the move.

“We would be pleased if the law is adopted,” community

leader Faina Kukliansky told AFP.

“It could encourage exports and would also be important for the local community”

The Jewish and Muslim communities total about 3000 people in the Baltic nation of

3 million people, which joined the European Union and NATO in 2004 and currently holds the EU presidency.

Ritual slaughter was banned in EU neighbour Poland on Jan­uary 1 after its Constitutional Court deemed it incompatible

with animal rights legislation.Polish farmers and export­

ers of meat to Israel and Mus­lim countries exported up to 350 million euros (US$460 mil­lion) worth of kosher and halal meat a year before the ban.

-A F P

IN BRIEF

ROMEWorld food aid chief warns against ‘donor fatigue’ in ongoing crisesConflicts around the world mean there m ust be no "donor fatigue", the head of the World Food Programme said, as the United Nations marked World Food Day last week.

Ertharin Cousin warned aid funds were running out fo r forgotten but ongoing hu­manitarian crises like North Korea.

"There is no room for donor fatigue," Ms Cousin said at the UN food aid agency's headquarters in Rome. "The biggest chal­lenge is ensuring we don't forget conflicts that are beyond the attention of the media."

WFP supplies aid to about 97 m illion people in 80 countries.

With an annual budget of around US$5.0 billion (3.7 billion euros), the organisation last year spent $1.2 billion buying em er­gency food supplies.

WFP operations in and around Syria are costing around $31 m illion a week, but Ms Cousin said this could not come at the expense of o ther crises.

เท North Korea, "w ithout significant

contribution in the next months we w ill be forced to suspend our operation at the end of January", she added.

B EIJIN GChinese official sacked after piggyback to protect his shoesA Chinese offic ia l was removed from his post after a picture of him being given a piggyback sparked an online uproar; state media reported.

The image, published on the Tw itter-like Sina Weibo, showed the local officia l being carried on a villager's back while visiting flood victim s in Zhejiang province.

A post published w ith the image said the official, surnamed Wang, was being carried because he was wearing high-end shoes.

M r Wang, who was wearing shoes made of cloth, was set to take them off and w a lk barefoot over a sm a ll pond to reach a victim 's house, the Sanqishi Township government told Xinhua.

However a v illager "lifted Wang on his back despite Wang insisting on walking barefoot", Xinhua reported. The villager

gave M r Wang another piggyback ride as they left the house, the agency said.

DUBAIAmnesty slams plan fo r ‘tests’ to ban homosexuals from Gulf

A Kuwaiti proposal to require "medical tests" to prevent homosexual o r transgen­der m igrants from entering Gulf countries is "outrageous" and should be rejected, Amnesty International said last week.

"This proposal w ill only fu rthe r stigm a­tise people who already suffer extremely high levels of discrim ination and abuse, said Philip Luther, the rights group's Middle East and North Africa director.

Amnesty said the proposal, put forth earlie r th is month by Kuwait's director of public health, would ban anyone found to be homosexual, transgender o r a cross­dresser from entering the country.

The proposal w ill be debated by the expatriate labour comm ittee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Oman on November 11.

- A FP

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that STL Commercial Co., Ltd. a company organized under the laws of Thailand and having its principal office at 558 Moo 2, Tasailuad, Maesot, Tak 63110 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:-Nakita

(Reg: No. IV/10020/2013)In respect of: - “Electric rice cooker, blender, hot pot, iron, electric pan, fan, hot plate, electric kettle, power strip, tablet, cable and wire, DVD player, EVD player, television, home theater system” - Class: 9 STL Commercial Co. Ltd. has registered the “Nakita” trademark in Thailand on 17th March, 2008. Distributorship and representation rights to sell and distribute the above listed items in the whole of Myanmar has been awarded by STL Commercial Co. Ltd. to Sein Thein Lin Myanmar Co. Ltd. in Yangon and Myo Thein Electronic in Mandalay.Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.บ Kyi Win Associatesfor STL Commercial Co., Ltd.P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 21st October 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that ACE CANNING CORPORATION SDN. BHD. of Lot 33 - 37, Lengkuk Keluli 1, Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja Selatan, Seksyen 7,40000 Shah Alam, Selangor D arul Ehsan, M alaysia is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:

H O M E S O Y(Reg: No. IV/12139/2012)

In respect of:- “Preparation of soya bean, soya milk”. Class: 29“Mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, soft drinks; soy based non­alcoholic drinks; syrups and other preparations for making beverages” Class: 32Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law.บ THAN WIN, B.Com, B.L.for ACE CANNING CORPORATION SDN. BHD.By its AttorneysAgelessP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 21st October 2013

THE PULSE EDITOR: MANNY MAUNG m anny.m aung0gm ail.com THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 -27,2013

Me N Ma Girls hav&jฟeaseeHfieir

ITernationai debut single “Girl Strong’.’Photo: Supplied

B URSTING out into the in ternational scene, M yanm ar’s own Me N Ma Girls released the ir h it single “Girl Strong”

through iTunes and Amazon on October 10.

“This is the biggest th ing in our lifetim e. There are m any more famous singers in M yanmar than us. We’ve been perform ing for three years, bu t we d idn’t have a producer,” band m em ber Ahmoon told The M yanm ar Times.

“Then, thank heavens, we got an offer from Daniel H ubbert and this single is the result. We’re very happy and proud of it.”

The break came ju s t at the right tim e, as the ir A ustralian agent Nicole May h ad ju s t had a baby and could no longer work with them .

“Our producer doesn’t act like the big boss. He treats us like p a rt­

is! u AM BAWIhknuambawiragmail.com

ners. We ju s t do our best,” Ahmoon said. The band now has four m em ­bers - Htike Htike, Ahmoon, Cha Cha and Kimmy - since Wai Hnin left the group in June to spend m ore tim e w ith her parents.

The electro-pop “Girl S trong” was composed by Richard Harris and its m usic video directed by Joseph Toman, best known for his video work w ith Justin Timber- lake, Nicole Scherzinger and David Guetta.

Backed by world-fam ous profes­sionals, and using high-quality

sound techniques, the sweetly m elodic in tro works up into a noisy chorus.

Me N Ma Girls released the ir first album Year o f the Tiger in M yanmar in 2010 under the name Tiger Girls. Following disagree­m ents w ith the ir original producer, the band changed its name to Me N Ma Girls and self-produced the ir second album , M ingalaba, which was released at the end of 2011.The girls signed up w ith Power Music in Los Angeles, whose chair­man and CEO is Daniel H ubbert, in mid-2012.

“At first, critics in M yanmar said we were ugly and our skin too brown, no t like Korean bands, so we w ouldn’t succeed. We put tha t in the song,” Ahmoon said.

The video shows Korean-style people enjoying life a t the K-pop factory. At first they look a t the girls as if they are strange, bu t Me

An intimate glimpse into Daw Aung San รบ

www.mmtimes.com the p u lse d

'At first, critics in Myanmar said we were ugly and our skin too brown 1 not like Korean bands, so we wouidn succeed1AhmoonSinger

N Ma Girls ju s t get on w ith w hat they have to do.

“The song is quite commercial and it shows th a t we are different from the K-pop style,” she added. Although the song is called “Girl S tron g , i t ’s not ju s t about girls, bu t is about em powerm ent" The message is: Don’t give up.

“Everyone faces problem s and challenges. But this song empow­ers us to deal w ith w hatever situa­tion we face,” said Ahmoon.

The single was downloaded by more than 10,000 people on the first day.

“We’re off to a good start. I hope we can succeed in Southeast Asia and then move on to the us and Europe,” Daniel H ubbert told The M yanm ar Times.

“The girls are great to work w ith and everyone is professional. We plan to be together for a long tim e.”

Of Gods and menEach year, the Manuhar Buddhist festival in Bagan celebrates the creation of the Manuhar pagoda เท a colourful, yet reverent affairEl El THU the Bagan region where a tigernam eram yanm artim es.com .mm eats a woman, Shwe Oo.

The average papier-macheEACH year on September 18 - or, figure would take at least ain the Myanmar calendar, the 14*11 m onth to create, บ Tin Nyuntwaxing of Tawthalin - a curious said, adding that organisersthing happens at M anuhar Pa- didn’t put limits on either thegoda in Myingabar village, Bagan. size of the figures or the ages of

And neither a sea of umbrel- those creating them, so that any-las - a colourful sight, but also by one would be able to enter,now m undane - nor the drizzle One entry of a man dressed initself were able to drown out the a traditional Myanmar costumeexcitement this year, as enormous had been made by a group ofpapier-mache figures of everyone 11-year-olds,from The Lady to a lady-eating In past years the festival hastiger paraded through the admir- been simply a celebration. Thising crowds. year, however, it also became a

“Only M anuhar Temple ... competition. The organisers - thehas a c event,” said บ Tin Nyunt, Myanmar Tourism Federation,financial officer of Bagan’s Myan- the Myanmar Travel Association,mar Restaurant Association, one the Myanmar Hotelier As-of the organisers. sociation (Bagon Region), the

The tradition of the papier- Myanmar Restaurant Associationmache event used to be wide- and the Myanmar Lacquerwarespread in the Bagan region, but Association - said they believednow just the one parade is held this was a way to both retain theto celebrate the pagoda raised by tradition and also draw morethe ancient King Manuharmin. tourists to the spectacle.

บ Tin said the figures are The competitive formatmade by contestants from the seemed to bring out morearea, and the festival even at- diversity in the entries, withtracts entries from monasteries. each group trying to differentiate

Paper and bamboo pulp are themselves from the others. Itglued together and then painted. also m eant awards could be givenBut it’s the creativity behind to the lucky winners,them which transforms the raw First prize earned K300,000,materials into something magi- second prize K200,000, thirdcal. 100,000, and five other prizes

One entry depicted figures of K50,000 each were given out.from a folk tale: a woman named And in another twist, organisersMa Pa Dar who lost her mind decided tha t some of the touristsafter her husband and children who had come to see the festivalwere killed by an eagle. The giant should be the ones who handedeagle itself, modelled in black, over the prizes,stalked her as part of the same “We like it. We’re happy,”float. Spanish visitors Feliz and Car-

In another, a giant ogre, men told The M yanm ar Times.frighteningly lifelike, was carry- “We Spanish people like to liveing off a princess in his mouth. happily so we love all festivals,The other entries included figures especially spiritual celebra-of monks and of a folk tale from tions.”

A tiger takes steals a woman in the papier-mache festival Photo: Ei Ei Thu

J Kyi's daily life during her darkest years NOW ON SALE! A n e w r e l e a s e f r o m M C M B o o k s b y M o e L i n n ( a k a P h o L a y )

46 the pulse local THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 -27,2013

BOOK REVIEW: Nor Iron Bars a Cage 120131 by Ma Thanegl

NOR IRON BARS A CAGEPrison life and the art of joyful rebellion

DOUGLAS LONG

d long 1250gm aiL com

W ITH the end of direct pre-publication censorship in August 2012 came the proliferation of a

previously stifled genre of Myanmar literary nonfiction: the prison memoir.

Within months, a flood of books and articles by ex-political prisoners h it the market. Most of these accounts were written in the Myanmar language, with one notable exception being Ma Thanegi’s book Nor Iron Bars a Cage, released earlier this year by San Francisco-based Things Asian Press.

Ma Thanegi is an artist and w riter who, before her arrest in

endured, and she also describes how some pro-democracy political prisoners and Burma Communist Party members were subject to occasional beatings, she shows little interest in exaggerating to fulfill popular notions of w hat life in Insein Prison was supposed to have been like.

There are some readers who, even now, are bound to feel let down by the dearth of over-the-top brutality aimed at the women who spent time in jail following the 8/8/88 uprising. As Ma Thanegi complains in the Foreword, “What disgusts me is the num ber of peopleI have m et who were actually disappointed or upset tha t we weren’t raped by the male guards.”

Instead, the book focuses on day- to-day life in the jail, in particular the “steady, strong and warm friendship's tha t formed within the community of inmates, and their relations with the guards and prison adm inistrators. The cast of

learned how to improvise in an environment designed to quell creative thought, and discovered in their own ways how to find small bits of happiness in the dark corners of a setting m eant to destroy all enjoyment!

Structurally, Nor Iron Bars reads more like a collection of anecdotes than a coherent narrative. There is little in the way of plot to pull readers through the book, but the stories and character profiles are united by the overarching theme, which is clearly expressed in the book’s most oft-quoted sentence,“We were supposed to be miserable, and we were damned if we’d oblige.

You might not plough straight through the book w ithout interruption - I finished two other novels m the same period tha t I read Nor Iron Bars - but like a collection of poetry, it will pull you back again and again for its inspirational tales of rebellious joy and optimism.

Daw รบน Kyi was merely human and not an infallible demigod Ma Thanegi also challenged the National League for Democracy's unbending junta-era doctrine by suggesting that economic sanctions and tourism boycotts might not be doing much to uplift the country's poor

1989, worked as a personal assistant to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But in the years following Ma Thanegi’s 1992 release from Yangon’s Insein Prison, she was accused by a particularly rabid element of the Myanmar exile community of being a “tra ito r” to the pro-democracy cause.

Among Ma Thanegi’s supposedly traitorous ideas was daring to realise earlier than most tha t Daw รนน Kyi was merely hum an and not an infallible demigod. The artist/ w riter also challenged the National League for Democracy’s unbending junta-era doctrine by suggesting tha t economic sanctions and tourism boycotts might not be doing much to uplift the country’s poor.

Ma Thanegi’s approach in Nor Iron Bars likewise would have irked certain political zealots of years gone by, who m ight have preferred the ir prison narratives to be jam- packed with titillating torture porn- whether fact or fiction - m eant to showcase the malevolence of the military regime.

Fortunately, Ma Thanegi does not indulge.

While she does dedicate some tim e in N or Iron Bars to detailing the belligerent and psychologically taxing interrogation sessions she

characters includes accessories to murder, student political prisoners, parliam entarians elected m 1990 and never allowed to take office, prison guards both cranky and sympathetic, and young women repeatedly jailed for prostitution.

Of course, not everything was rosy in Insein Prison. There were, among other hardships, the gruelling interrogation sessions, the sadistic lack of adequate healthcare, and acute feelings of boredom and depression with which to contend.

One of Ma Thanegi’s great themes as an author has always been food, and here she writes at length about the subpar prison rations and the never-ending efforts by inmates to procure proper ingredients for adequate meals.

Despite the subject matter, there is simple beauty in these stories, a matter-of-fact frankness and sincerity tha t sometimes borders on the childlike, especially when the author writes about her affinity for cats, dogs, birds and butterflies. There are practical jokes, real-life ghost stories and recitals of verse composed entirely in the head of the poet.

The overall tone is one of resilient optimism in the face of deprivation. The prisoners quickly

A winning Kachin-inspired design scores the highest bid at a fundraising auction on October 15 In Yangon. Photo: Thirilu

Kachin-design nabs highest priceNANDARAUNGnandaraung.mcmragmaiL.com

A KACHIN-INSPIRED design has won the highest bid at a fundraising auc­tion in Yangon, at US$1000 for a Sann Bawk Rar designed two-piece outfit.

Coordinated by the Charmz Charity Group, the fashion show and auction, held at the Parkroyal Hotel on October 15, raised funds for several charities including a school

for the hearing impaired, aged care facilities and monasteries in Yangon.

The local designers who exhibited their collection - 39 pieces in total - included Myint Zu from Zu Zu Collection, Ma Latt from Latt Latt Fashion, Ma Pont from My Favourite and Pyae Soe Aung from Exclusive Bridal Creations.

Bids for each dress started from $500, with bids rising in increments of $100.

San Bawk Rar who runs the label, SHAYI, and whose dress raised the highest bid said she created 10 dresses for the fashion show and one dress specifically for the auction.

“I was afraid and thought that no one would be interested in my design,” she said.

“I was so surprised when I won, especially since I was invited under my label! I’m really pleased this money is being raised for charity.”

www.mmtimes.com the pulse local A7

Art for a r t’s s a k e

The results of artwork by sculptor, Kyaw Kyaw Min and painter, Shwe Myint. Photo: Thiri Lu

ZON PANN PWINTzonpann08ragmaiL.com

S CULPTOR Kyaw Kyaw Min wants to bring recognition to the wealth of under­recognised artistic talent in Myanmar. Artist Shwe

Myint thinks there is no substitute for painting a portrait in the presence of the model.

Together, the artistic duo are collaborating on an unusual project: a series of sculptures and paintings- all done gratis - of ageing writers, cartoonists, filmmakers and painters.

“My father is a sculptor. I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and be a sculptor. But it is difficult to earn a living as an artist,” Kyaw Kyaw Min told The Myanmar Times at their recent event at Tatmadaw Hall where, from October 10 to 13, he and Shwe Myint

created clay busts and oil paintings of elderly writer Sin Phyu Kyun Aung Thein and artists Maung Maung Thein (Pathein), Hla Tin Htun and Mya Han.

Kyaw Kyaw Min spent his youth travelling with his father, sculptor Lwin Maung, known for his sculpture of Bogyoke Aung San riding on a horse, m Kanthaya Park in North Okkalapa township.

But It was only when Kyaw Kyaw Min started to work for a company that imported and exported cars that he had enough steady income to indulge his passion for art. That struggle - and the respect it gave him for other artists- provided his subject matter: those he calls “self-effacing artists”

“They are each recognised individuals in their respective fields and they do wonderful works in a quiet and unassuming way,” Kyaw Kyaw Min said.

“I want to show respect for these artists who are very humble about their success and record them in sculpture while they are alive rather than looking at photographs of them after they die,” he added.

The project started in 2011, Kyaw Kyaw Min said, when he and Shwe Myint sat down with contemporary artist Khin Maung Yin as their subject.

Everyone in art circles is respectful [toward Khin Maung Yin] for his modesty that always forbids him from talking about his achievements,” Kyaw Kyaw Min said.

Khin Maung Yin, who lives a quiet life and rarely goes out, readily agreed to pose in his own home. Kyaw Kyaw Min created a clay sculpture of the artist, while at the same time Shwe Myint painted his portrait.

The process took one day, at the

end of which the results - a finished painting and clay bust - were offered to their subject as a token of respect.

Kyaw Kyaw Min said it costs about K100,000 for the materials required. But he said the results are priceless.

“The reward for our efforts is intangible. It’s happiness.”

Shwe Myint said news of their work spread rapidly in art circles.

“In 2011 we created sculptures and paintings of another four artists at Lawkanat gallery on Pansodan Street. A visit of elderly artist บ San Hlaing’s daughter to the gallery coincided with our event and she told the news [of our project] to her father,” Shwe Myint said.

“บ San Hlaing was very depressed about the news because he thought he was forgotten by the people. And he paid a visit to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and made a wish

tha t he could be sculpted too.”The duo soon corrected their

omission and invited บ San Hlaing to sit for them. But they said not every artist appreciates their intentions. One artist they approached asked if they wanted to grow famous because of this project.

“We were not satisfied with his response and didn’t paint and sculpt him,” Shwe Myint said.

Together, Kyaw Kyaw Min and Shwe Myint have collaborated to create tandem two- and three­dimensional portraits of 27 artists, charity founders, writers, politicians and cartoonists, two of whom are deceased.

“Every artist seemed blissfully happy about the complete artworks,” Shwe” Myint said.

“These were the happiest times of our lives.”

48 the pulse local THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 -27,2013

G enerationW aveuncovered

LWIN MAR HTUNLwinmarhtun.mcmragmaiL.com

A f t e r six years, the masks are off. Generation Wave, a political organisation launched in 2007 in the wake of the popular

uprising against the then- military government, is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month. And they are proud to be able to do so in public. For the first time since the group formed, they will campaign publicly without covering their faces, as they have done previously.

An early adherent, Ko Bo Bo, said last week that no great ceremony was involved. “We re not a big organisation, just a movement that expresses our desires through poems and songs,” he told The M yanmar Times on October 9 at the Pansodan Gallery in Yangon.

Generation Wave was founded by Zayar Thaw, Moe Thway, Win Htut

and Aung Si Phyo. Zayar Thaw, now a member of parliament, is no longer actively involved.

“We’ve been friends since childhood, and we participated in the 2007 Saffron Revolution. A lot of monks and other citizens were arrested and we felt we had to stand up for the public,” said Moe Thway.

The group’s name derives from” the successive advance of waves on the shore, he said.

“Political movements have sprung up since 1962, but none of them made much progress. When they fail, another one comes along.”

In the early days, GW activists wore masks for fear of arrest when distributing their members’ poems and songs to the public, said Ko Bo Bo. But now, there is no fear of retribution against their political stance.

“Now the country is on the road to democracy. But our focus remains on human rights.” Political rights group, Generation Wave, say they will continue to fight for human rights. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing

www.mmtimes.com the pulse local 49

M y a n m a r t a k e s u p PENCHIT รบsuwai.chitragmaiL.com

S INCE her release from prison in 1999, Myanmar m ite r and doctor” Ma Thida (Sanchaung), has dreamt of a day when Myanmar writ­

ers would be able to join colleagues around the world and establish an internationally recognised forum in which to develop creative literature and critical thinking.

Her dream came true last month with the founding of a new PEN International centre in Myanmar.The centre, with 23 active members, will serve as an NGO for writers and for advocacy and education about literature, helping aspiring writers from all backgrounds in Myanmar.

The effort to open the PEN Centre was nearly 15 years in the making and came about through the persistence and steadfast effort of Dr Ma Thida.

Speaking at a ceremony at the 79“ International Congress in Reykyavik, Iceland, writer Nay Phone Latt outlined Ma Thida’s efforts, citing her string of visits since 2005 to several PEN offices around the world where she tried to convince PEN to assist in the effort to open a Myanmar office.It wasn’t until last year, however, that the effort gained the momentum necessary to make the dream a reality.

PEN Myanmar received official permission to form the centre during the 79“ Pen International Congress in

We didn't have the chance [under the former government] to form that kind of organisation or to connect with international organisations.'

Nay Phone LattW rite r

Iceland on September 9-13, 2013.“We didn’t have the chance [under

the former government] to form that kind of organisation or to connect with international organisations,” Nay Phone Latt told the PEN Congress.

“But now, we have a chance and we need to grab it firmly. So this is the time to start.”

As an organisation, PEN is not unknown to Myanmar. Several Myanmar writers - including Ma Thida and Nay Phone Latt - have already received awards from PEN international for their literary and journalistic work. Ma Thida won the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith (Freedom to Write Award) in 1996, while she was incarcerated and Nay Phone Latt won the same award in 2011, also while he was in prison.

Nay Phone Latt told the PEN Congress that winning the award inspired him and fellow prisoner, Zaganar to create a PEN chapter in Myanmar.

“When I heard the news thatI was awarded the PEN Barbara Goldsmith award by PEN America, we [he and Zaganar] were told that in the near future we will have to form that kind of organisation in our country and we also have to support other countries worse off than ours,” he said. “PEN Myanmar is our dream. In the bitter past, we had to be the object - just accepting the others’ support. For the brighter future, we want to be the subject that can support and help the victims around the world.”

The mission of the Myanmar PEN Centre is threefold: to conduct a media watch on issues related to freedom of expression; to organise

discussions about literature with the public and develop a culture of literature in Myanmar; and to make literature a part of the educational curriculum m the country, promoting creative writing.

Prominent author บ Pe Myint said the years spent under censorship took its toll on the country’s writing community.

“Myanmar was blocked from developing for the ages by the junta,” he said. “We didn’t know the situation of the world’s literature and the activities of international writers. Myanmar people need to know about the world more, so we need to join this kind of international organisation,” he said.

Myo Myint Nyein, who is an honorary member of PEN

International, also expressed his excitement about the new PEN Centre.

“PEN Myanmar is not a political organisation. It is just for us to meet international writers,” he said. “I think it is the first step we need to enter into the world’s literature for Myanmar writers.”

PEN Myanmar is accepting member applications from this month and will hold an official PEN Myanmar Congress in November to choose a director and board, although the dates are yet to be confirmed.

PEN International was founded by writer and poet CA Dawson Scott in London in 1921 and is the one of the earliest non-governmental organisations. There are 145 PEN centres in the world.

‘Aung San’ on filmTHE Bogyoke Film Board Commit­tee confirmed last week that the film of the life of Myanmar national hero, Bogyoke Aung San, will be called “Aung San”

Zaw Thet Htwe, information of­ficer of the film board, said members decided to drop the military honorific, “Bogyoke” to cast Aung San in a more humanising light.

Zaw Thet Htwe added that once filmed, the plan was to screen the movie abroad to an international audience.

It’s yet to be decided whether a film crew from either Italy or the United States will direct the produc­tion, with the main cast all being non-professional actors, he said.

- Lwin Mar H tun

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50 the pulse tea break THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27,2013

Universal CrosswordEdited by Timothy E. Parker

WHERE’S A GOOD PLACE TO EAT? By Rob LeeA C R O S S

1 Ruler oyer Tolstoy5 Koi habitats

10 “This ride is great!”14 Prefix for “space” or

“plane”15 Haberdashery item16 Use one of the

senses17 Good eating in

Tennessee20 “Farewell, ทา©ท ami”21 Athens’ rival of yore22 Spy thriller author

Deighton23 Nutmeg-topped drink26 Airport limo driver’s

concern, briefly27 Twitch30 Centimeter-gram-

second unit of work31 Added inches 33 Silky sweater 35 “A r s __artis”37 Send forth, as

a sound38 Stately delicacy?42 Gray wolf43 Half of a “magic” duo44 Underground

transportation47 Gone to glory48 Show piece?51 Almost failing grade52 Scrap of cloth54 Bread type55 Common article56 Confidential matter59 Fruity-smelling

compound61 Some northern

desserts65 Arabian Gulf port66 Barely making it (with

_ “out )67 Language that gave us

the word “whisky”68 Costa __ Calif.69 Concealed, informally70 Creature in the woods

D O W N1 Wrapped Tijuana treat2 Piece of farm

equipment3 Activating, as a fuse4 Boxing ring encloser5 Beatles tune “___ Love

You”6 Cries of excitement

DILBERT

7 Points for writers?8 Hang loose?9 Archaeological

layers10 Stimulate, as one’s

appetite" Sxroi'oid12 Dijon

thirst-quencher13 “Able was I __ I ...”18 “Want to grab

a bite?”19 Muffin material24 Exam sans pencils25 Try to make clear28 Colored portion of the

eye

29 Feline32 “Dined” partner34 Transmission

component35 Get taller36 Alfred who coined

the term “ inferiority complex”

38 Pouting expression

39 Convent heads40 Potter’s purchase41 Exchange

for money42 Flashback drug45 With the bow, to a

violinist46 Spun, as a story

48 What one wears49 Brie or feta50 More blunt and to the

point53 Lizard that can

regenerate its tail

57 Sicilian volcano58 HS math course60 Attracted a trooper,

maybe61 Old “Batman” word62 Commemorative for

Billie Joe63 Siamese

twin name64 George Harrison’s “All

Those Y ea rs___ ”

BY SCOTT ADAMS

By DAVID OUELLET

HOW TO PLAY: All the words listed below appear in the puzzle — horizon­tally, vertically, diagonally, even backward. Find them and CIRCLE THEIR LETTERS o n l y : 1)0 NOT CIRCLE THE WORD. The leftover letters spell the Wonderword.TRAVEL INSURANCE Solution: 7 lettersร B L E Y A อ I L 0 H E L p AE p 0 R L G G Y L H T N 0 M Ap L ร A I G T M L c L B ® ร YY A ร p A บ I R 0 K A N ® T cT N Y M อ A 0 V T ร E E ® N NN 0 A 0 L T E H I M H E ® E EE I L c c R G c E R A F พ M GM T E 0 A I ร ร E N L L I T RE A อ G L R R Y R บ J N I A Ec N E F A บ R c L A c I อ E MA I N A B E L I G I B L E R EL T T M R G T L E ร p 0 R T รp ร I I 0 N ร 0 c R E อ I T AE E ร L A A 0 p T I 0 N A L cR อ T Y อ R c A R อ ร M R E Tริ) 2013 Universal Uclick www.wonderword.com Join us on Facebook 1 0 /2 1

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To purchase the WONDERWORD MILLENNIUM SERIES #1, call toll-free, 1-800-642­6480. Order online at wonderword.universaluclick.com. (Contains 100 puzzles.)

CALVIN AND HOBBES BY BILL WATTERS0N PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

L a u g h a l l t h e w a y t o t h e b a n k w h e n y o u r e n t t h i s s p a c e .The tea break page is being re-form atted in readiness fo r our move to a daily cycle. It may look something like th is in the future.

Our m arket research shows that a page like th is attracts a large num ber of readers, who loyally read it every day. Ring Marketing Departm ent to book th is space perm anently and

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www.mmtimes.com the pulse food and drink 51

PHYO’S COOKING ADVENTURE

You can’t make a frittata without breaking a few eggs

p hyo co o k in g ra gm a il.com

Y OU can probably guess from the name of the famous Asian snack called son-in-law’s egg that it comes with a side of story.

There are a number of variations, but the important details are that a mother-in-law cooks an egg for her daughter’s husband, but as a warning: If he is not good enough for her little girl, he’d better sort it out quick, oth­erwise, some part of his body will end up being cooked like this egg.

Since son-in-law’s eggs are boiled,

deep-fried until golden and blistered, then dipped in sweet-and-sour chilli sauce, tha t’s an image vivid enough to put any wayward husband off his dinner. But those with cleaner consciences - all my readers, I hope - should find this dish delicious.

This week’s second recipe is another cracker: a frittata-mspired Myanmar omelette. People here love their omelettes with onions, toma­toes, chillies and duck eggs. I haven’t used chilli in this recipe but you can if you want.

Son-in-law’s eggs with caramel chilli sauce. Photos: Phyo

SON-IN-LAW'S EGG WITH CARAMEL CHILLI SAUCESERVES 4

5 organic eggsVegetable oil (enough to fly the

eggs)2Vi tablespoons fried onions 2 tablespoon tamarind paste 1/3 cup sugar4 red chillies, deseeded and finely

chopped2 tablespoons palm sugar or jaggery,

finely grated 1/3 cup water Vi cup fish sauce Coriander to garnish Onions or shallots, fried, to garnishStart by preparing the soft-boiled

eggs. Gently place the whole eggs into a saucepan and cover them with cold water, then turn on heat. As soon as water boils, remove saucepan from stove and cover with lid for 3 minutes. Carefully spoon out eggs from hot water and transfer into cold water. Leave for 6-8 minutes, remove, shell and pat dry.

For the caramel chilli sauce, add the sugar into the saucepan and dis­solve on high heat. Shake the sauce­pan in circle so as not to burn the bottom. When caramelised, remove saucepan from heat and add fish sauce slowly and carefully. The mix­ture will be bubbling and smoky. Add the water, then bring the saucepan back to the stove and mix well. All the caramel should be mixed in the water

and fish sauce, and the result should be neither sticky nor runny.

Add tamarind paste, grated palm sugar and chillies into the caramel sauce. Adjust proportions depending on your tastes.

Fry eggs by adding enough vegetable oil to a pot to cover half of the eggs.Heat on medium-high. When the oil is ready, fly the eggs carefully, one at a time if you prefer The white skin should become golden and blistered. Turn the egg slowly to gain an even golden honeycomb surface. Be very careful during this stage as oil may spit. If you want runny yolks, don’t fly more than 5 minutes. Remove and leave on kitchen paper to drain excess oil.

To serve, dip egg into sauce and rub around. Then slice into halves, drizzle sauce on the yolks and garnish with coriander and fried onions or shallots.HAM AND SAGE FRITTATASERVES 6

5 organic eggsVi cup milkSaltBlack ground pepper6 sage leaves, large100 grams ham or salami, shredded3 tomatoes, sliced4 spring onions, whites only, sliced1 tablespoon olive oil3 tablespoons hard cheese, gratedCrack eggs into a bowl and beat.

Add milk and beat again. Add salt and freshly crushed black pepper to taste.

Indian fare in Malaysian ChinatownMANNY MAUNGm anny.m aungragm ail.com

WANDERING through the streets of Chinatown in K u^a Lumpur, I found myself craving a curry. Walking away from the busy hub of the Chinatown markets, I headed towards my accommodation, the Backhome hostel. I had managed to secure a double room to myself in the recently established hostel and I highly recommend it. Located in the heritage precinct of Kuala Lumpur, the area has far more life and grunginess than the sterile, commercial precinct of Bukit Bintang. Because the hostel’s location is away from the busier end of Chinatown, It’s also a quiet oasis tha t’s clean and comfortable.

I went back thinking I’d drop off my things and head to the opposite side of town to Little India. But after asking the helpful front-of-house staff about where people went locally to eat, they suggested I walk just five

Kader Indian restaurant

Leboh Ampang [street], Chinatown precinct, Kuala Lum pur

Food:Drink:Atm osphere:X-factor:Service:Value fo r money:

Total Score: 8 / 10

minutes around the corner to try out some Indian restaurants. Voila! They suggested I try a place called Kader which was a vegetarian restaurant. In fact, that whole end of town seemed to have a multitude of vegetarian fare. Just across the street was a Chinese vegetarian restaurant, and as I walked up Leboh Ampang, there were a number of vegetarian Indian diners I would have been happy to try.

Instead, I headed to Kader, which from the outside didn’t look like much. The floors were quite dirty and not all the tables had been wiped down, but there were a number of people in the small dining area.

I couldn’t make up my mind so settled for a mixed vegetarian tali (5 ringit) - which turned out to be a massive serve of rice, dahl, spinach, paneer and cabbage all served on a banana leaf - proper Bombay style.In India, they throw the leftovers out on the street for a sacred cow to eat up. No cows wandered the streets here, but I felt good knowing I had a biodegradeable platter. Just as I was thinking there was enough food in front of me for at least two people, the waiter dropped some piping hot pappadoms and a large serving of raita in front of me. I had also ordered a glass of mango lassi (4.50 ringit) which also came out in a super-sized serve.

The food was cheap and nourishing, and even though I thought I couldn’t possibly finish all of it, the majority of the serving disappeared easily enough. Recommended.

A polished-off vegetarian tali at Kader restaurant, Kuala Lumpur. Photos: MM

Add olive oil to a nonstick flying pan and place over medium heat. Fly sage leaves for 10 seconds and place them around the pan. Pour egg mixture into pan and make sure it is spread evenly. Add spring onions, ham or sa­lami, and tomatoes. Cover with lid and fly for 10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked. When the eggs are cooked, flip them and fry them for 5 more minutes without lid until golden.

Serve with green salad leaves and chutney.TIPS

When making fritattas, try using duck eggs, which have richer flavours.

To flip eggs in a frying pan, slide a thin spatula under the egg along the edge of the pan, then push it toward the middle. When separated from the pan, transfer it upside down onto a plate. Then bring the plate back to the edge of the pan and push the eggs back in the pan.FOODIE QUOTE

“An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different.”- Oscar WildeNEXT WEEK

Desserts with egg

Wine Review

Villa Ponciago,

Millesime2011

This w ine is like someone you meet often, but can never rem em berthe ir name. A weak nose, strong tannins and a cranberry ta rt finish. บทmemorable, but not entirely offensive.

Score6.51/10

k 1 5 , 0 0 0

Ferraton Cotes Du Rhone Samorens

Rouge 2009

Black and red ber­ries w ith a medium body and a strong liquorice finish. Ensure to a ir fo r a few m inutes before drinking. Not the best to cellar.

Score

>/10

k 1 6 , 0 0 0

52 the pulse socialite THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21-27,2013

JVC product launch Ocean Super Center (Naypyidaw) launch

Ko Arkar, Ko Tun Tun and Ko Kyaw Naing Oo

www.mmtimes.com the pulse sosudite 53

NYEIN El El HTWE

nyei ne ie ih tw e23ragm ail.com

A BUSY week (as ever) for Socialite kicked off with the German Unity Day occasion at the Strand Hotel on October 7. Taking a break from mere office work, she slipped out for the JVC new products launch at Parkroyal Hotel and the grand opening of Swiss Time Square in Bahan township on October 11. Next day saw her at the Xperia z launch at the Sony showroom, and then at the promotion sale of The Rich Gems. On October 13, she popped into the opening ceremony of My Princess Clinic at บ Chit Maung Housing, Tirmwe township.Needless to say, she prominently attended the Zar & Dia­monds promotion fair a t Junction Square before jetting to Nay 1 Pyi Taw for the launch of the Ocean Super Centre.

aiwfCharmz Charity Auction

San Bauk Yar Poe Ei Phyu Sin ArierThuta

British Embassy gathering

John Frew and Sherazade Delhoume Peter Crowhurst, Le Giang, James R Pitchon

'n m a rรches 1301

12-17, utskirts

Brooke Zobrist and Nant Thazin Min

Sony Xperia z product launch

Mr Miura, Mr Eithan and Ms Karan

German Unity Day

Ma Mee Nge and Colonel Bill Dickey Svea, Lisa, Vanessa and VonneDaw Nwe Nwe Soe and

Ashley Pritchard

54- the pulse travel THE MYANMAR TIMES OCTOBER 21 -27,2013

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULESYANGON TO NAY PYI TAW

Flight Days Dep Arr

FMIA1 1,2,3,4,5 7:30 8:30

FMIA1 6 8:00 9:00

FMI B1 1,2,3,4,5 11:30 12:30

FMIA1 7 15:30 16:30

FMIC1 1,2,3,4,5 16:30 17:30

NAY PYI TAW TO YANGON

Flight Days Dep Arr

FMIA2 1,2,3,4,5 8:50 9:50

FMIA2 6 10:00 11:00

FMI B2 1,2,3,4,5 13:00 14:00

FMIA2 7 17:00 18:00

FMIC2 1,2,3,4,5 18:00 19:00

YANGON TO MANDALAY

Flight Days Dep Arr

พ 9 512 3 6:00 8:05

YH 917 Daily 6:00 8:20

YJ 901 2,3,4,7 6:00 7:25

YJ 891 Daily 6:10 8:15

Y5234 Daily 6:15 7:30

6T401 Daily 6:20 8:25

K7 222 Daily 6:30 8:40

YH 909 1,2,4,6 6:15 7:55

K7 626 1,5 6:45 8:10

K7 226 2,4 6:45 8:10

YJ 201 1 7:00 8:25

พ 9 251 Daily 7:00 9:05

6T401 1 7:00 9:40

YJ 001 2,4 7:30 9:35

YJ 001 3 7:30 8:25

พ 9 201 1,2,3 7:45 9:10

8M6603 2,4,7 9:00 10:10

พ 9 251 2 10:30 11:55

K7 624 Daily 10:30 11:55

YJ751/W9 7751 7 10:30 12:25

YJ 201 2,3,4 11:00 12:25

YJ 211 7 11:00 12:25

YJ 761 1,2,4,6 11:00 12:55

YJ751/W9 7751 5 11:00 12:55

YH 727 1 11:00 13:10

YH 729 2,4,6 11:00 14:00

YH 737 3,5 11:00 13:10

YH 737 7 11:00 13:40

YJ 191 2 12:00 12:55

YJ 601 6 12:15 13:40

พ 9 129 1,2,3 14:45 16:40

K7 224 Daily 14:30 16:35

6T501 2,3,4,5,6,7 13:45 15:45

YH 731 Daily 15:00 17:10

6T501 1 15:30 17:30

YJ 005 3 15:30 16:40

MANDALAY TO YANGON

Flight Days I Dep ArrYJ 902 2,7 7:40 9:45

YJ 902 3,4 7:40 10:40

YH 910 1,2,4,6 7:55 10:00

Y5233 Daily 8:10 9:25

YJ 892 Daily 8:30 10:25

YH 918 12,3,5,6,7 8:20 10:15

YJ 143/W97143 1,2,3 9:20 10:45

6T402 Daily 8:45 10:45

K7 223 Daily 8:55 11:00

พ 9 201 4,5,6,7 9:10 11:05

พ 9 144 Daily 9:20 10:45

พ 9 201 1,2,3 9:25 11:20

YJ 002 3 9:25 10:20

Y5132 3,5,6,7 9:30 10:30

YJ 002 2 9:50 10:45

YJ 202 6 10:30 11:55

K7 227 2,4 10:35 12:00

K7 627 1,5 10:55 12:20

YJ 202 1 11:30 12:55

K7 845 2,4,7 12:50 16:00

YH 730 4 14:00 17:45

YJ 202 4 15:30 17:35

พ 9 120 1,3 15:45 17:10

YJ 202 2,3 15:30 16:55

6T502 2,3,4,5,6,7 16:05 18:10

YH 728 1 16:30 17:55

YJ 762 1,2,4,6 16:35 18:00

พ 9 129 4,5,6,7 16:40 18:45

K7 225 Daily 16:50 19:00

YJ 006 3 16:55 18:45

พ 9 129 1,2,3 16:55 19:00

YJ 602 6 16:55 18:20

YH 732 Daily 17:10 19:15

K7 625 Daily 17:10 18:35

YH 738 3,5 17:10 18:35

8M6604 2,4,7 17:20 18:30

YH 738 7 17:40 19:05

YH 730 2 17:45 19:10

พ 9 511 2 17:30 19:35

พ 9 252 2 17:35 19:00

YJ 752/W9 7752 5 17:30 18:55

YJ 192 2 17:45 18:40

6T502 1 17:50 19:55

YANGON TO NYAUNGบ

Flight Days l E S I f a lYH 917 Daily 6:00 7:35

YJ 901 2,4,6 6:00 8:10

YJ 901 3 6:00 9:05

YJ 891 Daily 6:10 7:30

YH 909 5,7 6:15 7:50

YH 909 1,2,4,6 6:15 8:40

6T401 Daily 6:20 7:40

K7 222 Daily 6:30 7:50

YH 909 3 6:30 8:10

YH 921 4 6:30 8:05

MYITKYINA TO YANGON

Flight Days Dep ArrYJ 202 6 9:05 11:55

YJ 202 1 10:05 12:55

YJ 202 7,4 14:05 17:35

YJ 211 7 14:05 18:05

YJ 211 5 10:05 13:25

YJ 202 2,3 14:05 16:55

K7 625 Daily 15:40 18:35

พ 9 252 2 16:05 19:00

YANGON TO HEHO

Flight I Days I Dep ArrYH 917 Daily 6:00 9:05

YJ 891 Daily 6:10 9:00

6T401 Daily 6:20 9:20

K7 222 Daily 6:30 9:30

พ 9 201 4,5,6,7 7:30 9:40

K7 828 1,3,5 7:30 8:45

พ 9 201 1,2,3 7:45 9:55

YJ 751/W9 7751 7 10:30 11:40

พ 9 119 1,3, 10:30 11:40

YH 505 4,6 10:30 11:55

YANGON TO MYITKYINA

Flight Days Dep ArrYJ 201 6 6:00 8:50

YJ 211 5 7:00 9:50

YJ 201 1 7:00 9:50

K7 844 2,4,7 7:30 11:05

พ 9 251 2 10:30 13:25

K7 624 Daily 10:30 13:25

YJ 201 2,3,4,7 11:00 13:50

NYAUNG บ TO YANGON

Flight Days Dep ArrYH 917 Daily 7:35 10:15

YJ 891 Daily 7:45 10:25

6T401 Daily 7:55 10:45

K7 222 Daily 8:05 11:00

YH 910 3 8:10 9:30

YJ 902 2 8:25 9:45

YJ 902 4 8:25 10:45

YH 910 1,2,4,6 8:40 10:00

YJ 902 3 9:20 10:40

YH 910 5,7 9:40 11:00

6T502 2,3,4,5,6,7 16:50 18:10

พ 9 129 Daily 17:25 18:45

พ 9 129 1,2,3 17:40 19:00

K7 225 Daily 17:45 19:00

YH 732 Daily 17:55 19:15

6T502 1 18:35 19:55

6T501 2,3,4,5,6,7 13:45 16:35

พ 9 129 4,5,6,7 14:30 17:10

พ 9 129 1,2,3 14:45 17:25

K7 224 Daily 14:30 17:25

YH 731 Daily 15:00 17:55

6T501 1 15:30 18:20

YJ 761 1,2,4,6 11:00 12:10

YJ 751/W9 7751 3,5 11:00 12:10

YH 505 7 11:00 12:25

YH 737 3,5,7 11:00 12:25

YH 727 1 11:00 12:25

K7 826 2,6 11:45 13:00

ธT 501 2,3,4,5,6,7 13:45 14:55

พ 9 129 1,2,3 14:45 15:55

พ 9 129 4,5,6,7 14:30 15:40

K7 224 Daily 14:30 15:45

YH 731 Daily 15:00 16:25

6T501 1 15:30 16:40

MYEIK TO YANGON

Flight I DaysYH 634 5,7 11:25 13:25

K7 320 Daily 11:30 13:35

YANGON TO THANDWE

Flight Days Dep ArrYH 505 4,6 10 30 13:10

YH 505 7 11 00 13:40

6T605 2,4,5,7 11 15 12:10

6T607 1,4 11 15 13:50

6T607 6 11 15 12:40

YH 511 5 11 30 12:35

HEHO TO YANGON

Flight I Days I Dep I ArrYH 910 5,7 8:45 11:00

YH 918 1,2,3,5,6,7 9:05 10:15

YJ 892 Daily 9:15 10:25

6T402 Daily 9:35 10:45

K7 223 Daily 9:45 11:00

พ 9 201 4,5,ธ,7 9:55 11:05

พ 9 201 1,2,3 10:10 11:20

YH 506 4,6 11:55 14:00

YH 506 7 12:25 14:30

K7 829 1,3,5 13:50 15:05

6T501 2,3,4,5,6,7 15:10 18:10

พ 9 120 1,3 15:00 17:10

YH 728 1 15:45 17:55

YJ 762 1,2,4,6 15:50 18:00

พ 9 129 4,5,6,7 15:55 18:45

K7 224 Daily 16:00 19:00

พ 9 129 1,2,3 16:10 19:00

YH 731 Daily 16:25 19:15

YH 738 3,5 16:25 18:35

YH 730 4 16:35 17:45

YH 730 6 17:45 19:10

YJ 752/W9 7752 5 16:45 18:55

YH 738 7 16:55 19:05

ธT 501 1 16:55 19:55

YJ 752/W9 7752 3 17:15 18:25

K7 827 2,6 17:25 18:40

YANGON TO SITTWE

6T605 2,4,5,7 11:15 13:15

K7 426 Daily 12:30 13:50

6T607 1,3,6 11:15 12:40

SITTWE TO YANGON

Flight Days

6T606 2,4,5,7 13:35 15:00

K7 427 Daily 14:05 15:25

6T608 1,3,6 13:00 15:00

YANGON TO MYEIK

Flight Days

K7 319 Daily 7:00 9:05

YH 633 5,7 7:00 9:15

THANDWE TO YANGON

Flight Days Dep Arr6T605 2,4,5,7 12:25 15:00

YH 512 5 12:35 14:55

YH 506 4,6 13:10 14:00

YH 506 7 13:40 14:30

6T608 1,3,6 14:05 15:00

Domestic AirlinesA ir Bagan Ltd. (พ 9)T e l : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

A ir KBZ (K7)Tel: 3 72977 -80 533030 -39 (A irport],

F a x :372983

A ir Mandalay (6T)T e l : (Head Office] 501 520, 525488,

Fax: 525937, A irp o rt: 533222-3 , 09-73152853,

Fax: 533223,

Asian Wings (YJ)Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 0 9 -731-35991 -3 ,

Fax: 951 532333

Golden Myanmar A irlines (Y5)Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,

Fax: 01 860 4051

Yangon Airways(YH)Tel: (+95-1] 383 loij, 383 107, 700 264,

Fax: 652 533,

FMI A ir Charter - Sales & ReservationsTel: (95-1] 240363, 240373 / (+95-9] 421 146545

Domestic6T = Air Mandalay

ผ 9 = Air Bagan

YJ = Asian Wings

K7 = AIR KBZ

YH = Yangon Airways

FMI = FMI AIR Charter

Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines

Subject to change without notice

www.mmtimes.com the pulse travel 5 5

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULESYANGON TO BANGKOK

Fliahts DavsPG 706 Daily 7:15 9:308M335 Daily 8:20 10:05TG 304 Daily 9:50 11:45PG 702 Daily 10:30 12:25TG 302 Daily 14:55 16:508M331 Daily 16:30 18:15PG 704 Daily 18:20 20:15Y5 237 Daily 18:05 19:50TG 306 Daily 19:45 21:40

YANGON TO DON MUENGFliahts Davs I H ! I I Arr

FD 2752 Daily 830 10:20FD 2756 Daily 12:15 14:05FD 2754 Daily 17:50 19:35

YANGON TO SINGAPOREFlights Days ArrMl 509 1,6 025 5:008M 231 Daily 8:00 12:25Y5 233 Daily 10:10 14:40SQ997 Daily 10:25 14:45

8M 6232 Daily 11:30 16:053K586 Daily 11:30 16:05Ml 517 Daily 16:40 21:15

TR 2827 2,3,4,5,7 19:05 23:35TR 2827 1,6 15:35 20:05

MflNDALAYTO KUNMING

MU 2030 Daily 14:40 17:20Fliahts Davs

BANGKOKTOYANGON■ 9Fliahts Davs

8M336 TG 303 PG 701 TG 301 PG 703 TG 305 8M332 PG 705 Y5 238

DailyDailyDailyDailyDailyDailyDailyDailyDaily

11:30I13:0016:4517:5019:1520:1521:10

Fliahts DavsDON MUENG TO YANGON

FD 2751 Daily 7:15 FD 2753 Daily 16:35 FD 2755 Daily 11:10

0:158:509:4013:4517:3518:4520:0021:3021:55

8:0017:2011:45

YANGON TO KUALA พ MPUR1 Flights Days Arr

8M501 1,3,6 7:50 11:50AK1427 Daily 8:30 12:50MH 741 Daily 12:15 16:30MH 743 Daily 15:45 20:00

SINGAPORE TO YANGONFlights Davs ■ H I

SQ 998 Daily 755 9:203K585 Daily 9:20 10:45

8M 6231 Daily 9:10 10:408M 232 Daily 13:25 14:50Ml 518 Daily 14:20 15:45Y5 234 Daily 15:35 17:05Ml 520 5,7 22:10 23:35

TR 2826 2,3,4,5,7 17:00 18:25TR 2826 1,6 13:15 14:45

YANGON TO BEIJING1 Flights

CA906 2,3,4,6,7 14:15 21:55

BEIJING TO YANGON

CA905 2,3,4,67 8:05 13:15Fliahts Davs

KAULA พ MPUR TO YANGON

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOUI Flights I Davs Arr I

8M 711 2,4,7 8:40 13:15CZ 3056 3,6 11:20 15:50CZ 3056 1,5 17:40 22:15

YANGON TO TAIPEI1 Flights

Cl 7916 1,2,3,4,5,6 10:50 16:15

I Flights I Davs I H I I Arr IAK1426 Daily 655 8:00MH 740 Daily 10:05 11:158M502 1,3,6 12:50 13:50MH742 Daily 13:30 14:40

GUANGZHOU TO YANGONFlights Days H H I Arr

CZ 3055 3,6 840 10:30CZ 3055 1,5 14:45 16:358M 712 2,4,7 14:15 15:50

YANGON TO KUNMING TAIPEI TO YANGONFlights I Davs I— 1 Arr Wm Flights

MU 2012 1,3 12:20 18:35 Cl 7915 1,2,3,4,5,6 7:00 9:55MU 2032 2,4,5,6,7 14:40 18:00CA906 2,3,4,6,7 14:15 17:35 KUNMING TO YANGON

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI MU 2011Flights I Davs CA905 2,3,4,6,7 12:40 13:15

พ 9 9607 7 14:20 16:10 MU 2031 2,4,5,6,7 13:30 13:55

YANGON TO HANOI1 Flights

VN 956 1,3,5,6,7 19:10 21:30

CHIANG MAI TO YANGON

พ 9 9608 7 17:20 18:10

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CfTY

VN 942 2,4,7 14:25 17:10

HANOI TO YANGONFlights

VN 957 1,3,5,6,7 16:35 18:10

YANGONTO DOHA1 Flights

QR619 1,4,5 8:15 11:15

HO CHI MINH CFTY TO YANGON

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH

8M403 3,6 16:50 19:15

YANGON TO SEOUL1 Flights ท ■ ร บ ■ ท ฐ ิท เ Arr

oz 770 4,7 0:35 9:10KE472 Daily 23:35 08:05+1

VN 943 2,4,7 11:40 13:25

BANGKOKTO MANDALAYFlights Arr

TG 781 2,3,5,6,7 7:25 8:50PG 709 1,3,5,7 12:00 13:20

DOHATOYANGONFlights

QR618 3,4,7 21:05 07:00+1

YANGON TO HONG KONGDays V 7รุ!V- Flights Days

KA 251 1,2,4,6 01:10 06:00 8M404

PHNOM PENH TO YANGONp a

3,6 20:15 21:40

YANGON TO TOKYO SEOUL T0YANG0NFlights Days Dep Arr Flights เ ^ ■ ร ^ ■ ■ £ £ ■ ! Arr 1

NH 914 Daily 21:45 06:50+1 KE471 Daily 18:40 22:300Z769l/Alinnil TA MAI l/RTR 3,6 19:50 23:25

AI228 1,5■ P I14:05 15:05

MANDALAYTO BANGKOKFlights ■ ■ ■ ฐ ! ■ เ Arr

TG 782 2,3,5,6,7 9:30 11:55PG 710 1,3,5,7 14:10 16:35

TOKYO TO YANGONFlights

NH 913 Daily 10:30 15:30

HONG KONGTOYANGON

DON MUEANGTO MANDALAY

“ FD2760 Daily 10:50 12:15

KUNMING TO MANDALAY

MU 2029 Daily 13:55 13:50Fliahts Davs

International AirlinesA ir Asia (FD)Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

A ir Bagan Ltd.(พ 9)T e l : 513822, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

A ir China (CA)T e l: 6661 12, 655882.

A ir IndiaT e l :2 5 35 97 -9 8 254758. Fax: 248175

Bangkok Airways (PG)Tel: 2 55122 ,255 265, Fax: 2551 19

Condor (DE)Tel: + 95 1 -370S36 up to 39 (ext : 810]

Dragonair (KA)Tel: 95-1-255320 , 2 553211 Fax : 255329

Golden Myanmar A irlines (Y5)Tel: 95 9 400446999, 95 9 400447999,

Fax: 01 860 4051

Malaysia A irlines (MH)T e l : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax-

2 41 124

Myanmar Airways lnternational(8M)T e l : 255260, Fax: 255305

SilkA ir(M I)Tel: 255 287 -9 , Fax: 255 290

Thai Airways (TG)T e l : 255491-6 , F a x :255223

Vietnam A irlines (VN)Fax : 255086. Te l 255066 /255088/255068 .

Qatar Airways (Temporary Office)Tel: 01-250388, (ext: 8142, 8210]

InternationalFD & AK = Air AsiaTG = Thai Airways8M = Myanmar Airways InternationalY5 = Golden Myanmar AirlinesPG = Bangkok AirwaysMl = Silk AirVN = Vietnam AirlineMH = Malaysia Airlinescz = China SouthernCl = China AirlinesCA = Air ChinaKA = DragonairY5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines1C = Indian Airlines Limitedพ 9 = Air Bagan3K = Jet StarAl = Air IndiaQR = Qatar AirwaysKE = Korea AirlinesNH = All Nippon AirwaysSQ = Singapore AirwaysDE = Condor AirlinesMU=China Eastern AirlinesBR = Eva AirlinesDE = CondorAl = Air India

Subject to change without notice

m u MANDALAYTO DON MUENG

) 2761 Daily

KA250 1,3,5,7 21:45 2330 Day1 =

4 = ThursdayFridayMonday 5 =

KOLKATATO YANGON 2 = Tuesday 6 = SaturdayFlights Arr น ' 3 = Wednesday 7 = SundayAl 227 1,5 10:35 13:20

MALE

Culture war as the Maldives opens up to backpackersADAM PLOWRIGHT

T h e Maldives is one of the world’s most exclusive holiday destinations but it has quietly opened up to backpackers in the last five

years with a reform that has upset religious hardliners.

Most visitors arrive at the coun­try’s airport island, take a speed boat or seaplane to their expensive coral- fringed private resort and spend the next week relaxing in blissful igno­rance of the country around them.

It has been this way for decades, the result of a deliberate policy of keeping the wealthy holidaymak­ers - mostly Westerners and often newly-weds - on uninhabited islands separate from the local Muslim population.

The Islamic Republic applies dif­ferent laws to each: Travellers are free to drink alcohol, eat pork, and, for those not on their honeymoon, enjoy pre-marital sex. Elsewhere, Maldivian women can be flogged in public for fornication.

“Since Maldives is a Muslim country, we have always supported the idea that the tourism industry should be separate from the inhabited islands,” says Mauroof Hussain, vice president of the conservative Adhaal- ath Party.

“If the hippy type of travellers come, along will come drugs and nar­cotics which even now our society is suffering from,” says Hussain, whiose party has been a minority partner in successive governments since 2008.

While the archipelago is still far from the hippy trail, the sight of backpackers wandering around Male and the nearby island of Maafushi is growing thanks to a new policy to attract budget travellers.

“Things like nudity are not ac­ceptable m a place where people are living,” adds Mauroof. “The people complain that they are praying in the mosque and just outside there are tourists in bikinis.”

Since a reform under the country’s first democratically elected president Mohamed Nasheed in 2009, Mal­divians have been allowed to open their own guest houses on populated islands.

What started as a trickle of guest houses has become a torrent, with en­trepreneurs like 25-year-old Ibrahim Mohamed converting properties and profiting from what IS the islands’ biggest business and foreign exchange earner.

“Maldivians are very welcom­ing people. It wasn’t Maldivians that wanted separation. It was the government and a few businessmen saying that they should be isolated,” Mohamed said” “The Maldives can’t hide from the world anymore.”

One of the people to take advan­tage of the changes is Dutch tourist Chris Constandse, a 27-year-old web designer who works for a travel web­site m Amsterdam.

He booked a few nights at a hotel in the capital, but plans to spend the rest of his two-week holiday staying in guest houses dotted around the country of more than 1000 islands.

“Backpackers go to India, Sri Lan­ka, Thailand and I was like I always do things different,’ so I thought I’d go backpacking in the Maldives,” he said shortly before leaving on a ferry for one of the nearby islands.

“The most important thing is that you get in touch with the people. I’ve stayed in Male for three nights and I’ve already met some people and made some friends.” - AFP

The Malidives is undergoing a tourism transformation as the country opens up to backpackers. Photo: AFP

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56 the pulse international THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 -27,2013

FILM REVIEW

Sandra Bullock plays a survivor เท space เท the film Gravity. Photo: The Washington Post‘Gravity’ takes hold in cinemasI N Alfonso Cuaron’s sublime

space thriller Gravity, teardrops don’t roll, they float, perfect lit­tle spheres drifting toward our 3-D glasses with heartbreaking

delicacy.The film’s visual grace notes are

as breathtaking as the big, sweep­ing effects that launch this work into a galaxy as stunning in its way as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

In his first feature film since the 2006 sci-fi drama Children o f Men, Cuaron has broken extraordinary ground here, creating a film-going immersion in outer space that, at least for those of us who’ve gotten no closer than an airplane allows, feels unfailingly right.

Written by the director and his son Jonas Cuaron, Oravity uses cut­ting-edge visual and sound effects to tell a deceptively simple story.

The sole survivors of a shuttle obliterated (onscreen) by a debris field of junk, space-newcomer Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and right-stuff astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are adrift in space.

Tethered together, their oxygen running low and all communication with Earth disabled, the pair, with one jet pack between them, sets off for a. distant space station before the next wave of trash arrives.

As Clooney’s cool-headed Kow­alski draws out the terrified Stone’s tragic backstory, Oravity meshes the sci-fi operatics with some very human existential angst.

Playing out in near-real time, the 90-minute adventure (the 3-D version is highly recommended) contains one horrifying setback after another.

In one of the most glorious sequences - Tim Webber’s visual effects are bar-raising - the duo gets tangled in the long, undulating ropes of a shuttle’s deployed para­chute, as if caught in the tentacles of a giant, billowing sea anemone.

Even as Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography swoops and swirls to mimic disorientation, Oravity never dissolves into trippiness. The narrative is clean and straightfor­ward, the visuals as realistic as the view from a telescope.

The sound design is no less awesome, shifting among the tinny crackle of mission control, the heavy breathing inside the space helmets and Steven Price’s lovely, forceful score.

Oravity often switches to abrupt dreamy silences. In a remarkable scene, the humon- gous space station is soundlessly reduced to rubble behind Bullock’s back.

Bullock fulfills the promise of her earliest, smartest self, in a per­formance tha t’s emotional and flinty but without her late-career sap.

Clooney is a star without rival in a perfect-fit role.

Cuaron gets so much right with the tough-minded Oravity that a late-in-coming nod to spirituality feels like a sop, an unnecessary bow to foxhole enlightenment. He asks for the moon when he already has the stars. - Bloomberg

Gravity in Digital 3D is cuirently playing at Shae Saung Cinema (Yamgon) and Mingalar Diamond Cineplex (Mandalay).

London eats up new baking crazeROBERT LESLIE

FIRST there was the Cronut.Now there’s the Dosant and the Crodough. Londoners, it seems, just can t get enough of doughnut- croissant crossovers.

From hip east London to tea rooms, high-street cafes and sky-rise restaurants, the high-calorie hybrids are flying off the shelves like the proverbial hot cakes.

The craze was dreamed up earlier this year by French chef Dominique Ansel at his bakery in New York, but across the Atlantic it has taken on a life of its own.

Jennifer Rinkoff, the fourth generation of her family working in their bakery in east London, claims to have been the first to import the doughnut-croissant into Britain.

She worked for three days with a 100-year-old family dough recipe to perfect what she calls a Crodough - the name “Cronut” already being under u s trademark protection.

Made from laminated dough - flattened and folded into countless layers - it is deep fried and then filled with a choice of custard, raspberry coulis or toffee apple crumble.

“I saw on Twitter that people were asking where they could get a Cronut in London,” she said, as a queue began to form in the small bakery. “So I played with the dough and by the third day it was exactly how I wanted it.”

Among those eyeing up the fresh, warm Crodoughs lining the counter was student Abi, 19, who

Crodoughs are a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. Photo: AFP

heard about the phenomenon online.

“We decided to hunt them out and they are just so tasty we had to have them. It’s like a custard explosion, like donut and croissant together - what more could you want?” she said.

Rinkoff started off baking just a few Crodoughs as a trial, but now sells about 200 a day.

“I wanted to inject a new trend into the business. I think it’s maybe more of a craze at the moment but I don’t think it’s a fad,” she said. “I want it to be the next cupcake.” - AFP

WEEKLY PREDICTIONSOCTOBER 21 -27.2013

AQUARIUS I Jan 20 - Feb 18

One of the most IJH frustra ting aspects off̂l§ your life is not being able to understand Ira!other people's

behaviour. Practise the habit looking beyond the short fa llings of o thers and letting go. It w ill make your life easier and not cause undue worry. The greatest reason to practice random acts of kindness is that it brings great contentment into your life.

PISCES I Feb 19-M arch 20

Learn to be pleasantly surprised and even grateful when you receive compliments from others.Develop a logical

perspective to assist your life's journey. Remember to start your day thinking of someone to thank and thank a higher power for the gift of life itself or for the beauty of unexpected beauty in nature. Your sense of gratitude w ill replace resentment and frustration.

ARIES I Mar 21 - Apr 19

LEO I Jul 23 -Aug 22

Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about themselves and sm all people talk about others because of different

aspirations. There really is no upside to gossip. That's why you should avoid not only spreading gossip but also being the recipient of it. Know that in the long run, integrity, consistency and productivity always payoff. Base your decisions on principles and work to control your own destiny.

VIRGO I Aug 23 - Sep 22

The only way to improve is to practice your craft until you know it inside and out. By improving yourself, your world is

made better also. Don't be afraid of growing slowly, but be afraid only of standing s till. Forget your m istakes but rem em ber what they taught you and why. Send an anonymous gift to someone you love and hope to be loved back.

LIBRA I Sep 23 - Oct 22

Pride is really nothing more than a form of selfishness and is the only a way to keep people at arm 's length. Avoid

office politics which are naturally complicated and d ifficult to understand clearly. I recommend that you approach getting real in your competitive environment to become more effective in dealing with it. Love needs emotional risk and practical responsibility at a ll times.

TAURUS I Apr 20 - May 20

( Z} Learn to be happy with what

O you have by becoming more present in the moment and by not focusing so much on what you want. An excellent measure of happiness is the difference between what you have and what you

want. Give up on the idea that "more is better". Open your heart to the difficulties of daily life, and cease your desires that focus on greed and discontent. Deepen your perspective into high spirits.

GEMINI I May 21 - June 20

' { Developing a more tranquiloutlook on life requires that you know your own lim its and that you take responsibility for your part

in the process. Don't let anyone drive you crazy or to become frustrated. Remember, life isn't an emergency unless you make it so. Listen to your feelings which w ill act as a barometer letting you know what your internal weather is like. Passion that nearly drives one mad is always far from love.

CANCER I Jun 21 - Jul 22

Learn to keep your perspective and to stay loving toward yourself, and don't worry about being perfect. Keep calm and

stay open to possibilities, remembering that something may be so and something may be not. What you receive is directly proportional to what you give. Give more freely of yourself in your own unique way, and you w ill experience more peace than you ever thought possible.

No two things in the scheme of nature are

{9119 equal and no two leaves of the same tree are equal.You can make something

equal according to your different experiences and knowledge. Equality is an attitude of your intellectual mind. The right or wrong decisions w ill affect not only the present generation but the following generations as well. Love never comes from different golden hearts but from the simple heart.

SCORPIO I Oct 23 - Nov 21

If you lack a deep inner sense of self-esteem and se lf-w orth , you w ill constantly have problems w ith other

people. Worry, anxiety, pressure and frustra tion - a ll of these can cause you to be blinded by the real world a ll around you. Try to test your strength of intuitive drive to be wise. เท a romance, what you see is what you get.

SAGITTARIUS I Nov 22 - Dec 21

/ The number onecharacteristic of a leader is5 -to make things happen. Learn to lead despite the restrictions others have

placed on you and take final responsibility to live a life of integrity. Over the course of your leadership journey, your character and integrity w ill invariably be tested. You w ill never completely acclimatise to stress or tension, so you need to find a way to relieve it.

CAPRICORN I Dec 22 -Jan 19

Draw people w ith a high potential into your inner circle so you can give your best to the best people. Know what

people want in order to be effective and to be in the picture, and to be a part of the celebrations. Your resourcefulness can find creative ways to make things happen. Clean up negative emotions w ith in you that are blocking you in your personal relationship.

AUNG MYIN KYAW4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road, Tarmwe township, Yangon. Tel: 09-731-35632, Email: williameaste(3gmail.com

The Essentials General Listing

EMBASSIESAustralia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. Tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463,fax: 246159 ___________Bangladesh 11 - B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. Tel:ร ิ 5275, 526144^fax: 515273, email: bdootygnS mptmail.net.mmBrazil 56 Pyay Road,6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 507225, 507251,507482. fax: 507483. email: Administ.yangonS itamaraty.gov br.Brunei 17 Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel:ริ66985, 503978; fax: 5128^4email: bruneiembS bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B),New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 549609, 54-0964-, fax: 541462,email: RECYANGON 0 mptmail.net.mmChina 11 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon.Tel: 221280, 221281, fax: 227019, 228319Danmark, No.7 Pyi ThuSt, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 01 - 9669520 - 17,Fax- 01- 9669516 Egypt 811 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon.Tel: 222886, 222887, email: egye mbyangonS mptmail net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon.Tel: 212178, 212520, email: ambaf ranee' rangounS diplomatie.frGermany 9 Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 548951, ริ48952, email: infoSrangun. diplo.deIndia 545-547, Merchant

Tel: 39?2|9. 388412, ■ email: indiaembassy 0 mptmail.net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd,

Yangon. Tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn 0 indonesia.com.mm Israel 1 5, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: infold yangon.mfa.gov.ilItaly 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon.Tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang. m ail0 esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Rd, Yangon. Tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 54041 1, 545988, fax: 549643 Embassy of the state of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: 416, 418, 420, 422,40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500._________North Korea 77C Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 512642, 510205South Korea 97University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 527142­4, 515190, fax: 513286 email: myanmar0 mofat.g o k r____________________Lao A -11 Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcabld mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon.Tel: 220248, 220249, email: ทาพkyangonld mptmail. net. mmNepal 16 Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. Tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb 0 m ptm ail.net.mm Norway No.7, Pyi Thu St, Pyay Rd, 7 Miles, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 01 - 9669520 - 17 Fax- 01- 9669516New Zealand No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : 01-2305805_________Netherlands Diplomatic Mission No. 43/C, Inya Myaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-2305805

Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd,Yangon. Tel- 222881 (Chancery Exchange) fax: 221 147,Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp,Yangon. Tel: 558149-151, fax: 558154, email: p.e. yangon0 gmail.comRussian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. Tel:241955, 254161,_________Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, บ Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951 Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Rd, P.O.Box No. 943, Yangon. Tel: 515282, 515283, email: serbemb 0 yangon.net.mm Singapore 238,Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 559001, email: s ingemb_ygn0_ sgmfa. gov.sgSri Lanka 34 Taw WinRoad, Yangon.Tel: 222812,_____________The Embassy of SwitzerlandNo 11, Kabaung Lane, 5 1/2 mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 534754, 512873, 507089.Fax: 534754, Ext: 110Thailand 94 Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 226721, 226728, 226824 Turkish Embassy 19AB, Kan Yeik TharSt, Mayangone Tsp,Yangon. Tel :662992, Fax : 661365United Kingdom 80Strand Rd, Yangon.Tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438,fax: 370866______________United States of Am erica 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 536509, 535756, Fax: 650306 Vietnam Bldg-72, Thanlwin Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 511305

UNITED natio nsILO Liaison 1-A, Kanbae(Thitsar Rd), Yankin Tsp,Yangon, MyanmarT e l:01-566538, 566539Fax : 01-566582I0M 12th Fir, Traders Hotel,223, Tel: 2521560 ext. 5002UNAIDS 137/1 Thaw Wun Rd,Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 534498,504832UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: 666903,664539. fax: 651334.__________UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd,Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: 524022, 524024. fax 524031.UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 ค, Traders Hotel.tel: 2548152,254853.______________________UNIC 6, Natmauk St., Bahan, tel: 52910-19 UNICEF 14-15 Fir, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, Kyauktada. tel: 375527-32, fax: 375552 email: unicef. yangon0 unicef. org,W W W unicef.org/myanmar. UN0DC11-A, Malikha Rd.Ward 7, Mayangone. tel: 01 -9666903, 9660556, 9660538, 9660398, 9664539, fax: 651334. email: fo.myanmar0 unodc.org W W W .unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951- 657281-7. Fax: 657279. UNRC6, Natmauk Rd, P.O.Box 650, TMWE tel: 542911-19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), fax: 292739, 544531.WFP 3rd-flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 65701 1-6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000. WHO 12A FI, Traders Hotel.tel:250583.___________________ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win St, Dagon Tsp. Ph. 225258.FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

Emergency NumbersSbAmbulance s te l: 295133.พ Fire s te l: 191, 25201 1, 252022.

Police emergency s te l: 199.Police headquarters s te l: 282541, 284764.

+ Red Cross stel:682600, 682368Traffic Control Branch stel:298651Department of Post & Telecommunication s te l: 591384,591387. "Immigration s te l: 286434.Ministry of Education stel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports s te l: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications s te l: 067-407037.Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) s te l: 067­407007.Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) s te l: 254563, 370768.Ministry of Foreign Affairs s te l: 067-412009, 067-412344. M inistry of Health s te l: 067-41 1358-9.Yangon City Development Committee s te l: 2481 12.

HOSPITALSCentral Women's Hospital s te l: 221013, 22281 1. Children Hospital ร ุtel: 221421, 222807_Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital s te l: 543888.Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) s te l: 420096.Worker's Hospital s te l: 554444, 554455, 55481 1.

Yangon Children Hospital s te l: 222807, 222808, 222809. _ Yangon General Hospital (East;I s te l: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) s te l: 384493, 384494, 384495,379109.Yangon General Hospital (West) s te l: 222860, 222861,

Yangon General Hospital (YGH) s te l: 2561 12, 256123, 281443, 256131.

ELECTRICITYPower Station stel:414235

POST OFFICEGeneral Post Office39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library), s te l: 285499.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTYangon International Airport s te l: 66281 1.

# YANGON PORTShipping (Coastal vessels) s te l: 382722

= ^ RAILWAYSRailways information Ste l: 274027, 202175-8.

ACCOMMODATION-HOTELS

Asia Plaza HotelYANGON

No. 277'1 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 38th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon,MyanmarTel: (951) 391070, 391071. Reservation0391O7O (Ext) 1910, 106. Fax:(951)391375. Email: hotelasiaplaza0gmail.com

Avenue 64 HotelNo. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 09-8631392,01 656913-9_______________Chatrium Hotel 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781-4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info0 cloverhotel.asia

Clover Hotel City CenterNo. 217, 32nd Street(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,Yangon, MyanmarTel : 377720, Fax : 377722W W W . c love rci tyce nt e r. as i aClover Hotel City Center PlusNo. 229, 32nd Street(Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp,Yangon, MyanmarTel : 377975, Fax : 377974w w w .c lo v e r c it y c e n te rp lu s .a s ia

Contort Inn4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & บ Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872

<£den P a la c e ST oU lNo. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650 Email: reservation® edenpalacehotel.com

GRAND PALACE HOTEL

M-22, Shwe Htee Housing, Thamine Station St., Near the Bayint Naung Point, Mayangone Tsp., Yangon T e l: 522763, 522744, 667557. Fax : (95-1) 652174 E -m ail: grandpalaceB myanmar com. mm

No. 12, Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon Tel: (95-1) 209299, 209300, 209343,209345, 209346 Fax: (95-1) 209344 E -m ail: green hi lira ทาyanmarcom.mm

Hotel Yangon91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Tel: 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537.

PANDANo. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar Tel: (95-1)212850 - 3,

229358 - 61,Fax: (95-1) 212854. info0 ทาyanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com

PARKROYAL Yangon,

ใuTnPya Pagoda Rd,

te^p250*388. fax: 252478. email: enqu iryprygn0 parkroyalhotels.com parkroyalhotels. com.

Royal White Elephant HotelNo-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com

MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar +95-1 -212454-9. W W W .hotel-mgm.com Savoy Hotel129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp.te l: 526289, 526298,Sedona HotelKabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900.Strand Hotel92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880._______________Sum mit Parkview Hotel350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. te l: 21 1888, 21 1966.Traders Hotel223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax 242838.W inner Inn42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation0winner innmyanmar.comWindsor Hotel No.31, Shin Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung. Yangon, Myanmar Ph: 95-1-511216-8, WWW. hotelwindsoryangon.comYuzana Hotel130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600 Yuzana Garden Hotel44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, t e l : 01-248944

ACCOMMODATIONLONGTERM

h a p p y h o m esREAL ESTATE & PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994.E-mail: aahappyhomes0 gmail.com, http://www. happyhomesyangon.com

Golden H ill Towers24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower0 mptmail.net ทาทา.Marina Residence8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp.tel: 6506 51-4 fax: 650630.MiCasa Hotel Apartm ents17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,

teL 650933. fax: 650960.Sakura Residence9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. fax: 525002. The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd,Pabedan Tsp.tel 951-256355 (25 lines).

ACCOMMODATION- HOTELS (Nay Pyi Taw)

ฒ ROYAL KUM UD RA HO TE L(Nay P y i Taw)

Reservation Office (Yangon)123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon TownshipiuSlffl;838(Nay Pyi Taw)Tel : 067- 414 177,

067- 4141 88 E-Mail: reservation© maxhotelsgroup.com

RESORTS

H O T | ^ ^Reservation Office (Yangon)123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Township Tel : 951-255 819-838 Hotel Max(Chaung Tha Beach)Tel ; 042-423 46-9,

042-421 33.Email :ทาaxhotelsreservation0 gmail.com

AIR CONDITION

FRESHAir Conditioning Systems

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day Zeya & Associates Co., Ltd. No 437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. p., 0 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18,Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales. ac0 freshaircon. com. URL: http://www. freshaircon.com

BARS

50th Street9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

Green GardenBeer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar

THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013

PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

บ น V ร [P J I

Lemon Day SpaNo. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-084-76. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 0 gmail.com

CAR RENTAL CONSTRUCTION ENTERTAINMENT

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar, tel: 243377.fax: 243393, salesSthestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com

ADVERTISING

m O n t r aBEAUTY C L IN IC

W ith the most advance technology

No. 52, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room F, Yaw Min Gyi Rd, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 09-425-307-717

MYANMAR EXECUTIVE I LIMOUSINE SERVICE

HOT LINE: 959-402 510 003

First Class VIP Limousine Car Rental. Professional English Speaking Drivers.Full Insurance for your Safety and comfortable journey Call us Now for your best choice www.mmels.com

W E STARTED THE A D VER TISIN G INDUSTRY IN MYANM AR SINCE 1991S A I LMARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

SAIL Marketing & CommunicationsSuite403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (951) 21 1870, 224820, 2301 195. Email: admin0 advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar com

เ^ ร .\p aSpa ParagonCondo B#Rm-106, Shwe Hinthar Condo, Corner of Pyay Rd & Shwe Hinthar St, 61/2Mile, Yangon.Tel: 01-507344 Ext: 112, 09-680-8488, 09-526-1642.

/ A n'N W N M M M THU Car Rental Service

No. 56, Bo Ywe St,Latha Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 01-246551, 375283, 09-2132778, 09-31 119195. Gmail:nyanmyintthu19830

gmail.com,

COFFEE MACHINE

International Construction Material Co., Ltd.No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar T e l-01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-4480­33905.

ZAMIL STEEL

total Steel building solutionsZamil steelNo-5, Pyay Road,71/2 miles,Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel- (95-1) 652502-04. Fax: 95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel0 zamilsteel.com.mm

BOOKSTORES

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

CoreanaEsthetic

Marina Residence, Yangon Ph: 650651-4, Ext: 109 Beauty Plan, Corner of 77th St & 31st St, Mandalay Ph: 02 72506

tvicniiJtmEtf'r+ V f

• 150 Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 536306, 537805.

• 15(B), Departure Lounge, Yangon Int’l Airport.

• 45B, Crn of 26“ ̂& 68“; St, Mandalay. Tel: (02) 66197. Email : yangon0 monument-books.com

• #87/2, Crn of 26th & 27th St, Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp, Mandalay.T e l: (02) 24880.

e k-TP-nllnv|| l l

B H o u u r e c o v iilly, Francis Francis, VBM, Brasilia, Rossi, De LonghiNwe Ta Pin Trading Co., Ltd. Shop c, Building 459 B New University Avenue 01- 555-879,09-4210-81705 nwetapintrading0gmail.com

COURIER SERVICE

DTDC Courier and Cargo Service (Since 1991)Yangon. Tel : 01-374457 Mandalay. Tel : 09-431­34095. WWW.DTDC.COM, dtdcyangon0 gmail.com Door to Door Delivery!!I

COMMUNICATIONDUTY FREE

La Source

La Source Beauty Spa (Ygn)80-A, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp. TeL 512380, 511252 La Source Beauty Spa (Mdy)No. 13/13, Mya SandarSt, Between 26 X 27 & 62 & 63 St, Chanaye Tharzan Tsa\(' Mandalay. 0Ve'Ljs'-T e l: 09-4440-24496. m La Source Beauty Spa Sedona Hotel, Room (1004) Tel: 666 900 Ext: (7167)LS SaloonJunction Square, 3rd Floor. Tel: 95-1-527242, Ext ; 4001 www.lasourcebeautvspa.com

MYANMAR BOOKCENTRENandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township, tel:212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email:_info0 mya nm arbook.com

Yt ' T'Lj r j jInternational Calling CardNo.004, Building (B), Ground Floor, Yuzana St, Highway Complex Housing, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel ■ 01 -230-4379,

09-731-74871-2 Email : info0vmg.com

mm,www.vmgtelecoms.com,www.ytalk.com.mm

UmittdDuty Free ShopsYangon International Airport, Arrival/Departure Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155)

Office: 17, 2nd street,Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

CO WORKING SPACE FASHION & TAILOR

CONSULTING

T H U R A f S W IS SMyanmar Research I Consulting I Technology

Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon. Tel: +95 (0)1 654 730 info0 thuraswiss.com www.thuraswiss.com

0 THE GARAGENo. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St,

0^-990° 0003, 291897.info0venturaoffice.com,www.venturaoffice.com

* S E I f f S H U 'E T .vu m 4Sein Shwe Tailor, 797 (003-A) 1 Bogyoke Aung San Rd, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 01 -225310, 212943-4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: Uthetlwin0gmail.com

§ H OLADance Club & Bar

' No.94, Ground Floor,“I". Bogalay Zay Street,

^ Botataung Tsp,ะ ^ Yangon.Tel: 392625,^ 09-500-3591

Email : danceclub. hola0gmail.com

" _J (Except Sunday]

ENGINEERING

® S u p e r M e g aEpfdNEEts GiCrjp Co., Ltd.

One-stop Solution forSub-station, M &EW ork Design, Supply and Insta ll (Hotel, High Rise Building Factory!

193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: 951-691843-5, 951­9690297, Fax: 951-691700 Email: supermega970 gmail.com.www.supermega-engg.com

FITNESS CENTRE

Balance FitnesssNo 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon 01-656916, 09 8631392 Email - info0balancefitnessyangon.com

WHAT we live FOR

Life FitnessBidg A1 Rm No. 001, Shwekabar Housing, Mindhamma Rd, Mayangone Tsp. Yangon. P h :01-656511,Fax: 01-656522,Hot line: 0973194684, natraysports0 gmail.com

REALrNNo. 20, Ground Floor, Pearl Street, Golden Valley Ward, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 09-509 7057,01­220881, 549478 (Ext: 103) Email: realfitnessmyanmar 0gmail.comWWW. rea If itn e ss mya nm ar.com

FLORAL SERVICES

(PTERNAL CfijO W ESSFloral Service & Gift ShopNo. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 55901 1, 09-860-2292.Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840-43, 523845-46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617-18 422012-15, Ext: 235.R es:067-414813, 09-492­09039. Email : eternal0 m ptm ail.net.mm

Floral Service & GiftCentre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandyB sandymyanmar.com. mm.

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray InsulationNo-410, Ground FI,Lower Pazuntaung Rd, Pazun taung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax :01-203743,09-5007681. Hot นทe-09-730-30825.

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

World’s leader in Kitchen Hoods & HobsSame as Ariston Water Heater. Tel: 251033, 379671,256622,647813

R in n a iYangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. T e l: 245543, 09-73903736, 09-73037772.Mandalay : _No.(4) 73rd St, Btw30th & 31st St, Chan Aye Thar Zan Tsp. Tel: 09­6803505, 09-449004631.

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

B L iT JEW ELSNo. 44, Inya Road,Yangon, Myanmar.Tel 01-2305811 2305812. email : info0 bestjewels myanmar.com, Bestjewelsmyanmar.com

M A N A W M A Y AHouse Of Jewels

Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar

No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. Yangon.s a le s S m a n a w m a y a .c o m . m m

WWW. m a n a w m a y a g e m s .c o m

J >พ' t f f

The Lady Gems & JewelleryNo. 7, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: 01-2305800,09-8315555 The Lady Gems & SilkCo operative Business Centre, Room No (32/41), New University Avenue Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel:09-5200726theladygems0gmail.comwww.thelady-gems.com

GENERATORS

[fDciNo. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951 - 645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-64521 1, 545278’ e-mail: m kt-m ti0 winst rategic.com. mm

GLASS

nfTTr-nSAiNT-GOBAIN

GLASSInternational Construction Material Co., Ltd.No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-4480­33905.

HEALTH SERVICES

Asia P acificV ะ!*tM น MdLJ ฬ :*น Ijn-V ไ TiKc ร4ไร1

98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 553783, 549152, 09-732-16940, 09-730-56079. Fax: 542979 Email: asiapacific. myanmar0 gmail.com.

One Stop ENT CenterNo. (68), Tawwin Street,9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax : (951) 9 666135 Email :info0witoriyahospital.com Website :www.witoriyahosptial.com

J ' M C O Cพ M ^ ll ! rn n r e p ic a l Ol*C'3iO«a C-OrtTD-

2U hours Cancer centreNo. (68), Tawwin Street,9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : 951) 9 666141 Fax i (951) 9 666135

B3เกกciva+ive□ • A D N D D T I C S

24 hours Laboratory & X-rayNo. (68), Tawwin Street,9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax i (951) 9 666135

- J & L E O mcdiCJfC24 Hour International Medical Centre ra Victoria HospitalNo. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: + 951 651 238,

+ 959 495 85 955 Fax: + 959 651 398 24/7 on duty doctor:

+ 959 492 18 410 Website: www.leo.com.mm

" One Stop Solution for Quality hiealth Care "

« 5 ๒V ic la r iJ l K o s p ita l

No. (68), Tawwin Street,9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 9 666141 Fax i (951) 9 666135 Email :info0witoriyahospital.com Website :www.witoriyahosptial.com

HOME FURNISHING

Casa6e{Ia5 h d L1- .! 'JTf Fu แ ■ ท )

22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363.

ko Kc e p t 'Bldg-D, Rm (G-12), Pearl Condo, Ground Fir, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 557448. Ext 814, 09-730-98872.

European Quality & Designs Indoor/ Outdoor Furniture, Hotel Furniture & A ll kinds of woodworks No. 422, FJVC Centre, Ground Floor, Room No. 4, Strand Road, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 01-202063-4, 09 509-1673 E-mail: contact© smartdesignstrading.com WW W.royalbotania.com, www.alexander-rose.co.uk

S.B. FURNITURE

No-001 -002, Dagon Tower, Ground Fir, Cor of Kabaraye Pagoda Rd & Shwe Gon Dine Rd, Bahan Tsp.Tel: 544480, 09-730-98872.

OCTOBER 21 -27 , 2013 THE MYANMAR TIMES QUICKGUIDEINSURANCE

, F o e - u l i a 7^__ y in s ju r ju ie e s

EXPATRIATE HEALTH INSURANCETel: (09) 49 58 02 61 thinthinswe0poe-ma.com

RISK & INSURANCE SOLUTIONSTel: (09) 40 15 300 73 robert.b0poe-ma.com

LEGAL SERVICEบ Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA..RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon, tel: 253 273.uminsein0mptmail.net. mm

COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION

T O P M A R I N ES h o w r o o m & S E R V I C E S

Top Marine Show RoomNo-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.Ph: 01 -202782, 09-851-5597

OFFICE FURNITURE

centureo f f i c e f u r n i t u r e Open Daily (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Fir, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (9511 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmarS gmail.com www.centure.in.th

Off i ce S o l ut i o n|3 i ib f c « lU r * a l HatH * y

B l d g - A ^ G - F l r . ' s h w e Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, email: eko-nrS myanmar.com. mm Ph: 652391,09-73108896

BId-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, email: eko-nrS myanmar.com. mm Ph: 652391,09-73108896

PAINT

World[sNo.1 Paints & Coatings Company

© อ บ !uxSole Distributor For the Union of Myanmar Since 1995Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd. #06-01, Bldg (8), Myanmar ICT Park, University Hlaing Campus, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 654810-17.

TOP MARINE PAINTNo-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

Multilac iinternational Construction Material Co., Ltd.No. 60, Sint-Oh-Dan St, Lower Block, Latha Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar Tel ■ 01-2410292, 243551, 09-431-83689, 09-4480­33905.

PLEASURE CRUISES

ร^Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd.Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago5 Days, 7 Days, 9 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: infoSislandsafari mergui.com. Website: WWW. islandsafarimergui.com

Road to MandalayMyanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor's Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951 229860 fax: (951 217361. email: RTMYGN0mptmail.net.mm WWW. orient-express, com

REAL ESTATE

Your Most Reliable & Friendly Real Estate Agency

T e l:09-7308848 01-242370,394053

Real Estate Agent Agent fees is unnecessaryTel : 09 2050107,09 448026156 robinsawnaing0gmail.com

Real Estate AgencyEmail : realwin2O120 gmail.com Tel: 09-732-02480,

09-501-8250

AISai Khung Noung Real Estate Co., Ltd.Tel : 541501, 551 197, 400781,09-73176988 Email : saikhungnoung 19950gmail.com. www.saikhungnoung.com

For House-Seekersw ith E x p e rt S e r v ic e s

ท all. k in d s of E s ta te F ie ld s y o rn a e s ta te rn m lL lg m a il.c o m

09-4203 18133 (Fees Free)

REMOVALISTS

LegendaryIn ti Shipping & Logistics Co. Ltd

Legendary Myanmar Int’l Shipping & Logistics Co.,

No-9, Rm (A-4), 3;d Fir, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795.Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr0 mptmail.net .ทาทา www.LMSL-shipping.com

Relocation SpecialistRm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp.Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info0asiantigers- myanmar.com

Crown WorldwideMovers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Fir Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide0mptmail.net. mm

iDBl s c h e n k e rSchenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, บ Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250' email: sche nker0m ptmail.net. mm.

World พ!.ะ*: 'เพ พ Mi Movers

MyanmarBo รนท Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo รนท Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.

RESTAURANTS

Open 24 HoursGood taste & resonable price0Thamada Hotel Tel: 01-243047, 243639-41 Ext: 32

COFFEE

a drink from paradise... available on Earth0Yangon International Hotel, No.330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon.Tel-09-421040512

No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : 01 -523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.

Quality Chinese Dishes with Resonable Price©Marketplace by City Mart. Tel: 01-523840 Ext. 109

Heaven Pizza38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township.Tel: 09-855-1383

World famous Kobe BeefNear Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, M arlarst, Hlaing Tsp.Tel: +95-1-535072

Kohaku Japanese RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

L’OPERAItalian Restaurant & Bar

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake62 D, บ Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-730-30755 operayangon0gmail.com www.operayangon.com

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur0 m ptm ail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net

L»VEJs>]ATThai Boat Noodle

G-01, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center).Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 106

L e M o n t B l A n cFrench & Italian - Comfort Foods

with Chic Style Serving

G-05, Marketplace by

Te?01ล523840 Ext: 105

m o n s M nr e s t a u r a n t & b a r

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

Ocean Center (North Point), Ground Floor, Tel : 09-731-83900

01-8600056

Delicious Hong Kong style Food RestaurantG-09, City Mart (Myay Ni Gone Center).Tel: 01-508467-70 Ext: 114

GJh e ^ cORRIANDER

Indian Fine Dining & BarBldg No. 12, Yangon Int'l Compound, Ahlone Road. Tel: 01-2302069, 09-431­85008, 09-731-60662. sales0corrianderleaf. com

The Ritz Exclusive LoungeChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

The Emporia RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp. Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6294

1. WASABI: No 20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 09-4250-20667,

09-503-9139 1 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart)

UnionBarAndGrill42 Strand Road, Botahtaung, Yangon. Tel: 95 9420 180 214, 95 9420 101 854 www.unionyangon.com, info0unionyangon.com

L stL C H tM IS T Etren ch tin e Dining Restaurant

No. 5, บ Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone T/S,

T e r m -660 612, 01 1 221014, 09 50 89 441 Email : lalchimiste. restaurant0gmail.com

pKZAWGYt HOUSEaROG VOKf พ iRKFT

Ca f e & B o u t iq u eNo. 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan T/S, Yangon’ Tel : 01-380 398, 01-256 355 (Ext : 3027) Email : zawgyihouse0 myanmar.co ทา. mm

SCHOOLS

INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI MYANMAR (Pre-K, Primary)55 (B) Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon,Tel: 01-546097, 546761. imm.myn0gmail.com

Horizon in t’l School25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, te l : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396-7 fax : 543926, email : contact0honzonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com

Yangon in t’l SchoolFully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No. 117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun, Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.net Yangon in t’l School New Early Childhood CenterPan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & บ Tun Nyo St, Hlaing Thar Yar.Tel: 687701, 687702

SERVICE OFFICE

Executive Serviced Officeswww .hinthabusinesscentres.com

0 VenturaOfficeNo. (6), Lane 2 Botahtaung Pagoda St,

01-$010003, 291897.info0venturaoffice.com,www.venturaoffice.com

TRAVEL AGENTS

^ K a s ia n trailsAsian Trails Tour Ltd73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 21 1212, 223262. fax: 21 1670. email: res0 asiantrails.com.mm

Shan Yoma Tours Co.,Ltdwww.exploremyanmar.com

SUPERMARKETSCapital Hyper Mart14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart(Aung San Branch) tel: 253022, 294765.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026 298746 (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart(Junction 8 Branch) tel: 650778.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart(FMI City Branch) tel: 682323.City Mart(Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)

SANITERY WARE

CRO H E

Bath Room Accessories79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near ssc Women's Center, Bahan. Tel: 01 -401083,09­73011100,09-73056736

City Mart(Myaynigone Branch) tel. 510697.(9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar) tel: 294063.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Chinatown Point) tel: 215560-63.(9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (Junction Maw Tin) tel: 218159.(9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Marketplace)te l' 523840-43.____________City Mart(78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467-9.___________IKON MartNo.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung. Tel: 535-783, 527705, 501429. Email: sales-ikon0 ทาyanmarcom.mm

WATER SOLUTIONAiAekarCompany Limited

Water Treatement SolutionBlock (A), Room (G-12), Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. Hot Line : 09-4500-59000

WATER TANK

KOREA HI-TECH

CLEANPE WATER TANK

T e l:01-684734, 685823, 09-7307-6589, 4500-48469. theone0yangon.net.mm

WATER TREATMENT

Commercial scale water treatment

(Since 19971Tel: 01-218437-38.H/P: 09-5161431,

09-43126571.39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.

WATER HEATERS

AARISTONThe Global leader in Water HeatersA/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road.Tel: 01-256705,399464, 394409, 647812.

RinnaiWater Heater

Made in JapanSame as Rinnai Gas Cooker and Cooker Hood Showroom Address

VISA & IMMIGRATION

MyanmarVisaMyanmarVisa.com

> Visa Tourist VisaBusiness \Check Eligibility OnlineGet your Visa online for Business and TouristNo need to come to

Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951 381200, 204020 travel.evisa0gmail.com

ADVERTISING HOTUNECALL 392928,253642

EH33CLASSIFIEDSHOWTO GET A FREE ADBY FAX : 0 1 -2 5 4 -1 5 8

BY EMAIL : d a s s i f ie d ( 3 m y a n m a r t im e s . c o m . m m , a d v e r t i s in g ( 3 m y a n m a r t im e s . c o m . m m

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GeneralComputer

SOFTWARE (POS Money Changer, Travel & Tour Booking), Cable & Wireless Networking Service (CPE, RT, AP), Hardware & Maintenance

C om puter Service.

Contact: 09- 730-75931, zinmyintzx@gmail.com

Service, Train ing C' n to ■ c

EducationFOR IGCSE (Edexcel & C am pridge) & Secondary level Regular tu ition classes Home tuition Exam preparation classes All subjects available Contact: 09-

L C C U e v ji I, II & III, MYOB. Ph:09-520-0974

ENGLISH literature & language arts for middle school in touch with SAT. setting.p lo t.m ain them e writing .All kindsofstudent can be learnt. บ Thant Zin, 28,3 B, Thatipahtan St, Tamwe. Ph: 09-503­5 3 5 0 ,0 9 -3 1 0 2 -1 3 1 4 w w w .fa c e b o o k .c o m / shaping the way

SPECIAL for Maths Algebra l&ll, Geometry, Calculus Pre- University Level Tr.Kaung Myat: BE(PE) Ph:09-731 - 42020.

TEACHING ENGLISH:English for Young Learnersand High School Graduates Qualified and experienced teacher. Using International Syllabuses. Available for small groups or Individual. Ph: 01-291-679,09-250-

TEAaHERS who have got Teaching experience in Singapore, Int'l School (primary & seconday levels) AEIS, PSLE,

Speaking Class for company, Sayar Bryan, (ME) 09-4200-7 0692

"SCHOLAR Teaching Organization" founded with ME,BE & Master Degree holder with 12 years experience in teaching field. Role and Responsibility: Making the students develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills andI.Q & E.Qenriching skills, Int'l School (ILBC7 Total, MISYJSYPISM, Horizon,

ISM, network, MIS, MLA, ES4E, DSY RV). Allgrades, All Subjects ....Singapore MOE Exams

i i i f S i lCaulin : 09-215-0075. Tr. Bryan :09-4200-70692.

GIVE your child the best possible start to life at International Montessori Myanmar (English Education Center), Accredited by IMC Bangkok (Since 1991), Our Montessori curriculum includes: Practical Life Exercises, Sensorial Training! Language Development, Mathernatics, Cultural Studies, Botany & Zoology, H istory, Creative Art, Music and Movement, Cooking, Physical Development, Social & Emotional Development, Learning through play, 55(B), Po Sein Rd, Bahan, Tel: 546097, 546761, Email: imm.myn@gmail!com

EXPERIENCE SAT English teacher, who can come to home, needed for 2 International school students. Pis contact 09­501-4443, Between 6:00 PM -7 :00 PM.

IGCSE, Secondary 3, 4 Physics, Maths B, Pure Maths Practice with 15 years old questin. Ph: 09-4500-23213.

STUDY hom e for General English (4 skills) Language from Basic. Who want to study home in private time and need study guide only English Grammar for children. Let's join us Now! Contact: 09-4210-37619.

IGCSE: Forthosewhoare going to take Cambridge fe c S E coming October/ November will be tutored and trained bv a professional straight A*s holder with twelve years of teaching experience & an international school graduate. Hp: 09-513-

MATHEMATICS : If your child (Grade 9 to 10 from YIS , ISM , ISY& Yangon Academy) is difficult to learn in Algebra 1, 2 & Geometry, pis contact

Daw Naing Naing Aung, B.Com (Q)No. (6), Thuketa St, Baukhtaw, Yankin. Ph : 544594, 09­500-4993.

SPECIAL for Maths : For Int'l School - Grade IX, X, XI & XII, Geometry, Algebra I & II, Calculus! Tr.Kaung Myat : BE(PE) Ph-09-731-42020.

Expert ServicesAIR POWER, M & EEngineering Services Re, Ltd (Air Con & Electrical- Installation & Services): 124, Rm 4, Padamya St, Yenatha, Thuwunna. Ph: 01-709-717,570-086,09­501-4435.

AUNG Professional Translation Professional Transla tion from Myanmar to English and English to Myanmar. For Legal translation, Technological, Diplo matic, Contract, Advertis ing, Movie, Literature, etc. With various services on paper, electronic file, recording & other relevant matters, both regular & express with expert service. 139, 2nd Fir, Bargayar Rd, Sangyoung, Yangon! Ph: 09-732-11907 aung. translation@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT If you're an expatriate needing to find an apartment or house in Yangon, Min Thu can help He has experience & isveryreliable.CallM in Thu on 09-731-38659 or email : thecleverson@ gmail.com

For RentNEW BELTA Saloon Car (Model:2008) with English speaking driver who own his car No. 6F/8728 by monthly payment price5.5 lakhs Kyats only. Contact : Ms Mya Mya Aung : 09-4200-48040, 09-4015-43732.

For SaleALPHARD, Mark X MarkII, Crown. Ph: 09-518-

MARKII, Regalia (99mdI), 165 lakhs. Ph: 09-518-

WIMAX (Bagan). Ph: 09­44-800-6520.

ENGLISH literature & language arts for middle school in touch with SAT. French class & Spanish can be inquired. บ Thant Zin:09-503-5350, 09-3102-1314. WWW.

Looking for Apartments or Houses in Yangon?

PRONTO IS THE SOLUTION!

A Leading Real Estate Agent for Expats

* No Agent Fees, FreeTransport and Legal Advices

* We deal directly with the landlords "NO MIDDLEMEN”more info: www.prontorealtor.com

Contact us: 09 2050107 , 09 4480 261 56 pronto@myanmar.com.mm

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IJSEI^D ell, Acer ASUS Lenovo, & More Laptops Core i3, i5, i7. Ph : 09­4500-39844

99% NEW SAMSUNGSeries 5 Ultra Book Intel Core i5 Ram 8GB H.D.D + SSD Display 13.31 Year 6 Month International v\ferranty. P rice : 630000. Ph : 09-4200-50651.

MACBOOK Pro 13" Intel Core 2 Duo Ram 4GBH.D.D 750GB Mac OS 10.8.5+Windown7. Price : 685,000. Ph : 09-4200­50651.

ORIGINAL 3DS Game Cartridges & accessories- Spirit Camrea: The Cursed Memoir (with box & user guide booklet)- 20000 Kyats, Rabbid Rumble (with box & user guide booklet) - 20000 Kyats, Super s treet Fighter IV: 3D Edition (with box and user guide booklet) - 24000 Kyats, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (with box & user guide booklet) - 30000 Kyats, - Project X Zone (with box and user guide booklet) - 30000 Kyats, 3DS Game Cartridge Holder (24 S lots)-17000 Kyats, Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL - 30000 Kyats. Prices are negotiable. Ph: 09-507-9980".

ASUS A42J Intel Core i7 Ram 4GB H D D 500GB Garaphic 2GB Price : 435000. Ph: 09-501-6694

SAMSUNG Galaxy S3 LTE(3G/4GLTE Network)I.5 GHz Processor Quad Core 8MP LED Flash Camera & Camcorder Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean 4.8" Touchscreen-Super AMOLED™ Plus Display Very good internet speed Brand New. Good Price: 440000 Ks. Negotiable. Ph:09-507-4152.

GeneralGUEST Care Hotel : 107(A) Dhamma Zedi Rd, Bahan, Yangon. Tel: 511118,526902,6)27770. Email: reservations® g u e s tc a re h o te l.c o m . www.guestcarehotel.com

COFFEE CIRCLES C offeehouse &Restaurant. Menu: Excellent Coffee (In­House Roasting), European & Asian Cuisines, W ines, Cocktails, Bakery & Pastry. Open daily: 7:00 am to 12:00 midnight. 107(A) Dhamma Zedi Rd, Bahan, Yangon, Tel: 525157, CoffeeCircles@ gm ail.com W W W .t h e c o f f e e C i r c le s , com Facebook.com/ CoffeeCirclesMyanmar

NEO Coffee and Food. Menu: Coffee, Bakery & Food. Open Daily: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Junction Square Shopping Centerand City Mart@Thamine Junction, Yangon Facebook.com/ NeoCoffeeandFood

LanguageFOR FOREIGNERSW ant to learn Myanmar speaking at your home? Contactไ 09-517-9125

FRENCH a small class fo r reading .writing, speaking and listening can be inquired. You can practice studyorreading skill if you need. French language and civilization get more knowledge for further study. Coiledge and University students also study for extra curriculum. Spanish can be in quired. บ่ Thant Zin 28, 3-B, Thatipahtan St, Tamwe. Ph:09-503- 5350, 09-310-21314 w w w .fa c e b o o k .c o m / shaping the way

BZM English language cen te r. E ng lishspeaking, listening & grammar class. Only 6 students for one section. Students com fortably can learn in the cozy atmosphere classroom w ith air-conditioning, sophisticated classroom facilities & lecture chairs. 3 to 5 pm, except Saturday. 3 days a w eek for one section. Also allow one- to - one (home tuition).Teacher Zin Mar Myint (got certificate from British council & TKT certificate from Cambridge) Ph:09- 4302-6789. Shwe ohn pin villa (new) , Yanshin Rd Yankin.

MCP English C lasses (taught by native speakers) Fees: 25000 ks. Duration: 10 weeks per level. Add: 277, BPI Rd, Insein Ph:01- 646474,646397, 09­400534734. email: mcp. lifeskill@ gmail.com. (Enroll now for October)

TO FOREIGNERS: Ifyou want to learn Myanmar Language a tyour home. C on tac t: 09-730-85929.

THE GREAT New for Foreigners : We are offering easiest way to learn M yanm ar language at your home. Ifyou would like to learn it, join us Now! we are offering fair fees for you! Ph: 09 -4210- 37619.

TrainingBOXING: Do you want to learn international boxing. W ith properly methods from several ages. Contact: Master high class School Cuba boxing, osm arino09@ gmail.com, Phone: 09­313-29605, 09-4253­60719.

Travel"ASIAN BLISSMYANMAR" Car Rental Service. Ph:01-543-942, 09-519-1785, 09-731-

P R O F E S S I O N A LEnglish Speaking Tour Car Driver Mr. SONNY Car Rental Service [Maw @ AUNG (Mya Mya

Aung) Guide or English trans la to r/in te rpre te r]!!!I can assist you as your best Tour Car Rental Service. Mr. Sonny: 09­4200-48040

VIRGjN LAND Tours :Visa Services, Worldwide Air Ticketing, W orldwide Hotel Reservation, All Kind Transportation Rental, Inbound & Outbound Tour Operator, Tour Guide Services ! Ph: 01-8610252, 09-512­3793, 09-520-2643

GREAT ESCAPE Travels & Tours Our services : (1). FIT tour & Group tour package, (2).Hotel reservation, Guide services, (3).Chinese to Mynamar to Chinese translation service (4). Car rental service (5). Visa Application. Contact person : Kelly Dong : 09-

S w i n g s ™ ,& Tours Co., Ltd, Akhoon Int'l Trading Co., Ltd. A uthorized Money Changer:25, Konzaydan St, Pabedan Tsp. Ph: 243441, 249189, Email: akhoon.m aneychanger @g mail.com

NYAN MYINT THU CarRental Service : Ko Nyan Myint Win Kyi (MD) - 56, Bo Ywe St, Latha, Yangon, M yanm ar Ph : 01-246551, 01­375284. Hp:09-2132778. il:nyanm yin tthu1983@ gmail.com, nmt@nyan m y in t t h u c a r re ท ta I . com, co lw inkyi@ gmail.com. v\teb:www. nyanm yintthucarrenta l.

Public NoticesCASH REWARD for 13"MacBook Pro that was left behind in a taxi on Bor Yar Nyunt s treet at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday October 1st. No questions asked but must include all original data. Pis contact 09-4211-67228 (English& Burmese speaker available.

Want to BuyAPPLE : Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini iPhone 5 ,4S, 4, iPod 5, 4 iPad 2 3, 4 Mini Wifi Only & Wifi + 4G, Apple TV, Apple Mouse A.K Mobile Ko Myo San. No 124, 31 St (Middle) Pabedan. Ph: 09-4500­39844.

USED Or Brand New Macbook Pro , Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini iPad 4 Wifi Only & Wifi + 4G iPhone 5, iPod 5 Samsung S4 HTC One . Ph : 09-501-6694

CHERRY QQ3 (Taxi). Pis contact; 09-4211-31257

WE want to buy Marine Generator operation and maintenance manual books and Marine main engines operation and maintenance manual books(B&W or Yanmar Or UEC , etc..Pis contact 09-518-4314

Property

3,50,000. Call 0 (English speaking

HousingforRentKAMAYUT, YANKIN, (1)Diamond condo, (1250) Sqft, 1 MR, 1 SR, 1500 USD. (2 )Near Yankin center,condo, 1250Sqft,2 SR, 1 MR, fully furnish, 1600 USD. (3) Near Yankin centre, 2stories,2 MR, 2S R , 1500 USD! Ph: 09-4921-4276.

BAHAN : A European Style fully furnished apartment at Pearl Condominium, 12th fir, 1700 sqft. Most modern interior decoration. Fully Air conditioned. Best for foreigners. Rentexpected USD 2500 per month. Can also sell for USD

owner 09­

508-2244) or (Myanmar speaking 09-735-67890)

A CONDO, 7th Floor + Pent House. Bogyoke St & Yee Kyaw St Corner 1700 Sqft, Fully De CO rate d AC/ H ot Wa te r / Lift / Best View. Suitable for office and foreigner.

ร ^ , f ( 1 3 U Cheery St, Thamine! Double Slab (4th Floor) (2 3 'x4 8 '), 1 MBR, 1SR, Dinning Room, A ir Con! Refrigenerator, TV Stan! Ph: 09-4293-33333, 01­680-699, 687-376.

BAHAN (1 )N ewUniversity Avenue Rd, new condo, 1500sqft! f f , u s $ 3000 (2)New University Avenue condo, 2000 sqft, f.f u s $ 3000! Maureen ! 09-51 si-8320.

BAHAN, (l)NearChatrium hotel, condo 1500 Sqft, 2 MR, 1 SR, 3200 USD. (2). Near Japan Embassy, condo 1200 Sqft, 1 Mr ! 2 S R ,1500 USD.(3).Near Sedona hotel, apartment, 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2SR! fully furnish, 800 USd !(4).Goldenvelley, 1 storie,2 MR, fully furnish, 2500 USD. (5).Golden velley, near pearl condo,3 stories, 3 MR, 4000 USD. Ph : 09-4921-4276.

CLASSIC STRAND,3 bed 2 bath 1600 square feet, 8th floor corner unit full riverview. $3800/m onth. s trand Rd, 5min walk to Hilton/ Center Point offices. ja s o n w o n g jp @ g m a il. com, 09-4211 -02223.

MAYANGONE, (1)Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, Ga Mon Pyint condo! 2500 Sqft, 2 MR, 1 SR! fully furnish, 4000 USd !(2).9mile .Oceancondo, 1500 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR! 2500 USD. (3).Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, near Parami Rd~2 stories, 3 MR, fully furnish , 3500 USD. (4).7 Mile บ Kyaw Hla St,3 stories, 5 MR, fully furnish, 8000 USD.(5).9 Mile, 2 stories, 4 MR,USD 2500. Ph:Ph : 09-4921-4276.

MAYANGONE, _(1)Nice apartment, 1300 sqft, 1 MBR, 2 SR, furnished, ph line, good electricity! u s $ 2500 per month!

(2)M indam a Rd, 2300 sqft, M indama Condo, good electricity, 1 master bedroom, 2 single rooms, ph line, furnished , u s Dollar 3800 per month, ph: 09-507-4241.

YANKIN, Near Yankin Centre, 1450 sqft, Fully furnished, 1 MB, 2 BR, No need to pay agent fee, 09 430 83781

BAHAN,(1).Near Sedona hotel, 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2SR, fully furnish, USD 800. (2).Near Japan Embassy , 1100 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish, USD 1600. (3).Near Park Royal hotel, 1200 Sqft, 1 MR, fully furnish, บ ่ร ่D 2500.(4).New University avenue Rd, 1500 Sqft, 1 MR, 2 SR, fully furnish, USD 1600. (5).Near Kandawgyi Lake, 20' x 80', 2MR, 1 SR, fully furnish, USD 2500 (6). Golden velly, 2500 Sqft,IfsSpI

MAYANGONE, Double Slab, 4th Fir :131 .Cheery St, Thamine, 23' x 48', MBR 1, Single Room 1! Dinning Room. A ir Con! Refrigenerator, TV. Ph! 09-429-333333, 01­680699, 687376

40 X 60, 2 RC, Typical c lass ic M yanm ar style with 2 MB, 2 BR, teak parquet floor! fu lly furnished with teak furniture, Newly installed wiring & voltage regulator. Bathrooms have heaters. No need to pay agent fee, Ks. 20 lakhs per month, 09 430

BAHAN, ( l)U n ive rs ity Avenue Condo - 1900 sqft fu lly furnished (2) U nivers ity Avenue Condo, 1350 sqft, fully furnished (3)University Avenue Condo, 1200 sqft, fu lly funished (4) Shwe Ohn Pin Housing, 900 Sqft, fully furnished(5)Mya Thida Housing,2 Storey house (6)Pyin Nya Waddy Condo, 1650 sqft. fully furnished. Ph: 09-732-41848, 09-860-

KYAUKTADA, 6 Stories building : Bogyoke main Rd, near to Department of Human Settlem ent & Housing, d irectly opposite Saint Mary’s C athedra l Church, Yangon city, 18' x 53 . Ph:09-730-82961

HousingforSaleINSEIN, Free hold

n e g o t ia W e ^ 1C o n ta c t:

I ร ิ' f pyay z Diamond Condo, Nicely viwe, new, ph, 4 A/C, own meter, 3600 Lakhs! Maureeen 09-518­8320.

Want to BuyWE want to buy about (100 ft x 100 ft), (Need to join ownerself), Ph: 09-566-1037.

International Company seeking secure rental accommodation for executives and families in Yangon,

minimum rental period of one year. Accommodation required

to have western facilities.

Contact No:0943057879

THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27,2013 [HCLASSIFIEDSEm ploym ent

UN PositionsIOM Int'l Organization for Migrationi is seeking (1) C lient Service Assis tant 1 post in Yangon. (2) FinanceA ssistan t 1 post in Yangon. (3)Medical D octo r - HIV/ AIDS 1 post in Mawlamyine. (4) L o g is tic s A s s is ta n t1 post in Thaton. (5)โไฉt s h s c o A c c i c f s n f 1

post in Myawaddy. Pis submit an applicatioin letter and an updated cv with a maximum length of 3 pages including names & contact details of 3 referees (copies of certificates & further documents are not required) to : 318-A, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, E m a i l : h r y a n g o n @ iom. int, Closing date :21 10 2013.

IOM Int'l Organization for Migration is seeking(1) P ro jec t E va lua to r in Yangon: Advanced degree in public health, development, or related field. 7 years experience in programme manage ment, research, and/ or evaluation. Excellent w riter to technical documents in English.(2 )C om m unity Service P ro v id e r in Thaton, Mon State: Must have a client-oriented, result- oriented mind-set and uphold the programme values of caring, innovating, partnering, demonstrating compe tence & working for positive change. Able to spend up to 80% of the time travel to remote,

to accomplish his/her responsibilities as noted in this TOR. Background in community development programming. Myanmar plus Kayin and/ or Mon language proficiency. Must have a valid driver's license & able to drive motorcycle, strong background in malaria project implementation. University degree. Pis submit CV to 318 (A), Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 210588, Email: hryangon@ iora int.

Ingo PositionsMYANMAR RED Cross Society is seeking(1) A s s is ta n t P ro je c t C oord ina to r 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw: University graduate. 3 years experience in relevant project with NGO or INGO. (2) C om m unity Based Health & F irst A id C oord ina to rl postin Nay Pyi Taw (HQ): Relevant University Degree/ Any Degree or Diploma in health related field. Having broad experience working in INGO & NGO exposure is desirable.5 years experience in community based health program.For all posts : Effective computer skills6 English language skills. Red Cross Volunteers are preferable. Pis send application letter, cv & related documents to M yanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, D ekkhinath iri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or m rcsh rre c ru ite m e n t@ gmail.com, Closing date : 24.10.2013.

DANISH Red Cross Country Office - Yangon is seeking D rive r in Yangon with frequent travels to project sites in Chin State and Mandalay & Sagaing Regions. Person Specification: เท good mental & physical health. Fleet/Transports/ Workshop management practical knowledge. 2 years experience on the vehicle types for which the driver has the license. Driving experiences in hiily regions. Pis submit applications including cover letter, cv, references and copies of education certificates to: Danish Red Cross, att.. Office Manager, Red Cross building 1st Fir. 42

Strand Rd, Botahtaung, Yangon, or email: drcs02-ifrc@ redcross. org.mm Closing date : 28>h October 2013

WORLD VISION Myanmar is seeking(1) Government Relations Assistant in National Office, Yangon U niversity Bachelor Degree in any discipline.1 year experience in related area. Computer literacy in Microsoft applications and good typing skill is preferable. Good command of Myanmar& English. Must provide a clean criminal background. Pis submit resume (clearly identify the post you apply) by post to HR Department, World Vision Myanmar or in person to application drop-box at No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd; Ahlone, Sanchaung PO or send to myajobapps@wvi.org Closing date : 23, 2013.

WORLD VISION Myanmar is seeking (l)Community Deve lopment Facilitator (Child Protection & Advocacy Project) in Mawlamyaing - Mon state : University degree & BachelorinLaworHuman Rights is desirable. (2) Community Develop ment Facilitator 3 posts in Thanbyuzayat- Mon State, Chauk - Magway: University degree.(3)Cashier cum Bookkeeper (Re-Open) in Seik Phyu - Magway: U niversity Bachelor Degree in accounting/ finance or related subject.2 years experience. (4)Program Finance Coordinator (Re-Open) in Tachiliek - Shan (East) State : Bachelor University Degree in Accounting/ Finance or related subject.3 years experience. Good knowledge of computerize accounting Communicate in English & Myanmar. For all posts :Competent in used of Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point. Must provide a clean criminal background. Pis submit resume (clearly identify the post you apply) by post to HR Department, World Vision Myanmar or in person to application drop-box at No (18), Shin Saw Pu Rd; Ahlone, Sanchaung PO or send to myajobapps@wvi.org Closing date : October

MYANMAR RED Cross Society is seeking(1)Supply Change Management Officer1 post in Mindat, Chin State: Any graduate.1 year experience. (2) Operation Assistant 1 post in M inda t: Relevant educational background (accounting, finance, adm in is tra tion or equivalent). 2 years' experience in a similar position. (3)Village Health Committee Officer 2 posts in Mindat & Matupi : Bachelor or equivalent degree in public administration, com m unity develop ment, social or develop ment related studies. 1 year experience & proven skills in facilitation of VHC orVTHCattownship level. For all posts : Effective English language skills & computer knowledge. Red Cross Volunteers are preferable. Pis send application letter, cv & related documents to M yanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, D ekkhinath iri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or m rc s h rre c ru itm e n t@ gmail.com, Closing date

WO RLD พ ร ่ I ON- Myanmar is seeking Consultant - Developing Reintegration Economic Program Training module & learning aid materials for Mandalay St & Working Children Project and handbook reference documents. Selection Criteria: Basic

concept for economic re integration. Good knowledge & experience in market assessment training modules. Good training facilitation skills. Fluency in Myanmar & English. Experience in working with different บ N, NGOs (desirable). Pis submit resume & proposal including consulting service cost addressing to Seng-Hkawn@ wvi. org and copy to Nyi Nyi Khine@wvi.org by email 23th October, 2013. Ph: 09-910-350-84attentions to Daw Seng Hkawn (Project Coordinator).

MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking(1) Finance O ffice r - 1 post in Sittwe: CPAorB.Com/ B.Accounting, LCCI III (or) other equivalent accounting degree. High level of computer skills.3 years experience.F v n A r if tn r ;A in thp.of accounting ? L a r l is an asset. (2)CBDRM Field O ffice r 1 post in Tarchileik: Bachelor's degree. 2 years experiences. Effective English language skill & computer knowledge.(3) Program Manager 1 Post in Nay Pyi Taw: 10 years experience in programme ทาanagementwith proven competences in planning, im ple m entation, monitoring & reporting & in budget control. Proven computer skills in both Myanmar & English. For all posts : Red Cross Volunteers & preferable. Pis send application letter, c v & related documents to Myanamr Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha Rd, Dekkhinath iri, Nay Pyi Taw. Or ทาrc s h rre c ru itm e n t@ gmail.com

CROIX-ROUGEfrancaise is seeking H ygiene P ro m o tio n T ra ine r Specia lis t in Yangon: A degree in Public Health and/or related technical field, supplemented by trainings in participatory hygiene methodologies e.g. PHAST, CHAST, CLTS & SLTS. 5 years professional experience in hygiene trainings in developing countries. C om puter literacy. Applications (including CV & letter) should be submitted by email: rh re c ru t.a s ia @ g m a il. com

MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking(l) N urse 4 posts in Myitkyina and IDPCamps (Kachin state): B.N.Scor Diploma in nursing. 1 year experience as a nurse. Basic English (oral & written). (2 )Pharm acist in Myitkyina and I DP Camps (Kachin state): Diploma เท Pharmacy or Nurse. 1 year experience as Pharmacist or 2 years experiences as nurse. Basic English. Specific technical skills. Basic computerskills computer. Pis submit CV & a cover letter to MDM Country Coordination Office, Yangon, 47-B, Po Sein St, Bahan, Ph: 542830, 09-731-71002, Email: office .m dm m yanm ar@ gmail.com

MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking (1) PMER C oo rd ina to r 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw: Bachelor's degree. (2) Program C oord ina to r1 post in Nay Pyi Taw: Bachelor's degree and

Diploma related to the position. 3 years experience. (3)F ie ld C o o rd in a to r (CBHD focus on MNCH) 1 post in Mindat, Southern Chin State: University graduate. 3 years experience. (4)Finance & A dm in A ss is ta n t (Township Branch Project) 2 posts in Mindat & Matu pi Tsp with f req ue nt travel to project sites : Relevant educational background (accounting, finance, administration or equiva lent). For all posts Effective English language skills & computer knowledge. Pis send application letter, c v & related documents to Myanmar Red Cross Society Head Office, Yazathingaha, D e k k h i n a t h i r i , Nay Pyi Taw. Or ทาrc s h rre c ru itm e n t@ gmail.com, Closing date fo r i & 2 :21.10.2013,for3 & 4 . 23.10.2013.

ACTED is seeking (1) 1S en io r F inance O ffice (Yangon Office). (2) 1 M onitoring& Eva luation O ffice r (Yangon Office). (3) 1 DRR O ffice r (Gwa Office). (4) 1 S en io r E ng ine e rin g E xpert (Myitkyina Office). (5) 1 A dm in / Finance O ffice r (Myitkyina Office). (6)1 L o g is tic s O ffice r (Myitkyina Office). (7)1 CBOs C apac ity S pec ia lis t (Myitkyina Officer). (8) 3 Field O ffice rs (Myitkyina Office). Salary & benefits: Competitive salary package based on level of skills and experience. Office: 661 (A), Mya Kan Thar Lane1, Kamaryut, Ph:09-863- 1672 or 525617. Email: acted m ya nm a rjo b s@ gmail.com or yangon. compliance@acted.org.

SOLIDARITES is seeking D epu ty L o g is t ic s M anager (Operationial) in Sittwe, Rakhine state:4 years professional experience in Logistics field with INGO/ NGO. University Degree or Diploma (preferably in Logistics or related proven experience in similararea.). Knowledge of IT management & MS office. Fluent in English& Myanmar. Pis submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to HR Department Solidarites Int'l/ Or drop application on an envelope at Solidarites Int'l Office:44 A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Bahan, or email: recruitment@solidarites- myanmar.org, cc: to rk s .a d m a s s is t .s tw @ solidarites-myanmar.org, Closing date: 21 October,2013.

Local PositionsAVENUE 64 Hotel is urgently looking for A ss is ta n t Sales M anager Musthave at least 3 years experiences in hotel fie id, strong interpersonal& communication skill. Interested candidates pis submit your resume with recent photo to No. 201, Building A, Shwehinthar Condo7 Pyay Rd, 6 ’/4 miles alternatively info@ avenue64hotel.com. All applications will research by 28 Oct 2013, we will contact short listed for interview.

ASIA LANGUAGE &Business Academ y

(ALBA) urgently requires p a rt-tim e E n g lish native teacher for our Weekend program. Pis contact: 3840557376236, 376314.Email: admin@ albaedu.com

BC FINANCE LIMITED, a licensed microfinance provider, is seeking O ffic e M a n a g e r (Yangon, Magwe Mandalay, Sagaing, Mon, Tanintharyi, Shan) Duties: Supervise staff. Maintain office records, supplies and equipment! Manage, collect and organize accounts and receipts. Organize office operations and systems. Native Myanmar fluency, working knowledge of written and spoken English, experience using computer software (Word, Excel), able to type in Myanmar, basic accounting and m athem atical skills, good communication and time management skills. Must provide own accom m odation. No criminal record. Email CV to: recruitment@ bcfmyanmar.com Loan O ffic e rs : (Yangon, Sagaing, Bago, Magwe, Tanintharyi, Shan, Mandalay, Mon) Duties: Execute all aspects of loan and savings process. Maintain a low ioan delinquency rate. Native Myanmar fluency, working knowledge of written and spoken English, experience using computer software (V\ford, Excel), able to type in Myanmar, willing to travel. Minimum 1 year field experience as a loan officer in a microfinance organization in Myanmar with personal portfolio of at least 200 clients and low loan delinquency rate. Bachelors degree required, preferably num erate degrees. Must provide own accom m odation. No criminal record. Email CV to: recruitment@ bcfmyanmar.com

OFFICE RECEPTIONIST- F1 P o s t: Able to speak English fluently, Able to handle phone complaint, Receive & direct telephone messages to the appropriate person, Be respectable, Answer all incoming calls, re-direct calls as appropriate,take message & handle caller’s inquiries, Greet& assist visitors, 1 year experience, Age under25 (2)D rivers - Can speak English a little, Possess licence ( black or red), Follow traffic rules & regulations and maximum speed limit, 2 years driving experience, Age under50 (3) P ro ject A dm in (Temporary Position- About 5-months) : Able to type fluently in both English & Myanmar, Able to use Adobe Photoshop& Page Maker, Able to communicate in English, Able to communicate w ith G overnm ent departments & travel around Yangon. Pis submit CV, 2 passport photos, with necessary documents to HR Dept - 3 8 0 ,10th fir, FMI Center, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan, Yangon or email: khinnyeinaye@ spa.com.m m Closing date : 10.11.2013.

KELVIN CHIA Yangon Ltd is a foreign legal consultancy firm is

seeking (1) Lawyers who will work on a variety of corporate & commercial matters & transactions in Myanmar. If you are a Myanmar- qualified lawyer with strong English language skills, you are invited to apply to join our Myanmar practice group. Myanmar nationals admitted to int’l bars are also welcome to apply. Training will be provided. Applicants may email to klm@kcyangon. com and submit your curriculum vitae. (2) Corporate Affairs E xecutive/Assistant As a corporate affairs executive/assistant, you will be involved with business development, networking, market research & liaison work. Proficient in English, energetic & self­motivated. All nationalities are welcome (Myanmar, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, etc). Pis email to kk@ kcyangon.com

AYARSWAN AH Co., Ltd. is seekning(1).Business Analyst - M/F 1 p o s t: To assist with the business planning , m arket research & business analysis, Preparing presentations, emails & other documentation for business development and implementation. (2). Business Development Executive - M/F 3 posts :Anygraduate, 3~5years experience, Knowledge in tender project is a must, Can stay in Nay Pyi Taw& travel (Domestic/Aboard)(3).Senior Accountant - F 1 Post :B.Com/ LCCIIII, 3 years experiences, Age 27~33, To handle full spectrum of accounts and payroll (4).Network Engineer - M 1 post : Diploma in Networking, To develop and control the IT security policy, To maintain & develop the company internal network systems. Email : hr.ayarswanah@gmail. com Closing Date: 31 October 2013.

MYANMAR GOLDEN Heart Co., ltd is seeking(1)Computer Data Operator - F 1 P ost: Age20 ~ 28, Any graduate, more preferable Lcci(3), 1 year experience in account, good in any accounting software or more preferable in UBS Software, M icrosoft Outlook (2).Sales & Marketing Supervisor- M 3 Posts : Age23 - 28 (3).Sales & Marketing Supervisor (AGTI B-Teach) - M 1 Post : Age 23 ~ 28. For2 & 3 : Any graduate,1 year experience in sale& marketing filed, (4). Driver - M 1 F’ost : Age 25 ~ 40. 5 years experience in driving skill. Pis contact with updated cv in English, with 1 passport photo, copy of labor registration card, NRC card and other supportive documents to 103/104, Kyun Shwe Myaing St, Thuwunna. Yangon, Ph : 09-731­27269, 09-4211-56774 or Email: nilar.vimpex@ gmail.com

DZ CARD Myanmar Technology Company is seeking Office staff- F 2 Posts : University degree. Diploma in IT will be preferred. C om m unication in English. Computer skiil MS, Excel, Power

Point & using with office equipment. W orking experience with Sales & Marketing and Computer Technology preferred. Pis send เท complete resumes along with date of availability to email: sangmin.kim02@ gmail.com not later than 30.10.13. Ph: 228004.

(1) TOUR OPERATION Manager M/F 1 Post : 3 years experience in travel& tours company. Perfect English language. Able In-bound and Out-bound tours. Strong sales and customer service focus. Above to handle group & individual tour, package & highly motivated & resourceful.(2)Tour R eserva tion International/ Domestic M/F 1 Post : Any graduate. 1 year experience, strong sales &customerservice focus. Good communication in English. (3)Tour O peration s ta f f - M/F 1 P o s t: 1 year experience. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook. Strong attention to detail while working in fast paced environment. Good communication in English. Pis send a detailed resume with recent photo & other relevant documents to HR Manager in person at 140(B) Damazadi Rd, West Shwe Gone Dine Quarter, Bahan, Yangon. Ph: 510972.

LEGENDARY Myanmar C o.,L td . E xport/Import Department (1) C usto m er C learance- M/F 2 Post. Travel & Tour Department: (2)Tour O pera to r - F 2 Posts.(3)O ffice S ta ff - M/F 2 Posts. All applicants must have: 1 year experience. University graduate, Spoken & written English, Good computer knowledge. Pis apply CV, 2 recent photo with necessary documents to 9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Fir, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung.

YOUNG Investment Group is looking for (1) Executive S ecretary - F5 Posts : Any graduate plus M.B.A or M .PA or D.M.A is prefer. 2 years experience. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office & English 4 skills.(2) Chinese T ranslator - M/F 5 Posts : Age under 30. Fluent in Chinese language, (high level in Chinese high school from Mandalay, Lashio, Taunggyi). Must have matriculation level. (3) R eception is t - F 5 Posts : Any graduate. 2 years of relevant experiences. Good computer skills6 English 4 skills. (4) Procurem ent s ta f f M 5 Posts :Any graduate. Age22 ~ 24. Good computer skills & English 4 skills.2 years of relevant experience. (5)C ashie r- F 5 Posts : Any graduate.2 years experiences. Good computer skills & English 4 skills. (6) O ffice S ta ff - M/F 20 Posts: Any graduate. Prefer Proficient in English & Chinese 4 skills & in the use of Microsoft Office. (7)Car P ainting & Body- M 5 Posts : B.E.H.S. Experience in car painting &body. (8)Driver-Age25 ~45. B.E.H.S. Must Drive Auto & Manual. Able to travel & drive within the country. Pis submit cv form with a passport

photo, NRC card copy, iabor registration card copy, other educational certificates copies, quarter & police recom mendation letters to 647 (A), Pyay Rd, Kamayut, Ph: 526626, 512128.

VICTORY MYANMAR Group Co. Ltd is seeks su itab ly qua lified candidate to fill position of Human Resource Manager. Pis send cv to philip@victorymyanmar. com.

GENERAL Manager:G ra d u a te inM anagem ent, 3years experience in m anagem ent fie ld, Excellent interpersonal, communication skills and strong organizational skills, Ability to work under pressure & work independentlyto be a high professional standard, Fluent in spoken & written English. Must have ability to plan, execute and meet target. Must be computerliterate. Having experience in Marketing will be given priority Pis submit CV to A3 Rm(002), Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Ph : 01-1223333 OR email to entente rpriseltd@g mail, com.

FAMILY Entertainment GroupCo.,Ltd(5Network) is seeking (1).Regional Sales Manager - M 5 Posts (2)Area Sales Manager - M 5 Posts(3)Senior Accountant- F 2 Posts (4)Sr. News Reporter- M/F 5 Posts (5) Jr.News Reporter - M/F 5 Posts (6)Apprentice News Repoter - M/F5 Posts (7)Animator - M 2 Posts (8)English Translator M/F 2 Posts (9)Chinese Translator

M/F 2 Posts (10) Network Administrator- M 2 Posts (11)System Administrator - M 2 Posts (12)Database Administrator - M 2 Posts (13)Helpdesk Operator - M 2 Posts (14)Showroom Sales - F2: Posts1(15)Office Staff- M/F 5 Posts (16)Driver- M 5 Posts. 34/B, New University Avenue St, Yangon. * Ph:01-400878 Email: jobs.5nw@gmail. com

MAGNA Children at Riskis seeking: (1) Administration & Finance Officer - 1 post in Yangon: Bachelor degree or equivalent.2 years experience in logistics, finance, and/ or human resources and administration. Excellent command of English & Burmese. Proficiency in M icrosoft Office.(2) Mobile Health & Nutrition Team Leader- 1 post in Yangon with frequent travel to the field: Bachelor degree or equivalent in medical sciences, nursing, or social sciences. Masters degree in public health an asset. 3years experience working on nutrition programs. Experience with health worker capacity-building, strong coordination, human resource management,6 training skills.Excellent command of English & Myanmar. Pis submit an updated cv including education, qualifications, contact number & contact details of at least 2 professional references to: augustin@ magna. skand cashin@magna. sk.

GOLDEN ROCK TRAVEL & TOURS

TOUR OPERATOR

The candidate fo r the Tour Operator position should :

Have a good command of English and Computing Skills Be between the ages of 20 and 30 Be a team player with a good personality

Interested candidates can call 01 527 379 or e-mail to sashan @ visitmyanmar.com

fJ7r p°wer 7 Real Estate Service Co.,Ltd.ป ีVt f £ 7 % fel t -ftWarmly Welcome...!Our Company Special service...Rental-Single house, Condominium, appartment, office and warehouse.Please Contact US-09-4921 4276,09-420 114749,

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62 Sport THE MYANMAR TIMES O CTO BER 21 - 27, 2013

MEXICO CITY

Mexico finds unlikely World Cup saviourMe x i c a n s never imag­

ined being in this posi­tion: having to shame­fully say gracias” to bitter rivals the United

States for helping their football team stay in contention for next year’s World Cup.

Losing 2-1 to Costa Rica on Oc­tober 15, Mexico was flirting with disaster until Uncle Sam, who had already qualified, rode to the rescue by scoring two stoppage time goals to defeat Panama 3-2.

The US victory torpedoed Panama’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time while helping Mex­ico finish fourth in the CONCACAF regional group and secure a two-leg playoff against Oceania champions New Zealand next month.

More than a year after Mexico celebrated winning the gold medal

‘The team is w orthless. They make a lo t o f money and do nothing.’

Angel HernandezMexico foo tba ll fan

at the London Olympics, Mexican media berated “El Tri” while running headlines in English to express grati­tude to adversaries they regularly disparage as “gringos”.

Gracias Uncle Sam,” “Thank you, USA!” and “God bless America” were some of the front-page news hours after the federation us Soccer had cheekily tweeted “#YoureWelcome- Mexico ’.

The sports daily Record published a photo montage of M anchester United forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez holding a us flag, with the purposely misspelled headline “WE LOVE YOU! AMIGOUS’”.

The Cancha sports pages said Mexico’s qualifying campaign had been “one of the most shameful per­formances in its history” after the “broken” team played with “no cour­age.”

Missing out on the World Cup in Brazil nejrt year would be emotional and financial torm ent for Mexico.

The country has seen its team play in 14 of the last 19 tournam ents and last missed qualifying in 1990 because the Mexican football federa­tion had fielded over-aged players in a youth championship.

The sports marketing firm Drea- match Solutions estimates that broadcasters, sponsors and oth­er businesses stand to lose up to

IN PICTURES Up and over: Eric Griffin (17) of the Miami Heat jumps over Mason Plumlee (1) of the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 17 in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: AFP

Michael Orozco (3) of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal against Panama on October 15. Photo: AFP

US$600 million if Mexico fail to qualify.

Former Mexican president Felipe Calderon, recalling tha t he had met the gold medal winners last year, tweeted, “W hat happened?”

Shouts of joy were heard in Mex­ico City bars when the us scored, but fans were angry at their team ’s performance, especially since some make millions playing for wealthy European clubs.

In 10 qualifiers, Mexico won just twice and scored a paltry seven goals. Mexicans expected better after Raul Alonso Jimenez scored a mem­orable bicycle kick last Friday to beat Panama.

“The team is worthless. They make a lot of money and do nothing, said Angel Hernandez, 30, eating an orange at a taco stand in a market.

Across his stall, 40-year-old Ivan Pena sliced jalapeno peppers as he wondered how Mexico could have lost when all they needed was a draw

to secure the fourth spot.“It’s to cry for. We barely made it,”

Pena said. It’s embarrassing. How can we be in the playoff when we had the opportunity to do better.”

Defeating New Zealand - who

drew with then-defending world champions Italy in the 2010 finals in the group stage - will be difficult, he added, “but we hope Mexico wins for their own good and for the good of all Mexicans.” - AFP

SYDNEY

McDermott returns as Australia Test bowling coachFORMER paceman Craig McDermott was on October 17 appointed bowling coach for Australia’s Test team ahead of the Ashes series against England, barely a year after quitting the role.

The 48-year-old shocked Cricket Australia when he resigned in May 2012 after a successful 12 months in the job, which then also included coaching the one-day and Twenty20 bowlers, citing the conflicting de­mands of touring with family life.

But he has been enticed back in a revised role in which he will focus on the Test team, with the incumbent Ali de Winter moving into a new position overseeing the limited overs’ bowlers only.

McDermott, who has been prom i­nent in the development of young fast bowlers James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Stare, along with the renaissance of Peter Siddle, said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“There is obviously a huge focus on regaining the Ashes this summer and I’ll work as hard as possible to prepare our bowlers for the challenge ahead,” he said.

Cricket Australia team perfor­mance manager Pat Howard said they had been considering splitting the bowling coach roles for some time, given the am ount of cricket played.

“We feel that with the amount of touring now it is extremely difficult for every member of the support staff to be on every tour,” he said.

McDermott took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests between 1984 and 1996 and with five Ashes Tests against arch-rivals England starting on No­vember 21 in Brisbane, coach Darren Lehmann said it was good to have him back in the fold.

“Less time travelling for both Ali and Craig also means more time at home to plan, work with the states or Big Bash League teams and also directly with the bowlers on technical aspects or other areas for improve­ment,” he said. - AFP

www.mmtimes.com Sport 63

A ‘bluffer’s guide’ to the 27th Southeast Asian Games

27™ SEA GAME! MYANMAR 2013

kARATE-bd

KARATE-DO, or, as it is more com­monly known, karate, first appeared at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand in 1985. It has seen international competition at 12 times since, including all six of the most re­cent events.W here does it originate?Famous for its use in films and popu­lar culture since the 1960s, and espe­cially films like 1984’s The Karate Kid, karate is arguably one of the most rec­ognised of the Asian martial arts. Most think of the practice as a Japanese one but although the form developed in what is now Okinawa, Japan, it actu­ally originated in the then-independ­ent Ryukyu Kingdom. Karate mixed local martial arts styles with popular Chinese influences to develop a mar­tial art that only reached the Japanese mainland in the early 20“ century.W hat’s it all about?Most people think of karate as all about the combat, but while there are direct combat or kum ite events, the SEA Games also includes individual and team kata events.

Translated from the Japanese, kata refers to form and in these competi­tions the focus is a demonstration of control, expertise and mastery of the art of karate. Kumite can involve vari­ous levels of contact including fights that continue until knock-down, al­though within “sport karate” this is rarely the case.How do you play?The fights and displays will take place on a flat, matted surface where all sides measure 8 metres long. Attacks are limited to the head, face, neck, ab­domen, chest, back and side but can be delivered by hand, kick or throw. In the fights there will be a referee con­trolling proceedings and three judges with blue and red flags. One judge will sit behind each of the competitors and one will face the referee. These judges will indicate if they believe a score with a wave of their flag.

Fights last three minutes for men, two for women. The clock is stopped whenever the fighters are not in com-

MATT ROEBUCK

m att.d.roebuckragooglem ail.com

Our ‘bluffer’s guide’ to the SEA Games focuses on those sports that m ay never make it to the Olympics but whose elite will get their chance to compete fo r international gold this De­cember.

This week we focus on per­haps the most widely known o f the m any varieties o f combat sport on display in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, karate.

bat at which point the referee will de­clare yame as an indication to stop the clock.How do you win?In the kata competitions judges will mark on a variety of categories in­cluding position and balance, stance, use of the correct power and speed of motion, interpretation and continu­ity of movement. Those in the team competitions will also need to ensure synchronicity to avoid mistakes that judges will penalise, including poor technique and omission of move­ments.

In the kumite competitions scores are awarded when combat techniques are performed by successfully attack­ing a scoring area with good form, sporting attitude, vigorous applica­tion, good timing, distance and aware­ness or zanshin.

If players score ippon, they are awarded one point. Actions such as unbalancing an opponent, a combi­nation of successful hand techniques or punches to the back will score ni­hon or two points. Kicks to the head or taking your opponent to the floor via a throw or leg sweep will deliver sanbon and three points are added to the score.

If an athlete takes a lead of eight points then they will be awarded the contest. Victory will also be delivered

to the player who has the most points at the end of the bout. Should scores be level then a sudden-death, next- point wins system is introduced, with a maximum of one minute added to the battle.W hat should you be saying?Thatjodan kick m ust be worth, sanbon- a kick to the face, head or neck of your opponent is worth the maximum three points.

“Karate m ay be considered as the conflict w ithin oneself or as a life-long marathon which, can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one’s own creative efforts.’’ - Sho- shin Nagamine, karate master.W here is it played?Sources associated with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim that there are approximately 50 million karate participants worldwide. The World Karate Federation (WKF) is more exuberant in its claims, suggest­ing that up to 100 million people are involved in the martial art. The WKF has affiliates in 188 countries

Undoubtedly a genuinely world­wide sport, on the back of this popu­larity karate made a push for inclusion in the Olympic program at the 2020 Games but, unfortunately for it, failed to meet the shortlist.How many medals are available?There are four gold medals avail­able for the kata events, with male and female, individual and team

Myanmar athletes particiapte เท a karate event in Ynagon. Photo: Thet Htoo

competitions. The individual kum ite competitions will see six weight cat­egories for the men, from 55kg and under to 84kg and above, and five categories for women, between 50kg and below and 68kg and above. The combat version of the sport will also feature a male and female team com­petition. In total there will be sev­enteen medal events on the karate mats.W hat’s the betting?Karate during the last SEA Games were dominated by Indonesia, whoat their home event claimed 10 of the 16 golds as their own. This year the head of the Indonesian Karatedo Federation insists that their target is a mere seven golds, a figure he believes is reason­able considering their non-host status.

Vietnam collected a large num­ber of silver medals last time around though they have been reporting both injuries to their rising 21-year-old star Phuong as well as the return to fitness of past SEA Games winner Vu Nguyet Anh and former world kata champion Nguyen Hoang Ngan.

Malaysia are the other primary force that Myanmar’s karate athletes will have to compete with. Myanmar’s history in this event would” suggest that the home nation’s greatest inedal hopes are in the team kata events, both of which were medalled in by Myanmar in 2011 and in this August’s pre-SEA Games test event.W here w ill it all happen?Karate will last for three days, December 13-15. All the action will be staged at the Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw.Did you know?Kara-te originally meant “Chinese hand” until the alternative meaning for the Chinese character kara was adopted and karate was translated as “empty hand”.

M att Roebuck is a sports writer and sports development consult­ant based in Yangon. He is the au­thor o f the book The Other Olympics, published in 2012.

Myanmar karate athletes fight during a regional tournament. Photo: Thet Htoo

64 THE MYANMARTIMES OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2013 S P O R T EDITOR: Tim McLaughlin I timothy.mclaughlin30gmaiLcom

Sport A ‘bluffer’s guide’ to the SEA Games

SPORT 63

BRIEFS

B e rlinPuma ends S.Africa football sponsorship over fixing claimsGerman sportswear giant Puma said Last week it had term inated its partnership w ith the South African Football Association (SAFA) in response to match-rigging claims against the national team.

"Following match-fixing allegations made against SAFA along with inappropriate responses from within the football organisation ... Puma term inated the contract w ith immediate effect," the world 's third-biggest sportswear m aker said.

A FIFA report had concluded there was compelling evidence that friendlies had been fixed before the 2010 World Cup.

LondonLiverpool announces India academy plansLiverpool is preparing to launch a new youth academy in India next year, the Prem ier League giants announced last week.

The five-tim e European champions w ill w ork w ith Indian club DSK Shivajians to set up the facility, which w ill open in January and w ill be known as The LFC International Football Academy DSK.

Accommodating players up to the age of 18, it w ill feature a residential complex, fu ll-size pitches, practice areas, classrooms, locker rooms, a gym, a canteen, a lecture theatre and medical facilities.

Liverpool have also committed to providing coaches to help run the project.

mln T:1 เ7าา'ทnvBadminton finals return to MalaysiaThe finals of the 12-round badminton World Superseries w ill be played in Malaysia in December, returning to the country after three years, the sport's governing body said on October 1 .ๆ

The season-ending tournament, which carries US$500,000 in prize money, w ill be held in Kuala Lumpur from December 11-15, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said in a statement.

It w ill bring together the top eight in five categories: men's and women's singles and doubles and mixed doubles, the BWF sa id .-A F P

Vietnam U23 goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh makes a save during the team’s match against Myanmar U23 on October 15 in Yangon . Photo: Boothee

Vietnam U23 downs MyanmarKYAWZIN HLAING kyaw zinh la ing910gm ail.com

DESPITE an early lead the Myanmar บ23 football team was unable to hold on for a win last week, falling 3-1 to their Vietnam

counterparts during their October 15 match in Yangon.

Led by the promising foursome of Kyaw Ko Ko, Kyi Lin, Kyaw Zeyar Lin and Zaw Min Tun, Myanmar started strong and was helped when Que Ngoc Hai tackled striker Kyaw Ko Ko from behind in the 32nd minute.

Kyi Lin sent the ensuing penalty kick to the back of the net, putting the home side up 1-0.

Vietnam countered at the start of the second half, substituting five players including striker Nguyen Van Quyet who quickly capitalised, scoring the games equaliser in the 52nd minute.

Vietnam continued to pressure Myanmar throughout the second

half, looking far faster and more physically imposing than the home side.

Tran Nguyen Manh put Vietnam ahead at the 80 minute mark.

The game was put out of reach in the 8501 minute when Myanmar goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Aung tackled striker Tran Phi Son. Le Quang Hung converted the penalty, putting Vietnam up 3-1.

“Although we had prepared well for this match best, I’m disappointed by the result. Vietnam was the better team this match,” said Park Sung Wha, Myanmar’s U23 coach.

Park Sung Wha said that better conditioning was needed if the team is to find success on the pitch.

Vietnamese coach Hoang Van Phuc praised Myanmar for its improvements, but said that ultimately the better side prevailed.

“Although the Myanmar team played better during the first half of the match, our team had a better match overall,” he said.

Myanmar U23 player Kyaw Ko Ko (red) tackles Vietnam’s Nguyen Thanh Hien (white). Photo: AFP