Friday, December 30, 2011

Cyclone Thane hits India

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Friday, 30 December 2011 20:59 Mizzima News


(Mizzima) – Cyclone Thane hit the coast of Tamil Nadu on Friday, killing 19 people so far. Twelve deaths were reported in Cuddalore and seven deaths in Puducherry.

Indian bystanders look at a merchant ship after it ran aground due to gusty winds in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Thane at Marina Beach in Chennai on December 30, 2011. A severe cyclone packing winds of up to 140 kilometres (85 miles) an hour tore into India's southeastern coast, killing at least 16 people, a senior official said. Photo: AFP
Indian bystanders look at a merchant ship after it ran aground due to gusty winds in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Thane at Marina Beach in Chennai on December 30, 2011. A severe cyclone packing winds of up to 140 kilometres (85 miles) an hour tore into India's southeastern coast, killing at least 16 people, a senior official said. Photo: AFP
The cyclonic storm is weakening over land, but rains continue in the coastal districts of the state and southern Andhra Pradesh till Saturday evening, NDTV reported.

The system is likely to move westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu coast, close to south of Puducherry, within a few hours and weaken gradually.

As a result very heavy rainfall will continue over northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Rayalseema, according to NDTV.

The landfall was near Cuddalore, southeast of Puducherry.

Train services from southern Tamil Nadu were hit as many of them ran late or were stopped in the nearby station while flights to international destinations by private carriers including to Kuwait and Malaysia from Chennai were cancelled.

Cuddalore was the most affected, with damaged roads rendering it difficult for rescue teams including those from National Disaster Response Force and fire and rescue services to reach the cyclone hit fishing hamlets.

District Collector Amuthavalli said over 5000 houses of fishermen had been damaged.

"We don't know what is happening in the outside world. All that we have been hearing since last night is the howling of the wind. Several trees have fallen down. Even mobile phone signals are not proper," S. Ravikumar, a Puducherry resident, told IANS.

Cyclone Thane is 'Burmese'

The name of Cyclone Thane, which hit the eastern coast of India on Friday morning, was coined by Burma.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, cyclones originating in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal are named by eight countries – India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman and Thailand.

The procedure for naming cyclones has been laid down by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The procedure came into effect in 2004.

The names are taken from lists drafted in advance by WMO committees. After a cyclone has passed, its name is retired and new names suggested.

The eight countries have prepared a list of 64 names for cyclones, which are announced by rotation. Going by this cycle, the name of Cyclone Thane, currently moving in the Bay of Bengal, was given by Burma.

Some recent cyclones and the countries which named them:

  • Laila (Pakistan), 2010 Nisha Bangladesh), 2010
  • Phyan (Myanmar), 2009
  • Aila (Maldives), 2009
  • Bijli (India), 2009
  • Rashmi (Sri Lanka), 2008
  • Nargis (Pakistan), 2008

 “Thane” is on everyone's lips the past few days. The very severe cyclonic storm, which is likely to bring heavy rainfall over Chennai, was christened as per the naming convention of the Indian Meteorological Department.

Officials said that the practice of naming tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea started in September 2004. The practice helped in easily identifying cyclones. However, it was decided that they would not be named after people. Y. E. A. Raj, the deputy director of the meteorology department in Chennai, said of the 64 names on the list, 28 have been used for unique identification for forecasts.

The names suggested must be short and should not have any provocative meaning, he said. The next cyclonic storm would be named “Murjaan,” as suggested by Oman.

Weather Bulletin No. BOB 05/2011/36

Dated: 30.12. 2011 Time of issue:1900 hours IST

Sub : Depression over north Tamilnadu.

The deep depression moved west- southwestward weakened into a depression and lay centered at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 30th December 2011 over north Tamilnadu close to Salem. The system is likely to move westwards and weaken further into a low pressure area during next 12 hours.

Under the influence of this system, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places would occur over north Tamil Nadu during next 12 hours. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy rainfall may occur over Rayalaseema during next 12 hours and over north Kerala and coastal and south interior Karnataka during next 24 hours.

The next bulletin will be issued at 0830 hrs IST of tomorrow, the 311st December, 2011.         
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What will happen in 2012 Burma politics?

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Friday, 30 December 2011 21:21 Salai Z T Lian
                                                                                                                                          
(Commentary) – The way the political game was played in 2011 will have a huge impact in 2012 Burma politics. 2011 was the year Burma took on a new political shape from dictatorship to quasi-civilian government. Right after the quasi-civilian Burmese government came in to power amid alleged fraud votes, the most powerful military chief, Senior Gen Than Shwe and Vice Senior Gen Maung Aye, were technically retired from their post.

Throughout 2011, the quasi-civilian Burmese government has continuously showed that it was changing and they were not the same with the previous government. It suspended controversial U$ 3.6 billion Myintsone dam project. It announced a peace offer to ethnic armed groups. President Thein Sein met with opposite leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It relaxed media censorship somewhat. It granted amnesty including about 200 political prisoners. It secured the rotating Asean chair for 2014. It amended the political registration law, and the NLD left the 1990 elections result behind and re-registered as a political party. Some ethnic armed groups formed the UNFC to face the Burmese government. Burmese soldiers launched offensive wars against the KIA and SSA (N).  It engaged in several talks with non-cease-fire groups and reached a ceasefire with UWSA, NDAA-ESS, SSA(S) and the DKBA, but UNCF members still are in talks with Burmese government. It formed the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC). Unlike previous Burmese governments, the quasi-civilian Burmese government officials including President Thein Sein’s advisors have interactions with domestic media, exile media and the foreign media. Also, many foreign diplomats such as US secretary Hillary Clinton were in and out in the country.

The reforms that it has taken may be fake or a strategic show or whatever in 2011, but it was welcomed with caution and calls for further change.

It is important to analyze the possible 2012 Burmese government policy based on what it has done in 2011. It changed political party registration law in 2011, and it shows it has the capacity of changing   the rules or laws in future if it wants to do so. The so-called lower house and upper house are neither the real decision-makers nor lawmakers; they are instead just for democratic style show. In fact, President Thein Sein, Vice President Thiha Thura  Tin Aung Myint and U Khin Aung Myint, and Thura Shwe Mann are the decision makers and the main players in the government body. Among them, President Thein Sein and Thura Shwe Mann will be popular again in 2012 as the moderate and reformer.

So, instead of trying to change something in those two houses of Parliament, Daw Aung San Suu  Kyi and opposite groups should try to convince them, if they  are elected as MPs and want to change any law or rule. Of course, finding asolution in those two houses is theoretical right, but it could be a waste of time since the main players are  decision-makers and policy-makers rather than the  upper house and lower house. It is the reality of how the Burmese government is functioning.  Until the next general election, we will likely see the same Burmese government with the same leadership style.

If it granted amnesty to all of political prisoners including the 88-generation group in 2012, the democratic movement and national reconciliation process will move faster. 88-generation group members were in fact the de facto ones who organized the 8888 uprising and 2007 demonstration. It is important to note that many Burmese politicians and activists still believe people power is the only solution to end the era of dictatorship in Burma. Of course, the Arab spring successes were because of people power.

Without Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, change for Burma may look impossible and unimaginable, but Burmese people have the power to change Burma. They need to realize that they cannot depend on her alone to change the country, and then they can empower themselves and finally they can bring down the quasi-civilian government like the Arab spring ended dictators’ era in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. If they wait for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to change Burma, it be like watching a very long and boring movie without knowing when it will end. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will not encourage mass demonstrations against the government as long as the relationship between her and government is good. Government officials likely will tell her to help them maintain stability.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi seems well prepared to promote her party campaign with the help of artists in 2012. She has met with many actors and actress, singers, composers and directors in 2011. Her road to Parliament will not be difficult one, but how much she can make difference in parliament is questionable because of 75 per cent USDP and 25 per cent military members.
Exiled political and human rights groups need to reassess how they should campaign in 2012 as their funders will likely turn to  organizations inside Burma.

If the Burmese government granted amnesty to all of political prisoners in 2012, more and more exiles will return to Burma. Their return will significantly impact Burma politics inside and outside Parliament.  Their return will mean very much for Burmese people and their country. However, they will face a hot debate with their opponents, who were never in exile, over why they left the country when it was bad if they enter into the Burmese political arena.  It doesn’t mean they are not welcome, but it means they will face such challenges.

Burma tied with Afghanistan as the world’s second most corrupt nation. The culture of the corrupt society will be a continued challenge to government again in 2012. Anti-corruption will not end in Burma as long as no action against current and former government officials is taken. It could take at least a decade to end the corrupt culture in business and government offices. The most significant step for anti-corruption will be to bring corrupt upper echelons officials and their cronies to account, and the previous corrupt officials, including the then Senior-General Than Shwe and former Vice Senior Gen Maung Aye, to justice. It will also serve a very strong warning that no one is allowed to be corruptfor any reason. In 2012 or during his tenure, President Thein Sein will probably try to enforce his clean government and good governance policy that could bring them to justice. Otherwise, President Thein Sein speech on clean government and good governance in 2011 will not apply to anyone including the past and present corrupt officials.

Since Burma is the second poorest country in Asia, after Afghanistan, President Thein Sein’s poverty reduction effort can’t dramatically make changes as long as Western sanctions remain, as long as the corrupt culture in the country is not eradicated, and as long as the civil wars are not stopped in border areas.  

The government’s peace offer to ethnic armed groups in 2011 could convince the UWSA, NDAA-ESS, SSA(S) and DKBA to sign cease-fire agreements, but the UNFC members including two of the strongest ethnic armed groups, the KIA and KNU, couldn’t reach cease-fire agreements, with the government. It shows that the Burmese government will likely reconsider its approach to non-ceasefire groups.  The deal with ethnic armed groups, especially the UNFC members, will not be enough, and it must include a promising political dialogue with incentives. Probably, the UNFC members will continue talking with the government; but they will likely stick to the principles of the UNFC. It means each group can engage separately in talks with the government, but in order to reach the final peace agreement, they will likely remain united and tell the government to seek agreements through the UNFC. There is a possibility that the government will at least sit down with the UNFC to talk.

President Thein Sein may take a risk on his reform process, including a change of Burmese military leadership. That’s the risk that he must take if he really wants to work out his reform process.

The government will try to better its relationship with the international community, and to push to end Western sanctions in 2012, telling the international community including USA that its relationship with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is smooth, and it has signed cease-fire agreements with some ethnic armed groups and it is still trying to sign cease-fires with non-ceasefire groups, it has released political prisoners, and it has improved its human rights record, so now is time to end their sanctions against Burma.

Burma politics is complicated, some even call it sick politics. The conflicts and ethnic issues also remain unresolved and civil wars will continue with human rights abuses. The government has a lot to do to improve its human rights record. On mainstream politics, Suu Kyi and her party are preparing to enter Parliament in 2012. She can be a political mentor and counselor who can push government officials for change in Burma.   What will really happen in 2012 Burma politics is unpredictable. However, it is sure that there will be many things to follow during the 2012 political game. 2012 will likely be the decisive year of Burma that determines if it really moves toward democracy or not.
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11 Burmese journalists imprisoned in 2011

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Friday, 30 December 2011 14:21 Mizzima News

(Mizzima) – As 2011 comes to an end, 11 Burmese journalists and writers still languish in prison for trying to exercise basic human rights.

An updated list by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (Seapa) showed the list contains journalists, photographers, a blogger and a poet.

In October this year, the military junta ordered the release of five writers as part of a group of 220 political prisoners freed in an amnesty program for the elderly and the sick. Despite the release, Seapa says that at least 11 writers and photographers still languish in jail.

The 11 imprisoned journalists and writers include:
Hla-Hla-Win 1. Hla Hla Win, reporter with the Democratic Voice of Burma; sentenced to 27 years in prison for violation of the Electronics Act, the Immigration Emergency Provisions Act, and the Unlawful Associations Act. Hla Hla was arrested for interviewing Burmese monks.
2. Min Han, a Burmese poet; sentenced to 11 years for giving assistance to the 88-Generation Student Group and All Burma Federation of Student Unions during the 2007 Saffron Revolution.
Nay-Phoen-latt 3. Nay Phone Latt, a blogger; sentenced to 12 years in prison for violating the Video Law and the Electronics Act, for posting an online caricature of then military leader Than Shwe.
Ngwe-Soe-Lwin 4. Ngwe Soe Lwin, a reporter of the Democratic Voice of Burma and recipient of the Rory Peck Award for journalism; sentenced to 13 years in prison for violating the Electronics Act and the Immigration Emergency Provisions Act.
Nyi-Nyi-Tun 5. Nyi Nyi Tun, an editor and poet; sentenced to 13 years for violating the Unlawful Associations Act and the Wireless and Telegraph Act.
Sithu-Zeya 6. Sithu Zeya, a photojournalist; sentenced to 18 years under the Unlawful Associations Act and the Immigration Emergency Provisions Act.
7. Thant Zin Aung, a photojournalist; sentenced to ten years under the Video Law and the Electronics Act for helping victims of Cyclone Nargis.
Win-Maw 8. Win Maw, a reporter for the Democratic Voice of Burma; sentenced to 17 years for allegedly “instigating and disrupting public order and State security.”
Zaw-Thet-Htwe 9. Zaw Thet Htwe, a reporter; sentenced to 11 years under the Electronics Act.
10. Zayar Oo, a reporter; sentenced to seven years for distributing pamphlets calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
11. Thargyi Zeya, a writer; sentenced to 13 years under the Unlawful Associations Act and the Immigration Emergency Provisions Act.
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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Firemen killed in explosions unaware of chemicals

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Thursday, 29 December 2011 22:17 Kyaw Kha

(Mizzima) – Five firemen who died in explosions at a state-owned chemical storage warehouse in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township in Rangoon on Thursday were apparently unaware of hazardous chemicals in the warehouses.

Authorities said the death toll now numbers more than 20 dead and 91 people injured. According to figures compiled at 5 p.m. on Thursday, the 91 people injured in the disaster included 31 firemen, six reserve firemen and 54 civilians.

An official with the Rangoon Region Central Fire Department told Mizzima: “To prevent the fire from spreading to other areas, the firemen only devoted their attention to extinguishing the fire and then the chemical materials exploded. We did not know that they [the chemical material] were in the warehouses.”

The guards at the warehouses were killed in the explosions, he said.

Four of the dead firemen were from the Mingalar Taungnyunt Fire Department, and one was from the Rangoon Region Central Fire Department. The funerals of the five firemen were held on Thursday evening at Yayway Cemetery.

The explosions damaged eight out of 57 fire engines that responded to the scene.

Sixteen of the warehouses, which are said to be owned by the Ministry of Commerce, were destroyed. Township police said at least one of the warehouses is believed to have contained enamel and chemicals, including ammonia and sulfuric acid, which may have caused the explosions.

“If some materials are combined they can react, explode and cause fires. We think the explosions happened this way,” a police officer at the Mingalar Taungnyunt Township Police Station told Mizzima.

Laboratory tests will be conducted to determine if residual chemical materials in the warehouses posed a danger to people, he said.

Meanwhile, critics have blamed not only the government for storing chemicals in a densely populated area of the city, but also the Myanmar Fire Department for failing to provide systematic training to firefighters to better deal with fires that could pose a hazardous chemical threat.

The explosions caused numerous fires that spread through Khtohseik Ward. Estimates say about 1,000 people from more than 140 families are now homeless.

Victims have taken refuge at primary schools No. 20 and No. 24, and the Mahawizaya Yama Monastery in Patheinnyunt Ward in Tamwe Township, said Mingalar Taungnyunt Township deputy police chief Myo Myint Kyaing, who is managing the rescue effort.

Donations to victims have been provided by the central women’s wing of the National League for Democracy, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, charity groups and individual businessmen who have taken food, clothing, drinking water and medicine to the victims.
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Photo News - December 2011

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The entrance of the Sat San Complex in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township, which is near the site of a massive warehouse explosion in Rangoon on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photos: Mizzima

Members of the Myanmar Red Cross and rescue workers carrying a Buddhist monk who was injured in the explosion at the Mettamon warehouses in the Sat San Complex on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

A rescue worker searches for a missing fireman at the explosion site at 3:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Rescue workers search through the debris for dead and injured after the explosion at the Mettamon warehouses in the Sat San Complex on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

House debris in Kutohseik Ward following the explosions in an industrial zone in Rangoon on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Rescue workers search through the debris after the explosion at the Mettamon warehouses in Sat San Complex on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Four firemen near a damaged fire engine at the Rangoon explosion site on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

An injured person in Kutohseik Ward following the deadly explosion in a Rangoon industrial district on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Up to 100 tructures in the ward were heavily damaged or destroyed. Photo: Mizzima

A fire scene in Kutohseik Ward early in the morning on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

A fire scene in Kutohseik  Ward on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Firemen fight the fire at a warehouse early in the morning on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Rescue workers search for missing people through the debris early on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

A man searches for his missing mother in Kutohseik  Ward at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Rescue workers on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

A man carries his property as the fire burns at 3:50 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty  Natalegawa speaks at a press conference at the Sedona Hotel in Rangoon on Wednesday, December 28, 29011. He was in Burma to meet with President Thein Sein and other leaders, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Photo: Mizzima

Marty Natalegawa, the Indonesian foreign minister. Photo: Mizzima

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa speaks to the Rangoon media on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Burmese opposition leader  Aung San Suu Kyi shakes hands with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa at her home in Rangoon on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. The foreign minister is one of a series of high-level Asian and Western officials who have meet with Burmese leaders during the past month, in a bid to increase the momentum of democratic reforms. Photo: Mizzima

National League for Democracy General-Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa following a meeting in her home in Rangoon on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met at her residence in Rangoon on Monday, December 26, 2011. Earlier Monday, Gemba met separately with President Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in Naypyitaw. Photo: Mizzima

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba talks to the media after meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in Rangoon on Monday, December 26, 2011. Gemba is in Burma to consider resuming economic development funding to Burma, in light of recent democratic reforms. Photo: Mizzima

Aung San Suu Kyi meeting with Burmese Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann  in Naypyitaw on Saturday, December 23, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, meeting with members of the Burmese Election Commission in Naypyitaw on Friday,  December 23, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

The government’s Union-level peacemaking delegation led by Aung Min and the New Mon State Party delegation led by Nai Hong Sar during a negotiating session in Sangkhlaburi District in Kanchanapuri Province on Thursday, December 22, 2011. The NMSP delegation is wearing red and white shirts. Photo: Mizzima

After the peacemaking meeting, Aung Min said that meetings between ethnic armed groups and the government are creating trust. Photo: Mizzima

Aung Min said he was 100 per cent satisfied with the preliminary negotiating meeting. In January, the government and the NMSP will continue the peace talks. Photo: Mizzima

A crowd gathers at the scene of a bomb blast in Rangoon. The bomb damaged the roof area of a public toilet near the Hledan junction. One woman died and another was injured on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

A bomb blast in a public toilet in Rangoon blew away a portion of the paneling under the roof, killing one woman and injuring another on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The blast occurred near Rangoon University. Photo: Mizzima

Police officers in Rangoon investigate after a bomb blast killed a 20-year-old woman and injured another woman at a public toilet near Hledan junction on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Yingluck at Shwedagon Pagoda

Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra washes a Buddha image at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon on Tuesday evening, December 20, 2011. Earlier in the day, she became the first prime minister to meet with Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi since Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. Photo: Mizzima

Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra walks through the crowd at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Earlier, she met Aung San Suu Kyi for about 30 minutes at the Thai ambassador's residence. Photo: Mizzima

Yingluck Shinawatra at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon. She visited Burma to meet with other leaders at the 4th General Mekong Sub-Region Summit, where they discussed regional transportation corridors. Photo: Mizzima

MP Thein Nyunt, the chairman of the New National League for Democracy (NNLD), at the opening ceremony for the party office at Thingangyun Township in Rangoon on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Thein Nyunt told Mizzima last week that rejoining the National League for Democracy party is not possible at this time because of policy differences. Photo: Mizzima

People view a photo exhibition of the area around the Dawei deep-sea port project, at a Rangoon press conference organized by the Dawei Development Group on Friday, December 16, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Monks and others read a notification urging Abbot Ashin Pyinna Thiha of the Sardu Pariyatti Monastery Complex in Kyimyindaing Township in Rangoon to leave the monastery as punishment for a speech he delivered at the National League for Democracy (NLD) office in Mandalay on 'Democracy Day'. The notification, issued by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, was dated Monday. Photo: Mizzima

NLD Vice Chairman Tin Oo speaks to journalists, monks and others after a meeting with Abbot Ashin Pyinna Thiha at Shwenyawa Monastery in the Sardu Pariyatti Complex in Kyimyindaing Township in Rangoon on Thursday, December 15, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Shwenyawa Monastery Abbot Ashin Pyinna Thiha urges monks and others to return home on Thursday, December 15, 2011, after a meeting in the Sardu Pariyatti Complex in Kyimyindaing Township in Rangoon. He said his problem with the Sangha authority will be resolved. Photo: Mizzima

The Thee Lay Thee traditional dance troupe, which recently returned to Burma, performs at the Western Park Royal Restaurant in Kandawgyi Garden in Rangoon on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

The Thee Lay Thee comedy troupe is known for its biting satire and social commentary as well as its tradition dance performances. Photo: Mizzima

Many of the comedy troupe members left Burma and recently returned following the offer of President Thein Sein for Burmese exiles to return home. Photo: Mizzima

Family members of U Lwin and NLD General-Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi at the funeral service of NLD founder U Lwin on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Rangoon. An NLD flag is draped over the casket. Photo: Mizzima

FNLD General-Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi, rear, listens to NLD senior leader Tin Oo read remarks at the funeral of U Lwin, a founder of the NLD, who died of natural causes on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, in Rangoon. The funeral on Thursday was attended by NLD members and the general public in honour of his public service and his career has a high-ranking military officer and pubic official. Photo: MIzzima

People pay homage to U Lwin at Yayway Cemetery in Rangoon on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Photo: MIzzima

Aung San Suu Kyi consoles a family member of U Lwin, rear near casket, during his funeral service on Thursday, December 8, 2011, in Rangoon. Photo: MIzzima

Aung San Suu Kyi and family members of NLD founder U Lwin gather around the casket at his funeral service on Thursday, December 8, 2011, in Rangoon. Photo: Mizzima

Family members of U Lwin and NLD General-Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi at the funeral service of NLD founder U Lwin on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in Rangoon. An NLD flag is draped over the casket. Photo: Mizzima

Saint Mary's Cathedral in Rangoon celebrates 100th anniversary

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, an evoy of the Pope from Vatican City, waves to well-wishers at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Botahtaung Township in Rangoon on Thursday, December 8, 2011. He came to Burma to attend the 100th anniversary of the cathedral and to read the felicitations sent by Pope Benedict XVI. Photo: Mizzima

NLD senior leader Aung San Suu Kyi leaves Saint Mary's Cathedral in Rangoon on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino and National League for Democracy General-Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi at the 100th anniversary of Saint Mary's Cathedral in Botahtaung Township in Rangoon on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon on Friday, December 2, 2011. She departed Burma later that day. Photo: Mizzima

Reporters in Rangoon question U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the last day of her three-day visit to Burma. Photo: Mizzima

Secretary Clinton addresses reporters during her press conference in Rangoon, following two days of intense meetings with members of the Burmese government, opposition political groups and ethnic groups. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Burma was the highest-level visit in 56 years, following a visit by former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi established a strong bond after only two meetings in Rangoon, pledging to work together in Burma's transition to democracy. Photo: Mizzima

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Secretary Hillary Clinton embrace in Rangoon on the last day of Clinton's visit to Burma. Photo: Mizzima

As night fell in Rangoon on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton walked through the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Burma's most holy religious sites. After her visit, she was scheduled to have a private dinner with Nobel Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi at her lakeside home. Photo: Mizzima

The gold and jewel-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon was a spectacular backdrop to end the second day of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's three-day visit to Burma, which began on Wednesday. Photo: Mizzima

Members of the Upper House of the Burmese Parliament are greeted by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Naypyitaw on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Clinton met with leading members of the new government and will meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday evening. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton chats with members of the Upper House of the Burmese Parliament on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

Khin Aung Myint, the speaker of the Upper House of the Burmese Parliament, meets with U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton during a meeting at the Parliamentary Compound in Naypyitaw on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Clinton is scheduled to dine with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday evening. Photo: Mizzima

Shwe Mann, the speaker of the Lower House of the Burmese Parliament and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, at the Parliamentary Compound in Naypyitaw on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Thura Shwe Mann, the speaker of the Lower House of the Burmese Parliament at the Parliamentary Compound in Naypyitaw on December 1, 2011. Clinton is traveling to the country in the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state in 56 years. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Burmese President Thein Sein greet each other in Naypyitaw on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Clinton said the U.S. welcome the Burmese government's move to cut military ties with North Korea, and she asked it to release politicial prisoners. Photo: Mizzima

Burmese President Thein Sein meets with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the President's Office in Naypyidaw on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Clinton is  on a three-day visit to the country in the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state in more than 56 years. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's plane touched down in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. She was greeted by Burmese officials as the highest U.S. official to visit Burma in 56 years. Photo: Mizzima

Hillary Clinton, the U.S. secretary of state, departs from her plane in Naypyitaw, the Burmese capital, on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. She will meet with President Thein Sein and share lunch with him and his family on Thursday. Photo: Mizzima

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is welcomed by Burmese officials as she arrives in Naypyitaw, the capital. She will also meet with Aung San Suu Kyi and opposition politicians during her three-day visit. Photo: Mizzima

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