January 9 - 15, 2012

myanmartimes
Myanmars first international weekly Volume 31, No. 609 1200 Kyats
He told British Foreign Secretary Mr William Hague that he understood some were frustrated that prisoners of conscience were still behind bars and would continue to push for further amnesties through the parliamentary system. Necessary law amendments were made for the participation of all political parties and people who want to take part in politics and national reconciliation, Thura U Shwe Mann said during the meeting at Zabuthiri Hall in the Pyithu Hluttaw on January 5. But I have heard that those who the NLD wants freed have not yet been included in the amnesty and, similarly, the United Nations and some other organisations and individuals are frustrated. I am sorry about that. Our hluttaw will keep striving for democratic process, national unity and the participation of all in politics. State media reported on January 6 that 6656 prisoners had been released under the amnesty and another 68,964 had received sentence reductions. However, only a handful of prisoners of conscience were released, with somewhere from 500 to 1500 thought to still be behind bars. The speaker described Mr Hagues visit as historic and said it would open a new chapter in the history of Myanmar-UK relations. He said he hoped the British foreign secretary would view every sector and offer constructive comments. More page 4

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Thura U Shwe Mann praises historic visit by British FM

By Soe Than Lynn PYITHU Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann said he was sorry that last weeks amnesty failed to meet the expectations of most observers, including the National League for Democracy.

A Nissan sports car on display at Sakura Auto Auctions in Yangon last week. The government on January changed a car substitution program, allowing permit holders to import cars worth up to $62,000. Pic: Boothee

Import permit prices skyrocket

Changes to car substitution program on January 1 push up prices of eligible vehicles as much as 40pc
By Aung Kyi THE value of cars eligible for a substitution program shot up almost 40 percent in late December, just days before the government announced changes to the scheme, car brokers and traders in Yangon said last week. Traders appeared to get the inside word on impending changes to the program that were announced on January 1 through state media. Under the revised program, holders of import permits can bring in cars produced as recently as 2006 and with a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) fee of up to $62,000 more than 10 times the previous limit. The price of overage cars increased to between K12 million and K14 million (US$15,000 to $17,500) from the last week of December, confirmed U Aye Win, a car broker in Hantharwaddy car market in Yangon. Announced in September, the program initially allowed permit holders to import cars had to be produced from 1995 to 2002, a purchase price of no more than $3500 and CIF of $5500. Permits are acquired by substituting overage cars, which are eligible based on the letter of their licence plate. The changes were announced following the conclusion of the first two batches of overage vehicles with number plates beginning with salone to nga. U Aye Win said the price of cars with nagyi prefix plates hit K14 million following official announcement of the changes, while vehicles with htasinhtoo were also in high demand. Broker U Tun Oo said the increase in prices was partly because overage cars were becoming harder to find. State media announced on January 5 that from September 19, 2011 to January 2, 2012, more than 23,000 of the 50,000-plus cars eligible for the substitution program had been submitted to Directorate of Road Transport offices throughout the country. More page 4

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Unity vs uniformity: which do you mean?

By Lian Kual Sang MANY of us regularly say that there should be unity in our country, arguing that because of a lack of unity we have conflict and tension. But sometimes I wonder if people really understand what they are saying. I sense that when many of us talk about unity, ironically what they mean is uniformity. The two are in fact very different in meaning. In my view, uniformity represents the past: dictatorship, societal restrictions and a lack of democracy. It does not accommodate differences in ideas, beliefs, shapes and colors. Instead, it seeks to eliminate all differences, creating a one size fits all society. A system of uniformity relies on force to bring about change or to achieve certain objectives. In extreme cases this means using violence to reach a particular goal. One aspect of uniformity is demanding another party change, or conform, in order to achieve agreement, peace or prosperity. Uniformity does not allow for negotiation or compromise. In contrast, unity values differences. It acknowledges that people have different religions, cultures and political views. It sends the message that although we may be different in many ways we can work and live together in a way that benefits both of us. Genuine unity is based on democratic values, open mindedness and the concept of multiculturalism. Unity is a nurturing environment where all live side by side harmoniously based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. It is natural that we easily bond with people from similar backgrounds. Often we are reluctant to associate or work with people from very different backgrounds to our own. This can lead to a situation where we even become unaware of what is happening in other communities and regions of the country. As a result, we grow suspicious of those people or groups, fostering misunderstanding, hatred and conflict. Unity cannot be achieved unless we discard our old tendency to seek or enforce uniformity. This applies to family units, communities, organisations and the country as a whole. Some may suggest that if we all have the same values, culture and ethnic background there will be no conflict. This may in some cases be true. However, we cannot ignore the reality that in our country we do not all share the same values, we do not follow a single religion and we are descended from various races and ethnic groups. To enjoy peace, prosperity and democracy, we must first acknowledge that we are not all the same. We can then strive to develop unity through mutual respect and tolerance for our differences. One way to achieve unity is through interacting with people of different backgrounds from our own. Through this we can understand and respect each others cultures. Gradually, we will begin to understand the joys, hardships and grievances of others. For me, living in a uniform society would be rather dull. I for one will always choose to live among people of differing social systems, with varying political views and religious affiliations. This sort of environment is exciting, rewarding and enriching. But changing the way we think, behave and interact with others is not an easy undertaking. It requires a substantive shift in the way we think. It requires us to question ourselves. It requires us to be more aware of our surroundings. It requires us to be brave enough to mingle with unfamiliar groups and explore new areas. So the next time we say the word unity, lets think first whether we really mean it or not. (An ethnic Chin, Lian Kual Sang is a business consultant and entrepreneur from Yangon. He has studied in Australia and the Philippines and can be reached at naolian@gmail.com.)

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann in Nay Pyi Taw on December 23. Pic: AFP

An uplifting year to the end

POLITICALLY speaking, it has been a refreshing and uplifting year for this region. Indeed, it is hard to know where to start when recapping the good tidings that have come our way over the past 12 months. The standout has been Myanmar, which, at the start of the year, continued to cause hand-wringing an d teeth -g nash in g in places like Washington, Paris and London, where leaders are always honest and incorruptible. They were chagrined because the multi-party polls, held in Myanmar the previous November, had resulted in the election of a government dominated by former military officers and their allies. So, led by Britain and the United States, they concluded and their conclusion is always definitive and sacrosanct that little had changed and that Myanmar must continue to be ostracised and vilified. But wait! Suddenly something stirred on the watchtower. There was movement. Slow and cautious at first, it suddenly accelerated and became so broad and substantive that no one, not even the hypocritical miquetoasts in the US and Europe, could fail to applaud and make reciprocal gestures. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Wests belatedly grovelling overtures to Myanmar are genuine, or whether, as so often in the past, they will be aborted for domestic political reasons. For the moment, however, let us rejoice that Myanmar now hosts a vibrant political opposition, a relatively free press that shames sycophantic editors elsewhere in the region, and is already a powerful magnet for investors. There were also other, almost equally uplifting, revelations over the past year. In Singapore, that bastion of disciplined democracy, that clockwork isle set in a sea of laxity, that demi-paradise growing upon Cambodian sand, there was another revolution of sorts. In the May general election, the previously unassailable Peoples Action Party (PAP) lost 40 percent of the vote, and the opposition grabbed a key five-member seat and the hairless scalp of Foreign Minister George Yeo. In the aftermath, the geriatric warhorse Lee Kuan Yew and the former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong both quit the cabinet, while others were dropped. It was a welcome development, except perhaps in the elite, cloistered corridors of the PAP. Now, at last, democracy threatens to engulf Singapore and that is a reason to celebrate. So, too, was the mid-year election result in Thailand, where a regime of dubious legitimacy, helmed by the misnamed Democrat Party, was booted from office. In came a new government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the younger sister of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a shameful military coup in 2006. Thus far, Yinglucks team, despite a predictable barrage of criticism from the local English-language media, has performed credibly. In Malaysia, while Prime Minister Najib Razak has solidified his position in the ruling National Front coalition, he has faced heavy criticism, most recently over a new law curbing the scope of public demonstrations. As well, the protracted shenanigans involved in the court case against former DPM Anwar Ibrahim has bruised Najibs reformist image, but they are unlikely to dent his re-election prospects later next year. Another notable highlight of 2011 was Philippine President Benigno Aquino finally biting the bullet and arresting his venal, but powerfully-connected predecessor, former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

Make sure your voice is heard

A NEW year beckons but as we enter the first weeks of 2012, many of the old challenges remain. Tackling these problems political, economic and social will require vision, courage and determination. But it will also require the free flow of constructive debate. In last weeks editorial, we pledged to do our utmost to facilitate dialogue and information sharing among all groups. In that case we were referring to the reconciliation process, which remains in its infancy. However, the statement applies equally to the many other unresolved issues that define modern Myanmar, from corruption to prisoners of conscience, nascent economic reform to national identity. In recent months we have experimented with opinion pieces on land rights, press freedom, politics and legal reform. We believe that, after many years of strict censorship, it is now possible to express constructive and reasonable opinions on the issues that matter. As a result, this weeks edition of The Myanmar Times includes a comment page for the first time in our 12-year history. We hope to make this section a permanent fixture of our newspaper. Along with regular columns from our regional correspondent, Roger Mitton, it will feature analysis and opinion pieces from a range of commentators, both local and foreign. We will also include regular editorials and letters to the editor. We hope it becomes a place of vibrant debate where all kinds of views including those not shared by The Myanmar Times can be aired. But for this to work we need your help. Without contributions from readers, the usefulness of this section will be limited. If youve got something important to say, whether its about an article weve published or not, we want to hear it. You can contact us through the postal and email addresses and telephone numbers below. Address: 379-383, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon Telephone: (+951) 392928, 253-642 Fax: (+951) 392-706 Email: your.myanmar.times@ gmail.com

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Soros to open aid office in Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW US billionaire investor George Soros said he has agreed to set up an official base for his philanthropic work after meetings with President U Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. One of the worlds richest men, the financier funds pro-democracy initiatives in Myanmar and visited from December 26 to January 3 in his capacity as a philanthropist, a statement seen on January 5 said. Mr Soros said he planned to establish an official presence in the country to aid the transition from a closed to a more open society. He added that talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi included a wide ranging discussion about the reform process. My foundations have been supporting the democracy movement for 20 years, but this was my first meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I have been and remain very much guided by her vision in my involvement in Burma, Mr Soros said. While I am greatly encouraged by signs of political opening in Burma, the reforms are in early days. There is a big gap between the good will at the top and conditions on the ground, Mr Soros said, in the release from his Open Society Foundations group. Mr Soros, who made a huge fortune from speculating, has given away billions of dollars to philanthropic causes in recent years. Formerly known as the Open Society Institute, his Open Society Foundations have funded a number of projects in Myanmar since 1994, with a focus on increasing international awareness of conditions in the country and providing assistance to marginalised ethnic minorities, women, and young people. AFP

US corporate high-flyers plan visit for late January

By Geoffrey Goddard SOME of the most prominent names in corporate America plan to travel to Myanmar late this month for a sixday visit being organised by a leading United States lobby group, Business Executives for National Security. The founding chairman of BENS, Mr Stanley Weiss, will lead the group of about 14 present or former leaders of some of the best-known US corporations during the visit, which is due to begin on January 31, a spokesperson told The Myanmar Times last week. The group is expected to make a courtesy call on President U Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw on February 3, said the spokesperson, who requested anonymity. A lavish itinerary has been prepared for the visit, with the group travelling by private plane and staying in luxury hotels at Bagan, Putao, Inle Lake and Yangon. The itinerary includes a hot-air balloon trip at Bagan and sightseeing tours from Putao in fourwheel drive vehicles and by private helicopter. A dinner is also being arranged at The Strand hotel on February 4 to enable members of the BENS group to meet leading members of the community. Mr Weiss, the former chairman of American Premier, a mining, chemicals and mineral processing company, founded BENS in 1982. His website says the group is a non-partisan organisation of senior executives who use the best practices of business to strengthen US national security. Mr Weiss has written widely on public policy issues in a number of publications including the International Herald Tribune, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. In an opinion piece published in the International Herald Tribune on February 20, 2009, Mr Weiss criticised the imposition of sanctions on Myanmar by the US. Sanctioning Myanmar may make Americans feel good, but feeling good and doing good are not the same, he wrote. If the US intent is to improve peoples lives in Myanmar, it must find a new way forward.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague shakes hands with President U Thein Sein during a meeting at the presidents residence in Nay Pyi Taw on January 5. Pic: AFP

Free prisoners without delay, Hague urges govt

Many hundreds of men and women still remain in jail here for their beliefs. This has no place in any democracy, and it has no place in the future of this country. More ambitious action will be needed and we look to them to rapidly honour this commitment, he said. During his January 5-6 trip, Mr Hague met government officials in Nay Pyi Taw, including President U Thein Sein, Foreign Minister U Wanna Maung Lwin and Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Manm. In Yangon, he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior NLD members, ethnic leaders and former political prisoners. He said European Union would hold its annual meeting in early April and would consider responding to progress in Myanmar. We are ready to move towards a strong, positive and open relationship as reforms take place, and to respond bilaterally and through the EU. We will judge the progress by actions and events

By Yadana Htun BRITISH Foreign Secretary William Hague urged the government to release all political prisoners immediately at the end of his historic two-day visit last week. At a press conference at the British Council on January 6, Mr Hague told reporters that the government also needed to take bolder steps on a number of other issues, including political dialogue with armed ethnic groups and humanitarian access to areas affected by conflict. He said though that he though the government was moving in the right direction and had been encouraged to hear it planned to release all remaining political prisoners. All the ministers reaffirmed their policy on the release of political prisoners. I urged them to do so quickly. It is important to proceed without delay, Mr Hague said.

and will respond in good faith to measures as they are taken, he said. Following her meeting with Mr Hague on January 6, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi agreed the government needed to focus on the addressing the issues he outlined, including the need for free and fair by-elections. All political prisoners should be released and there should be all efforts made to put an end to all ethnic conflict within our country. Certainly we would want to see free and fair by-elections, she said. At the joint press briefing at Daw Aung San Suu Kyis residence, Mr Hague said the lifting of EU sanction on Myanmar would depend on progress of the issues that concerned the international community. He added that it was very important that we do not relax the pressures prematurely. It was Mr Hagues first visit and the first by a British foreign secretary since 1955.

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Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order Strengthening of national solidarity Building and strengthening of disciplineflourishing democracy system Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the Constitution

Four political objectives

Building of modern industrialized nation through the agricultural development, and all-round development of other sectors of the economy Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investment from sources inside the country and abroad initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands The of the State and the national peoples

Four economic objectives

Uplift of the morale and morality of the entire nation of national prestige and integrity and preservation Uplift and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character Flourishing of Union Spirit, the true patriotism Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation

Four social objectives

Visitors up for 2012 Naga New Year festival

By Zaw Win Than THE 2012 Naga New Year festival is expected to attract more than twice as many tourists as in recent years, the only company that offers tours to the festival said last week. The festival will be held from January 12 to 16 in Leshi township, located in the remote northwestern corner of Sagaing Region in the Naga Self-administered Zone. A spokesperson from Diamond Place Travel, the only private tour company permitted to sell packages to the festival, said Naga New Year was popular with professional photographers. This year we have bookings from 37 foreign visitors and 16 local travellers. In recent years we normally received about 20 visitors, he said. The festival is popular with both European and Asian tourists. Guests on the companys five-day, fournight tour will fly from Yangon to Homalin via Mandalay on January 12 before taking a four-hour boat trip up the Chindwin River from Homalin to Htamanthi. This will be followed by a light truck journey through the scenic Naga Hills from Htamanthi to Leshi. On January 14, the Naga Traditional Pole Erection Ceremony will take place from 8am to 11am, followed by a traditional auction of From page 1 Naga warriors in traditional dress take part in New Year celebrations in January 2011. Pic: Aung Tun Win

Naga household goods after lunch. New Year festivities take place on January 15 with traditional dances and ceremonies. The package costs US$1500 for foreigners and K600,000 for locals, including roundtrip domestic air travel, transportation from Hkamti to Leshi, meals and accommodation

in traditional Naga huts. The Naga, who live in the foothills of the Patkai mountain range, now comprise only three clans, as others have become extinct or migrated into India. One of the ranges most prominent peaks, Saramani, is a favourite with mountaineers.

Import permit prices

From the third week of December, many car dealers and brokers began to offer around K9 million to K10 million to overage cars with nagyi and htasinhtoo prefix plates, which are to be submitted for substitution in early 2012, U Tun Oo said. But after dealers and brokers bought most of the cars the prices began to rise sharply up to K13 million in the last week of December. But U Zaw Htay, a Yangon businessman, said car dealers and businessmen could have also received information from policymakers ahead of the announcement of the changes, which allow even luxury vehicles to be imported. By the time the prices of the overage cars hit K13 million or K14 million, most of the cars were already in the hands of these people because the former owners sold them for about K10 million, said U Zaw Htay, who runs an internet caf and has close links with the car trading industry. Owners of overage cars who sold up at K10 million shortly before prices spiked were left further disappointed when prices for other cars also rose. I sold my Toyota Publica pick-up with nagyi plate for K10 million in the third week of December because I thought it was a good price and I could get a Nissan Super Saloon 1986 or 1987 model for that price, as those cars are not included in the substitution program, said U Aung Myint, who runs a private language school in Tarmwe township. But the following week, before I had a chance to buy, I heard not only overage cars but also Super Saloons that were previously about K10 million

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had increased in value. Now theres little choice in the way of vehicles priced at K10 million or less because starting from the last week of December prices for most 86 and 87 model cars have also increased, he said. I can really only buy jeeps or mini-trucks produced by local companies. Soon after the government unveiled the overage car import substitution plan in September, the price of overage cars, especially those more than 40 years old, which were in the first batch to be submitted, increased to as much as K11 million. However, by November and early December 2011, overage vehicles with zaminzwe and nga prefix plates were valued at between K9 million and K10 million. The price of car permits dropped about 20pc because of the government announcements in November and December that it would allow exporters and importers, local tourism businesses, Myanmar diplomats, overseas workers and sailors to import vehicles, said U Kyaw Thu, a car trader from Pazundaung township. Buyers were limited to selecting cars made between 1995 and 2002 with a Cost and Insurance Fee (CIF) of not more than $5500, except for companies and overseas workers with US dollar accounts, who could bring in brand new vehicles. However, from January 1 the Ministry of Commerce announced that it would allow the owners of overage cars to import models as recent as 2006 with a CIF of up to $62,000, state media reported. U Thein Win, a businessman in Yangon, said the program

had pushed the price of 2001 and 2002-model vehicles, especially those produced by Toyota and Mitsubishi, up from $2000 to $9000 at Japanese auction houses. Buyers have been circumventing the import substitution plans $3500 value cap by paying money to the sellers in Japan through the illegal hundi remittance network, he said. However, he said the January 1 changes were not all good news for those in possession of overage vehicles: as the CIF limitations have been increased, car importers will likely end up paying more in taxes to the ministry. Although I have bought two overage cars for K10 million each to trade in for an import permit, Id prefer to sell them to other car dealers immediately if I could get a profit of K5 million each, he said. To import a newer vehicle with a higher CIF, I would have to invest more money and I cant even estimate how much profit Ill make after importing.

Speaker sorry
As we are endeavouring to establish a democratic state, we anticipate your good suggestions for democratic reform, he said. The poor relationship between the two countries in the past is depressing. Learning from this, both sides should try to improve our level of friendship, he said. On the other hand, we will continue to strengthen ties with China and India, good friends of Myanmar. In a veiled reference to sanctions, the speaker said the Pyithu Hluttaw would not accept any individual

or organisation at home or abroad who, intentionally or unintentionally, is making policies, decisions and actions that hurt Myanmar people. We would like [Mr Hague] to support and speak in favour of democratic processes for Myanmar people after reviewing such incidents. We request you to tell the speaker of British House of Commons that we invite him to Myanmar at an appropriate time, he said. Hluttaw representatives would benefit from observing the British parliament as it would contribute very much to building their capacity, he said. They would like to experience the British parliament, which is proudly known as the mother of democracy, [because] Myanmar representatives have only been in parliament for a short space of time and are inexperienced. They believe that it would be beneficial for the democratic process if a delegation of representatives was invited to the British parliament, he said. Addressing criticism of Myanmars human rights record, the speaker said the hluttaw had formed a Fundamental Rights of Citizens, Democracy and Human Rights Committee and was ensuring citizens could get the rights afforded to them under the constitution. More laws needed for the benefit of the state and the people would be promulgated and the government would ensure they were properly implemented, he said. Also present at the meeting were deputy speaker U Nanda Kyaw Swar and the chairs and secretaries of four Pyithu Hluttaw committees. Translated by Thit Lwin

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Committee assessing old cases for bias

By Soe Than Lynn TWO-THIRDS of complaints submitted to a parliamentary committee investigating allegations of unfair verdicts and sentences have been forwarded to the judiciary for reassessment, the committees chairman said last month. The Pyithu Hluttaw Judicial and Legislative Committee has invited complaints from defendants who believe their cases were handled unfairly under the previous government. If the committee is satisfied there is irrefutable evidence that the verdict or sentence was unjust it forwards the complaint to the respective court for reassessment, committee chairman Thura U Aung Ko said on December 29. To date we have received about 100 complaints. Of them, 69 had irrefutable evidence and these cases were forwarded to the respective state and region courts with copies sent to the Supreme Court, he said. Our committee is working based on the principles of justice we will forge ahead regardless of the dangers, attacks or opposition we face. Thura U Aung Ko said the complaints mechanism was open to prisoners of conscience but said they would be released soon regardless. Cases with a bad outcome [for the defendant] despite their innocence can be submitted and we will process them. Whether it was five years or 10 years ago, they can be re-filed, unless they are civil cases, which have a time limit, or municipal act cases, he said. In response to a question about whether the committee would assess cases of unfair payment of compensation to farmers who lost farmland for the construction of Nay Pyi Taw, Thura U Aung Ko said it would accept all complaints. We will forward them to respective committees these cases particularly concern the committee that was formed in the Pyithu Hluttaw for that purpose. Complaints and appeals should be addressed to the Judicial and Legislative Committee, Pyithu Hluttaw, Nay Pyi Taw and Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker, Pyithu Hluttaw, Nay Pyi Taw. To make sure [of receiving a response], youd better also address your complaint to Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker [Thura U Shwe Mann] because the speaker takes an interest in every matter of concern to the public. Every case comes to him. After cases are forwarded to respective committees, they will have to give him feedback, Thura U Aung Ko said. Translated by Thit Lwin

Judiciary holding back democracy

By Soe Than Lynn THE lower levels of the judiciary are holding back the transition from military rule to democracy, the chairman of the Pyithu Hluttaw Judicial and Legislative Committee said last week. Thura U Aung Ko told reporters in Nay Pyi Taw on December 29 sections of the judiciary were biased as they still worked according to directives and verbal orders from superiors. If the judiciary is dominated by directives or verbal orders, then the judicial pillar will be biased. I would like to say clearly on behalf of the committee that we are going to wipe out this problem, the committee chairman said. In 2011 we saw a big shift in Myanmar politics, the start of democracy. All democratic countries has three branches of power: the legislative, executive and judiciary. While the legislative and executive have started changing, the lower levels of the judiciary remain unchanged. They cannot follow into the democratic era. He said the bias in the judiciary was not only because of judges but also other members of the legal community, including lawyers, police officers, court staff and case brokers. He said that corruption and a lack of transparency were also serious issues and the committee was drafting a law to allow legal action against corrupt judges that would be submitted during the next parliamentary session, which is to begin on January 26. The Judicial and Legislative Committee is attempting to redress some of the biases of the past by allowing the public to submit cases for review. Cases with strong evidence of a biased decision will be forwarded to the respective court as well as the Supreme Court. But Thura U Aung Ko said the committee, comprising 15 members, including eight legal experts, also wanted to work with the media to ensure the judiciary was accountable for its decisions. If the judiciary is biased, the fourth pillar, the media, is obligated to help correct it. If respective courts report that the original punishment was re-approved for cases we forwarded to them for re-assessment, we will submit them to the Union Supreme Court. Furthermore, we would like the media to run news reports about the status of those cases. To make sure the judicial pillar is unbiased, our committee will rely on the force of the media, the chairman said. He said that the committee had no power over decisions made in the Supreme Court and was not interfering in the decisionmaking process of the legal system. Translated by Thit Lwin

Next hluttaw session to focus on budget

By Shwe Yinn Mar Oo THE 2012-13 budget is expected to dominate discussion in parliament when the third hluttaw session convenes in Nay Pyi Taw on January 26, representatives said last week. Dates for the first session of 2012 were announced in state media on January 3. It will be the first time the parliament has debated a Budget Bill, and the previous military government rarely made the budget public. In the era of the military junta, the budget could be the result of a command from a single person or from a discussion by a group. But now MPs will be involved in the decision-making process and discuss issues such as budget revenues and how they should be allocated. So it is very significant, said Dr Myat Nyarna Soe, a member of both the Amyotha Hluttaw Bill Committee and Joint Bill Committee. Under the constitution, the budget is one of a handful of bills that can only be discussed in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the combined upper and lower house. Unlike other bills, the budget is not distributed to representatives in advance. Hluttaw representatives will have a responsibility to allocate budgetary funding to the sectors where it is most needed without political or personal bias, Dr Myat Nyarna Soe said. MPs should try to make sure that spending on public health and education is increased, he said, adding that spending on these sectors was low compared to other ASEAN countries. Amyotha Hluttaw representative for Kachin State constituency 1, U Khet Htain Nan, who is involved in the peace negotiations between the government and Kachin Independence Organisation, said that some members of the hluttaw peace committee might have to take leave from the hluttaw when negotiations take place. The third session is also expected to see debate resume on eight bills, including the Environmental Conservation Bill and Farmland Bill, that were submitted during the second session but had not been approved when it concluded in late November.

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Analysis

Donor aid begins to flow

BANGKOK As the government of Myanmar continues to pledge political reform, donors are reassessing assistance to the country, which has historically received among the lowest levels of per capita aid of any developing country. Myanmar has been called an aid orphan in the past because its per capita assistance is so low, Londonbased Myanmar analyst Ashley South said. The country received close to US$5 a person in overseas development assistance in 2010, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) a 28 percent drop from 2009. While careful not to draw any link between donor decisions and nascent political change, donor consortiums and NGOs in Myanmar are finding that attaining funds has become easier. More funding is available now, said Andrew Kirkwood, funding director for the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust (LIFT) fund, a multi-donor association set up in 2009 to support food security throughout the country. In recent weeks LIFT donors signed grants of up to $130 million for 2012, a $30 million increase on the 2009 target, while extending operations until 2016, two years past the original planned exit. We are now able to increase our implementing partners and expand to more townships, said Mr Kirkwood. But the increase can only cover so much of the countrys needs, he added. Aid to Myanmar has always been low, and remains extremely low, despite the increase. In Chin State, 80 percent of households are food insecure, according to the World Food Program, while hundreds of thousands were internally displaced as of June 2011 and in need of assistance, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. The European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO), which distributes the European Unions humanitarian aid, has earmarked $16.3 million for the countrys poorest areas in 2012, according to Matthias Eick, ECHO spokesman for East and Southeast Asia. ECHO will in particular target areas not reachable by development assistance, or will complement such assistance where humanitarian needs exist. In 2010 it gave about $12.7 million, excluding aid for Cylcone Nargis recovery, according to the UN Financial Tracking Service. The government of Japan announced in November 2011 that it will start working-level talks which could lead to the resumption of development aid. The country cut off new overseas development assistance in 2003 but has continued to give humanitarian aid. And while the UK and Australian governments among Myanmars biggest bilateral donors have increased aid in recent years, they still circumvent the government when carrying out projects. The UK government, which has pledged $56.4 million in 2012, abides by the EU council decision on Myanmar, which requires implementation to be through the UN, NGOs and through decentralised cooperation with local civilian administrations. But it has started considering ways to change how it gives aid, according to the UK 2011-2015 giving plan to Myanmar. In the event of a major improvement in government accountability and respect for human rights our choice of aid instruments would widen. Although we cannot anticipate significant political change over this plan period, we are making some investment in preparing the ground for the day when we can consider alternative delivery options. Recent political reforms by U Thein Seins government include the release of prisoners of conscience; allowing the formation of labour unions; and the passage of legislation that paved the way for the National League for Democracy to participate in upcoming parliamentary by-elections. The new government has significantly improved its cooperation and dialogue with NGOs and civil society, said Lynn Yoshikawa, the Asia advocate for Washington DC-based NGO Refugees International. She added that humanitarian access to displaced people in conflict areas is more likely. For the first time since fighting broke out in parts of Kachin State last June, the government allowed UN agencies limited access to conflict areas in December. But despite the governments pledge to reach peace with ethnic minority groups in the north, some researchers and residents say little has changed on the ground. Human rights abuses are still taking place in [the northern] Karenni (Kayah) State, said a Karenni leader speaking from a refugee camp in Nan Soi in Thailands northern Mae Hong Son Province near the Myanmar border. Visiting Myanmar last November, UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said: I am making this unprecedented visit because there are tentative but real signs of progress in Burma, which I welcome. But my message is clear: we need urgent further progress. IRIN

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Lottery prize rises but little joy for consumers

By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Juliet Shwe Gaung THE top prize in the national lottery will increase by 50 percent to K150 million (about US$185,000) from February 1, a spokesperson from the Internal Revenue Department said last week. Previously the maximum prize in the lottery, known as Aung Bar Lay, was K100 million. The number of lottery prizes will also increase but ticket prices will remain unchanged, the department spokesperson said. The lottery is drawn once a month and the new top prize will start when the 277th Aung Bar Lay lottery opens on February 1. Despite the increase, winners are unlikely to receive more prize money than before, when lottery shop owners used the lure of extra cash and sometimes vehicles as a promotional tool to sell more tickets. Since the top prize was increased to K100 million in 2006, private lottery shops have usually paid an extra K50 million to the holder of the winning ticket. At the end of 2011, however, the government warned lottery shops not to offer extra prizes to lottery winners. Although the [government] prize money is higher, there will not be any extra prize from the owner of the shop that sells the winning ticket, said Ko Phone Naing, owner of Aye Nyein Chan Tha lottery shop in North Okkalapa. Another issue is pricing. While the government sells tickets to private shops at K200 each, retail prices go up and down to reflect market demand and to cover the promotional expenses of the shops. Ko Phone Naing said that while the overall prize money would remain the same he expected ticket sales and therefore prices to rise. In my opinion lottery ticket price will be up a bit. Ive already sold almost my entire quota of tickets to the rural market, he said. However, U Myo Nyunt, owner of Moe Yan Shwe La Min and Myat Su Gaday lottery shops, said he was unsure how the change would affect retail prices, which are about K300 a ticket. Im expecting the lottery business will improve in the future but I dont think well see shops adding extra prize money again, he said. While the ban on additional prize money should have resulted in lower ticket prices, it appears unlikely this saving will be passed onto consumers. Lottery shops have instead increased promotional activities, such as print and billboard advertisements, and larger stores in Yangon and Mandalay have even started holding expensive modelling competitions. We couldnt even buy a series lottery ticket (10 tickets, known as mingalar sonetwal) this month because it was too expensive for us, said Ma Khin Swe, a sales girl at Gamone Pwint shopping c e n tr e in M ay asn g o n e township. The Internal Revenue Department has repeatedly warned shopowners not to inflate prices but is yet to enforce a ban on the practice. As a final sting for consumers, the department has also increased the number of lottery tickets to cover the higher prize money. Ticket numbers begin with a Myanmar-language character prefix and the number of prefixes used will increase from 25 to 28, U Myo Nyunt said.

Prisoners walk free from Insein Prison on January 3 as part of an amnesty announced the previous day. Pic: Thet Htoo

Liberated prisoners issue plea for further amnesties

By Nan Tin Htwe PRISONERS of conscience released under an amnesty last week urged the government to free more of their counterparts to show it was serious about political reform. A total of 6656 prisoners were freed from prisons across the country on January 3, state media reported, while almost 40,000 received sentence reductions, state media reported on January 6. A handful of prisoners of conscience were released, although it was not immediately clear how many: some groups put the number at more than 30, while many said they believed between 10 and 20 had been released U Kyi Than, a 52-year-old member of the 88 Generation movement who was released from Insein Prison in Yangon, said the number of prisoners of conscience freed was very low and said the government should go further. I believe the president is moving towards democracy. We were imprisoned under martial law. We didnt commit any crime but were arrested for involvement in politics. Now it has changed and we are in an era of democracy so I would like to request the president to free all the political prisoners, said U Kyi Than, who was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in 2007 under laws banning gatherings of more than five people. A lot of my brothers and leaders are still inside, he added. U Kyi Than said that despite his terrible experiences in prison he forgave those who imprisoned him and wanted to move on. He said he hoped that all prisoners of conscience were released by the end of 2012. I want to urge the president to let all young people, including our 88 Generation members, get involved in building this country, he said. We will not go out on the streets and be violent. Thats not in our interest. Under the order, announced on January 2, death sentences were commuted to life sentences, jail terms above 30 years were reduced to 30 years, those serving 20 to 30 years were cut to 20 years and prisoners serving less than 20 years were cut by a quarter. Ko Than Naing Oo, who was arrested in 2010 under the Printers and Publishers Act while a member of the National League for Democracy in Mandalay, also urged the government to release more prisoners of conscience. U Saw Say Klel Hei, a 60year old Kayin man released on January 3, said there were still a lot of prisoners of conscience inside Insein Prison. I dont know exactly how many but I want all of them to be freed, he said.

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Dr Hans Dieter Seibel (back row, third right) and other participants pose for a photo following a November 7-8 workshop at Yangons Chatrium Hotel. Pic: Thet Htoo

Banking on financial sector reform

A specialist in rural microfinance, Dr Hans Dieter Seibel is professor emeritus at the University of Cologne in Germany and a board member of the Luxembourg-based European Microfinance Platform. Recently he visited as part of a European Union delegation that jointly organised a workshop in Yangon on the development of the financial sector. The Myanmar Times spoke to Dr Seibel after he presented a paper titled Role of the Financial Sector in Supporting Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction at the November 7-8 workshop
financial sector is financial intermediation. That means collecting deposits of the other financial resources on the one hand and then converting this into credit. And there has to be [a] bond, of course, between the two. [But] the great advantage of putting emphasis on the deposit taking, not on credit, is that deposits are unlimited. And therefore there is unlimited growth of credit. This has one other advantage. If a bank takes a deposit, then it is accountable to its depositors. Only when the loans are repaid can the financial institutions repay the depositors. So [the institution] has to make sure the loans have been repaid. What should the priorities be in terms of revitalising the financial sector? Liberalisation! If we put it into a single term, it is liberalisation. Government has to relax the laws, give the power of decision making back to the banks, give it to the microfinance institutions, give it to the village funds. The government has to liberalise the system and has to give the autonomy to the central bank, and first of all autonomy to the private banks, autonomy to the microfinance institutions and the village banks. And autonomy means autonomy in management, autonomy in governance, autonomy in interest rate determination, autonomy in all financial processes. Financial management is not the business of the government. This is the experiences made in dozens and dozens and dozens countries. If a country doesnt obey that law, it pays the very heavy price of underdevelopment that makes the poor poorer, it makes the country poor, it makes the financial institutions poorer. But liberalisation, yes, you will also need a framework, a regulatory framework. And that regulatory framework has to be prepared in cooperation between the central bank, Ministry of Finance and all the institutions evolved. They have to enter into a consultative process and work out the terms because there is no set of terms that you can see and take from the text books. One development that weve seen is the government pushing microfinance as a tool for poverty reduction. Liberalisation also pertains to the microfinance law. What I understand is that once you put a cut on interest rates in microfinance, this means it is restraining their growth. What you need is the growth of microfinance institutions, growth of its reach. So every person in the countryside has the possibility of depositing their savings in small institutions, local institutions and getting a loan. And in addition to that, getting some insurance, getting payment services, getting remittances, all this has to be packed into this. The second point here is that, when microfinance institutions are restrained, [when] the law sets or defines the limit of microcredit that is very dangerous. I think microcredit [should be] permitted to every financial institution. Banks must be permitted to provide microcredit, microloans. Microfinance institutions ... [and] village funds must be permitted. If we set a limit that means we are excluding all the powerful institutions so I think the government has to engage in dialogue with other countries in the region, with Vietnam, with Indonesia, with Malaysia, with countries that have in the past paid very high price for wrong, inappropriate policies. What is the main challenge in reforming the financial sector? Here again it depends on the political will. We have to convince the government to come up with the political will to reform its institutions and to liberalise the system, strengthen the central bank, strengthen the private banks, government banks and microfinance institutions. The political will that is the key to everything. And for that, the government has to be well advised. I realise that in this country there are a lot of good advisers. What path is financial sector development likely to take then? Well, there is no answer to this because it all depends on the governments political will, the interaction with other stakeholders and the consultation process. But one thing we have to realise is that the development of a financial sector is not a matter of years, it is a matter of decades. It doesnt mean we must develop the financial sector right away, within two or three years. I think we have to be realistic. Economic development, economic growth and development of the banking sector is a lengthy process. But at the same time we have seen examples in countries where decisions have been taken very quickly and have been implemented very quickly; decisions with regard to opening the markets, introducing the market economy reforming the banking sector. The prime example I think here is Vietnam, where on the one hand the government and the central bank took a very strong role in reforming the system, the economy and the banking sector, [and] this process took place very quickly. So we have some examples where it [occurs] very quickly. But we shouldnt be too optimistic; most countries [economic reform] takes a long time but some countries do it quickly. Why? Because the political will was there. Does the policy need to be tailored to the countrys conditions? Yes, thats right. It has to be worked out in a way which is appropriate to the country to get suitable terms for the regulatory framework. When we are talking about Myanmar, we have to make sure the right methodology has been used. We can compare with countries in the region because many countries in the region have gone through positive experiences and through negative experiences. And there is a lot of research on this. And how about your experiences in Myanmar on this trip? I must say I was very much delighted by the level of the presentations and discussions here and the experts from Myanmar. [I was] really impressed. I listened to their presentations and felt that [Myanmar] doesnt need someone like me to come from outside. The people here in Myanmar [and] in the region, the government has to listen to them. And I want to add one more thing: I think the government has in fact started to listen.

How would you describe Myanmars financial sector? The financial sector in Myanmar, its banking sector, the central bank, microfinance is functioning way below its potential. The main reason for that seems to be it is being held back by the government, by legislation. The government is restraining the potential of the private banks, of the public banks, that is the agricultural banks in particular, of the microfinance institutions, by imposing very restrictive laws. The sector is not very well regulated. It is not very well supervised. The basic concept of the

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Far East Org Full Page

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New find at Pyu dig

By Cherry Thein EXCAVATION work at an archaeological site near Phayarma Pagoda at Sri Ksetra has uncovered a building unlike any other found at the ancient Pyu city, government officials say. Excavation on the site began in early September and has been led by the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library under the Ministry of Culture. The remains of a brick structure 14 metres long, 11m wide and 1.3m high were discovered near Phayarma pagoda at Sri Ksetra, located near Pyay in western Bago Region. The structure was found to hold 25 pots containing burial urns. It also had a well, 75 centimetres in diametre, and the baked floor of the structure is thought to have been regularly exposed to fire when the building was in use. However, little else is known about it at present. U Kyaw Oo Lwin, director general of the Department of Archaeology, said the objects excavated from the structure were unique to the site. The department is working to protect the building and making space for the public to learn about its significance, he said. Located in Hmaw Zar village, Sri Ksetra is about five miles (8 kilometres) southeast of Pyay. It flourished as a major Pyu settlement from the fourth to ninth centuries AD, predating the rise of Bagan in the 11th century. U Kyaw Oo Lwin said the excavations aimed to improve understanding of the culture, lifestyle and architecture of Sri Ksetra relative to other Pyu settlements, such as Beikthano, Maingmaw and Hanlin. Meanwhile, the department has excavated the foundations of a pagoda in Sri Ksetra that is thought to pre-date the Pyu settlement. It has a similar structure to Pyu pagodas and buildings at Beikthano, while its religious edifices are similar to some found in India, U Kyaw Oo Lwin said.

No injuries in house collapse

By Htar Htar Khin A THREE-STOREY building that collapsed in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township last week had been weakened by the explosion at a nearby warehouse in the early hours of December 29, according to residents. The rear section of the building on 124 th Street collapsed at about 11am on January 4. Fortunately, most residents were on the street celebrating Independence Day and largely because of this there were no casualties. While the apartment is thought to be about 60 years old, the section that collapsed had been added in 1987. One resident of the collapsed building, who asked not to be named, said she was in the toilet when the floor started sinking. The floor of the toilet became soft and then one of my legs sunk into the floor. I quickly shouted out to all the people around me and when they heard the tone of my voice they ran outside just before the building collapsed, she said. It was lucky I dare not imagine what would have happened if my relatives had still been in the kitchen when it collapsed. Its definitely because of the big explosion [on December 29]; it seriously damaged the structure of the building, she said. She said she had notified

Residents and emergency services personnel on 124th Street in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township on January 4. The rear section of a three-storey building (pictured, centre) collapsed about 11am but no casualties were reported. Pic: Kaung Htet Yangon City Development Committee about the damage to the building and asked them on several occasions to declare it dangerous but it collapsed before the proposal could be processed. Daw Aye Aye Mu, 40, who lives in an adjoining building, said the reason nobody was injured or killed was because most residents were on the street playing games to mark Independence Day. At first we thought it was an earthquake but later we realised the upper apartment had collapsed. People started shouting when they saw falling sand and then more debris and water from the bathroom started coming out. We all left the building straight away, we didnt even have time to take our belongings, she said. That section of the building was structurally unsafe due to the explosion; the walls at the back were seriously cracked. A few days ago, I spoke to the apartment owners about it but we werent aware how dangerous it was, said Daw Aye Aye Mu, who is also the land owner. Neighbour Daw Khin Ohn Myint, 67, said she didnt realise at first the building next to her home was falling down. At first I didnt notice the loud voices but a few minutes later people started rushing outside from the building and then I knew straight away what was happening. I left my house without even grabbing a pair of slippers, Daw Khin Ohn Myint said. Related story page 16

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With voting date set, candidates prepare for campaign

By Shwe Yinn Mar Oo POLITICAL parties last week started preparations to contest by-elections in at least 48 constituencies, after the Union Election Commission announced voting would take place on April 1. The commission also announced on December 30 that parties should submit lists of candidates from January 16 to 31 and applications would be vetted from February 6 to 10. By-elections are set to be held in 40 Pyithu Hluttaw constituencies, six Amyotha Hluttaw constituencies and two regional seats. The National League of Democracy, which was officially registered on January 5, instructed its region and state branches to submit lists of prospective candidates no later than January 11. The party released a statement on January 2 saying that when it selected candidates it would consider their education, experience and dedication to democracy, ethnicity, gender and age. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party (Myanmar) plans to field only one candidate in the byelections. Party chairman U Thu Wai, who lost narrowly to Union Minister U Aung Kyi in the 2010 election, said he would contest the constituency again. I want to see democracy flourish in this country. People should get the chance to choose the best candidate, the one they believe in, he said. The Democratic Party is one of 10 opposition political groups that have been negotiating for the past three months to avoid pitting candidates against each other. I dont remember the exact figure but I think there are about 30 constituencies that we tentatively plan to contest, he said. The 10 political parties, which include some ethnic parties, have had no negotiations with the NLD, which is expected to field candidates in all 48 constituencies. I cant really talk about that because we dont know what they are planning yet, U Thu Wai said. The chairman of one party from Kachin State, which has been wracked by fighting since June, said it did not intend to compete in the by-elections. U Khet Htain Nan of the Unity and Democracy Party of Kachin State (UDPKS), which has one representative in each of the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, said his party would focus instead on the 2015 general election. Thirty-seven parties competed in the 2010 poll, with the Union Solidarity and Development Party winning almost 80 percent of seats. To the first week of January 12 new parties had applied to form and five of these, including the NLD, were slated to compete in the by-elections. Amendments made to the Political Party Registration Law that encouraged the NLD to register state that all new parties must field at least three candidates in the by-elections to maintain their registration. The head of one of the five newly registered parties, the Myanmar National Congress, said his party was finalising its list of candidates. Chairman U Kaung Myint Htut, who will contest the seat of Mingalar Taung Nyunt, said the party would submit the names of its candidates on about January 20. We have already gathered the proposed candidate lists avoiding [the] experience [of 2010], said U Kaung Myint Htut, referring to the lack of time parties had to vet candidates for the general election. The Myanmar National Congress will contest as many vacant seats in Yangon as possible, he said, and was also considering at least one candidate in a seat in Nay Pyi Taw. I hope we win one or two seats. But entering this by-election is not only about winning seats. I want to use the opportunity to educate the people by telling what is really happening in the country and recalling the experiences of 1988 student revolution, said U Kaung Myint Htut. I look at the by-elections more as a procedure that we have to complete.

Briefs
Health research meeting this week
THE Ministry of Health will hold the 39th Myanmar Health Research Congress at the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) in Dagon township this week. Researchers from seven Ministry of Health departments will present 73 papers at the January 9-13 meeting, a spokesperson said. Nine academic symposiums on health problems in Myanmar will also be presented, said Dr Win Aung, director of Diagnostic and Vaccine Research Centre at the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar). An exhibition of medical equipment, pharmaceutical products and laboratory reagents will be held concurrently during the congress, which is open to all and will be open from 9am to 4:30pm each day. Yamon Phu Thit

EU to open office in Myanmar

Fire destroys buildings at Inya Road school

Firemen from the Yangon Region Fire Services Department put out a blaze at Basic Education High School 2 Kamaryut, better known as St Augustines, on December 30. The fire started in a computer room at the Inya Road school about 5:30pm and the fire department was notified 35 minutes later. The department said the computer room and an art room were destroyed before the fire was extinguished about 7:50pm. Yadana Htun

Fire victims call for fair distribution of relief items

By Zon Pan Pwint and Yadana Htun PEOPLE affected by the fire and explosion in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township last month have urged the authorities to distribute relief items fairly, with many apparently missing out on promised provisions. The December 29 disaster devastated many surrounding homes but not all families have been relocated to relief camps. Many remain in their damaged houses and say they have received little assistance from the authorities. Residents of the camps have received both cash and supplies. On January 1, Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham presented K200,000 each to 161 households relocated to the two official relief camps, which have been set up in Basic Education High School 7 Mingalar Taung Nyunt and Maha Wizayayama monastery. Though the roofs and wall of my house were damaged, I couldnt go to the relief camp because my house was in good enough shape to live in. I received half a bag of rice and some clothing from the authorities from my ward but its nothing compared to the support those at the refugee centres have received, said a resident who lives in a house adjacent to the warehouse where the fire started. Those living in their damaged homes are supposed to be eligible for a victim card, which they can show to donors to receive assistance. However, many residents said they did not receive a card and had been therefore mostly unable to access support. Though the victims in the camps have received provisions, those staying in their homes didnt get as much support, said ward resident Daw Ma Ma, 56. Each household was given a tag [that entitles them to receive provisions] on December 31. I went to a camp that morning but returned home in the afternoon. When I heard that they were giving a tag to each household, I went to the camp to take one but I was told I wasnt on the list, she said. My house is damaged and it isnt really safe to stay in. I think residents who remained in their homes should be entitled to the same support as in the camps. Ma Moe Sabei, 37, said she missed out on assistance because she was looking after her younger brother, who was hospitalised as a result of the explosion. I got a tag but I didnt receive the cash presented on January 1 because I had to go look after my brother, said Others who received a card said they still missed out on assistance. I stayed at camp on December 31 but havent stayed there since then, instead living in my damaged home. Though I was put on the list of victims, I didnt get a tag so I couldnt get the support given at the camp. On top of that I didnt receive any of the supported delivered by the ward authorities because I wasnt at home at the time, said Ko Pyae Phyo Aung, 29. The ward office was not damaged by the fire. The list of households is kept there. They should inspect each household to ensure there are no disparities between the residents at home and at the camps. While most people really are victims, some are not entitled to support, he said. Meanwhile, police announced last week that the owners of the two warehouses at the centre of the blaze would face charges incident. The two men were identified as U Myo Nyunt, the owner of warehouse No 80, and U Maung Maung Win, who owns warehouse No 79. Mingalar Taung Nyunt residents also said they were shocked that the owner or tenant of the warehouse containing dangerous chemicals had put their lives at risk. We cant believe that explosive items like this would be kept in a warehouse in a residential area, says Ma Nilar, who lives adjacent to one of the warehouses.

BRUSSELS The European Union will open an office in Yangon to manage aid programs and play a political role, the spokesman of the blocs top diplomat Catherine Ashton said on January 5. We have agreed with the authorities in Myanmar to open a representative office in Yangon, Michael Mann said. It will not be an EU delegation. It will be responsible for management of aid programs but it will also have a political role, he said, adding that the office will be managed by the EU delegation in Thailand and will open as soon as it is administratively possible. Ms Ashton announced a substantial review of EU policy towards Myanmar in November after the government allowed the National League for Democracy to register. AFP

Grenade attacks hit Mekong patrol

BANGKOK An unidentified rebel group fired grenades targeting Myanmar soldiers on the Mekong River near the border with Thailand, but missed their target, Thai police said on January 6. The grenades landed early January 4 near the patrol boat, which was accompanying four Chinese cargo ships that had docked at a pier in Tachileik district in eastern Shan Sate, Police Colonel Atthawoot Onsub said. It was an attack which I think they aimed at the Myanmar patrol boat. The unknown rebel group fired grenades ... the grenades missed the target, the marine police chief in northern Thailand said. The incident happened near the so-called Golden Triangle area, notorious for drug smuggling. AFP

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Tributes flow for a man who put his country first

By Nan Tin Htwe I CAN hardly believe that he has left at a time when changes he had fought so hard for were starting to take shape, read the condolence message from Ms Ana Beatriz Martins, from the EU Delegation in Bangkok. It is also a tremendous loss for the country, at a crucial time when the future of reforms rests on the shoulders of a few key personalities like Nay Win Maungs who had to go far too soon, it continued. From the British embassy in Yangon: An amazing man who achieved an enormous amount for his country. Ms Eleanor Nagy, deputy charge daffaires at the US embassy in Yangon, wrote that Dr Nay Win Maung was a tireless worker and advocate for reform. Thank you for your efforts to promote peace, democracy and prosperity and closer relations between the United States and Myanmar, she wrote. These tributes from the diplomatic community were not unusual. The sudden death of Dr Nay Win Maung, founder of training institute Myanmar Egress, weekly news journal The Voice and had to struggle financially. U Tin Maung Thann conceded that the loss of Dr Nay Win Maung would have an impact on Egress but said it would continue with its present role. This is a loss not only for Myanmar Egress but also for Myanmar society, he said. He always gave time to everyone for nation building or politics and he treated everyone equally. For him, it didnt matter if you were young old, important or not. Ko Kyaw Thu, a fellow at the Oxfordbased Reuters Institute for Journalism who wrote his masters thesis on Egress, said the organisation had played a crucial role in giving political education to the younger generations in a country where there was previously no formal institutions that taught political sciences. Despite the fact that Dr Nay Win Maung has passed away, I am sure that Myanmar Egress will continue to work for the socioeconomic development of the country and fulfill his vision, he said. U Kyaw Min Swe, editor-in-chief of The Voice, said Dr Nay Win Maung was like a brother. I learned a lot from him. I have become who I am today because of him and his guidance. Everything he did was for Myanmar, not for himself. He was under much pressure and cigarettes were his only way out. Sometimes he had no money to buy a pack [of cigarettes] and no money to buy gifts for his students. People do not know about that. Professor Robert Taylor, a regular guest lecturer at Egress, paid tribute to a creative and courageous thinker who nurtured the countrys youth. He recognised the necessity for stability and evolution, consolidation and change. His family and friends can be proud of his achievements. His sudden death creates a large void in the emerging political landscape. It was an honour and a privilege to have known him, he told The Myanmar Times by email. Many, including some of his critics, paid tribute to Dr Nay Win Maungs patriotism and love for his country. Whenever we met in Thailand he often looked around and talked about how he wanted his country to develop like Thailand. He was always upset at the opportunities that Myanmar has missed over the years, said Aung Naing Oo from the Vahu Development Institute. He was a man of vision, a man of his words, a man who was not afraid to take an unusual and bold path to bring his country to freedom and development. And when we meet his colleagues in the near future, he will be sorely missed but the great work he did will be carried on. Historian and author Dr Thant Myint-U told The Myanmar Times that Dr Nay Win Maungs death was a tremendous blow for the country and he would be widely mourned, particularly by his many former students. It would be a loss for the country at any time, but coming at this critical moment, its a loss Myanmar can really not afford, he said. I think its only when the history of this period is written, perhaps 10 or 20 years from now, that people will really understand the pivotal and often behind the scenes role that Ko Nay Win Maung played to help bring Myanmar forward over these past many months. Dr Thant Myint-U said also paid tribute to the Egress founders great intellectual integrity and moral courage. He always said what he believed and worked selflessly towards what he thought was best for the country, with no apparent

Everything he did was for Myanmar, not for himself.

magazine Living Color, in the early hours of January 1 from a heart attack rocked the political, media and civil society communities in Myanmar. If the many mourners at his funeral on the afternoon of January 1 were evidence of his influence inside the country, obituaries in the Wall Street Journal and Independent newspapers showed that news of his passing rippled well beyond Myanmars borders. While the tributes were overwhelmingly positive, nobody denied that Dr Nay Win Maung was a man of strong opinions and a controversial, sometimes divisive, figure. Many, particularly in the exiled community, believed he was too close to military and business figures and he was often on the receiving end of quite personal public attacks. His support for the 2008 constitution and the 2010 election when many were advocating a boycott, only added to these perceptions. However, much of the criticism died down in 2011 as reforms in Myanmar, brought about by the government he advocated for, gathered pace. But there was some consensus last week that Dr Nay Win Maung legacy would be his work at Myanmar Egress, which he cofounded in 2006. The institute became the first in Myanmar to offer courses on topics such as politics and media and has trained more than 30,000 students. U Tin Maung Thann, vice chairman of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation and one of seven founders of Egress, said the question, Who is Dr Nay Win Maung? would be answered by his immense contribution to Myanmar society. Some people say that he was a controversial figure. I just want to say that the things he did show who he was, he said. [Egress] happened because of him. The others founders including me were brought together because of him. Addressing the criticism that Dr Nay Win Maung was too close to the government and business community, U Tin Maung Thann said that people had no idea how much he

Dr Nay Win Maung speaks at a graduation ceremony at Myanmar Egress. Pic: Supplied institute hosted a memorial on January 2 concern for his image or reputation. that allowed friends, colleagues and former One only has to see the reaction of his students to mark his passing. hundreds of students, at his funeral and His public call to vote in the 2010 memorial, to understand how much he election was prominently on display at the meant to many of this countrys best young memorial with the sign I Vote, which he leaders. created in the lead up to the poll. Also on Ma Seng Pan, a 26-year-old Kachin show was an interview he gave to The Ray woman working for a local non-government of Light before the election that never made organisation, met Dr Nay Win Maung after it passed the censorship board. attending a three-hour workshop on the But a more recent contribution, which 2008 constitution at Egress. She said she may prove to be more important in the long was always impressed by the strength of term, was his attempts to broker peace his encouragement and support for young between the government and armed ethnic people. insurgent groups. The memorial included photos of Dr Nay Win Maung with ethnic leaders from the It would be a loss for Karen National Union, Shan State ArmySouth and New Mon State Party. Taken the country at any time, in the weeks before his death, they stood but coming at this critical as testament to his resolve to tackle the moment, its a loss Myanmar countrys most difficult and deep-seated issues. I came here as you invited all the ethnics can really not afford. to learn about politics. The day I arrived was the day Saya Dr Nay Win Maung gave his life for the country. Ive never seen you He told me that everyone should but I respect your morality, read one of the understand about the constitution and that condolence messages, signed by Palaung if people wanted he would even be willing ethnic Win Khaing. to go from one-to-one teaching them about It is a great loss for our democratic it, she said. country, which has just started to If people support your work, its great. recognise all the ethnic minorities, U Oo But when someone can continue their Hla Saw from the Rakhine Nationalities works under those kinds of attacks, its Development Party wrote. extraordinary. U Aung Min, the Minister for Railways Born in 1962 in Mandalay Region, Dr Transportation who was also involved in Nay Win Maung was the son a lecturer the peace discussions, pledged to continue at the Defense Services Academy. He the work that Dr Nay Win Maung had Graduated from University of Medicine 1 helped start. You worked for the country Yangon in 1988 but embarked on a career till your last minute, he wrote. Now we in business before being accepted into have the light of success but lots of things Yale Universitys World Fellows Program are still to be done. We have to continue. in 2004. It was after this that he helped Additional reporting by Thomas Kean found Egress, and it was fitting that the

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Remembering our 'Saya Nay'

THREE years ago I was a young person who dreamed of being a journalist but who also had many doubts about whether this was possible. I wanted to travel, I wanted to write and I wanted to photograph. I wanted to meet different people, retell their stories and reveal something to readers. At the same time, I rarely talked to strangers and lacked curiosity. However, when I read great stories I knew that being a journalist was what I wanted to do with my life. One morning in June 2009, a part of my dream came true. I was in a room crowded with plastic chairs and didnt even have a proper place to put my things. It looked much less promising than the school at which I learned English for a year. But, as one of more than 40 people taking part in a threemonth journalism program at Myanmar Egress, I also realised proudly that I was participating in the first official journalism training in my country for many years. I was excited to see my first teacher on my first day. After we waited for some time he arrived; I remember that he looked a bit formal with his shirt, pants and glasses. He had neat hair. He didnt carry any books, pens or the objects your normally associate with a teacher or trainer. As he stepped into the room, he started talking. I didnt necessarily enjoy it, but I still clearly remember hearing him say that Going out on the streets or engaging in violence is not the right way to achieve democracy and that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi needs to be on the field if she wants to play. If shes out of the game, theres nothing good for her and for the people. Sitting in middle of the class I did nothing but stare: Who is this guy? Im not here to learn these things, I just want to learn about news, I thought to myself. Later we would call him Saya Nay and he made us study topics like Political Economy of the State, Citizens and the Constitution, The State and Institutions, Civil Society and Civic Engagement, and Critical Thinking for Leadership. Id never heard of these before. I dont know about others but I hated these subjects. I loved Writing Skills for Journalism, Globalisation and Media and English for Journalists all subjects related to journalism. Different trainers each had their own style but Saya Nay was the only one who made us do regular assignments on topics like the constitution, grading them from A to D. A few weeks later, he brought a piece of news to his students: we were no longer studying journalism. It was now to be called Professional Writing instead. I was initially worried I was only there to study journalism but the content didnt change and we realised there must have been some kind of problem with the word journalism. Although I was mostly a diligent student, I kept skipping Saya Nays classes. I never did his assignments and just thinking about studying the 2003 banking crisis or how our country ended up in debt gave me headaches. He made us watch Commander in Chief, a movie about the first woman US president. Then he made us write a five-minute speech for Senior General Than Shwes first public address, explaining how important speechwriters are for a president. By that stage most of us thought we were going crazy. Halfway through the training, there was another change. Saya Nay, who would leave the classroom once every 15 minutes for a cigarette, told us one morning that we were now Mass Communication students because the class was the same standard as at an international journalism school. We then called ourselves MC as a badge of honour. I dont know why but we almost never saw him smile. Our final event was on the first floor of Thamada Hotel, where we had set up a hypothetical Burman Nation. We were the journalists. Social Entrepreneurship trainees were government officers and were preparing to give their first media conference following the end of military rule. We needed to ask difficult questions and find out what their thoughts and plans were. They needed to defend and protect themselves and at the same time give the journalists at least some of what they want. We sat opposite each other inside the hall. With a paper sign saying Journalists in front of us, I was amazed at how real things felt. It was vibrant. We seized our chance when it came time to ask questions of the government officers, who had placed copies of the 2008 constitution beside them. It took hours. At the end, after hearing our questions and listening to the answers, the trainers all stood with smiles on their faces. Saya Nay wore the biggest smile of all. All of you are ready to help build this country, he told us at the end. Almost a year later, in October 2010, my dream came true. I became a journalist a job my family thinks is dangerous and pays poorly. I travel and write stories. I meet many different people. Im having the best time of my life and feel like Im doing something valuable and important. Then, one morning arrived. It was the first morning of the year and we were told he had gone, leaving behind not only those of us who admired and were indebted to him, but also his critics. I can hardly say I knew Saya Nay; I was just a trainee. I never really felt close to him personally. But I must thank him for bringing me to that place called Myanmar Egress. I know in my heart that he did something incredibly valuable for me and for many other young people in this country. We will miss the man we used to call Saya Nay.

Pics: Supplied, Myanmar Egress (2, 4-6), Thet Htoo (3), Nan Tin Htwe (1)

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Films beat ban rumours to take honours

By Yadana Htun DESPITE rumours that it would be banned from the Art of Freedom Film Festival before the event even got underway, director Wines 18minute satirical movie Ban that Scene proved its popularity by taking the three-day festivals Audience Choice Award. In the days before the event got underway on January 1, word spread that Wines film along with the eventual winner in the Best Short Film category, Minn Thaiks The Rope faced rejection by the festivals organising committee because they had already been in wide release on social media websites such as YouTube. In the end Ban that Scene was screened at the festival, and it garnered 7011 out of 10,054 votes given by audience members for their favourite movie. Five prizes were given out at an awards ceremony held at Taw Win Centre on January 4 (Independence Day), including Best Animation Film won by Zaw Bo Bo Heins Unity & Freedom; Best Documentary won by Sai Kyaw Khaing for Click in Fear; and Best Young Talent, given to 19-year-old Aung Zaw Moe for his short film Still in Dark. The awards were chosen from among 54 finalists, which had been picked from 188 films sent to the organising committee for consideration. In a speech at the January 4 ceremony, Wine said that everyone involved in the process of making Ban that Scene deserved an award. The film took a humorous look at Myanmars tight censorship regulations. All the actors in my film are my heroes. I have no words for those who bravely acted in my film with the determination to face whatever might happen, he said. I suppose this award is not for me. This is appreciation for an audience that understands that the system under which the film community works is wrong. In the film The Rope, Minn Thaik depicts the harrowing attempt of an apartment-dwelling man to get his breakfast by pulling it up to his balcony by a long string. The director said he wanted to show the worries that normal people have about their livelihoods on a day-to-day basis. The main elements are my character, U Wai, and his breakfast. He represents all people regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or religion. The twisted donut and tea represent our daily worries about livelihood, he said. In the film, U Wai got his breakfast after he faced many difficulties. He finally got it, but its only one day. He has to worry about the next day, and hell feel the same way again. Zaw Bo Bo Heins 2 minute, 10 second animation film Unity & Freedom shows how the barriers against art and creativity could be overcome through unity. In Click in Fear, Sai Kyaw Khaing tells the story of the challenges faced by a Karen photojournalist who took photos on the streets of Yangon in September 2007. The director commented in the film festival catalogue that he wanted the audience to see that people hunger and cry for freedom where there is no freedom. Except for the Audience Choice Award, the winners were chosen by three judges: the second leader

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi presents a prize to 19-year-old Aung Zaw Moe, who won the Best Young Talent category at the Art of Freedom Film Festival with his film, 'Still in Dark'. Pic: Yadanar of National League for Democracy (NLD) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, comedian Zaganar (Mg Thura) and director Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the chairman of the Art of Freedom Film Festival, said in a speech at the ceremony that she preferred films with little dialogue. The films I like most are the ones that have less direct explanation. When you show freedom through acting, I find that the audiences are able to think for themselves about what the freedom is, she said. With the freedom of the arts, you can make free the audiences mind. Thats why I like films that provide less explanation. Daw Khin Lay Theint, past winner of a Myanmar Academy Award for scriptwriting, said the festival was a great opportunity for young people who were interested in filmmaking. Not only is it hard to make feature films, its difficult to make short films as well. You have to express all the emotions in a short time, she said. The authorities urge directors to break into the international film industry with short films because they know its not easy to go international with long features. So there should be more festivals like this. She said she watched almost all the short films presented during the festival, and found that young people have the ability to make improvements in Myanmars film industry. Id never noticed before how interested young people are in making movies, but I found their work was impressive and fresh, she said. The well-known artists are ingrained. The presentations of the young people are better than the older people. They have better ideas. It means that the young generation is more imaginative. Each winners received a statue and K100,0000 (about US$1250). Festival director Zaganar said he planned to hold another film festival under the theme Mingalaba Democracy (Hello Democracy) in the near future.

MWJA plans press council as censorship eases

By Kyaw Hsu Mon THE Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association plans to establish a national press council this year, a senior member said last week. Vice president U Ko Ko Hlaing, who is also a presidential adviser for political affairs, told The Myanmar Times the association had been studying how the press was regulated in neighboring countries to guide the formation of the press council. Weve been learning how press councils in other countries operate but there are more steps we need to take first to establish a press council here, such as the removal of pre-publication censorship and improving the standards of the countrys journalists, he said. The proposal has apparently got the green light from the Ministry of Information, after association members discussed it with Union Minister U Kyaw Hsan in mid-December. U Ko Ko Hlaing said the council would be needed as the role of the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, which has censored Myanmar publications for decades, gradually diminished. We still have to confirm who will run this council and what the councils responsibilities will be, he said. But he said the press council would have a substantially different function to the censorship board. By press council we mean a body that could protect writers and journalists right to freedom of expression. Were now discussing how to establish such a body within our countrys current context, U Ko Ko Hlaing said. He said it would also work to improve the skills of the countrys journalists, including their knowledge of legal and ethical issues. U Ko Ko Hlaing said press councils in others countries that had been studied usually comprised retired judges and academics. Sometimes people from civil society organisations are also members, he said. Author and consulting editor of weekly journal Pyithu Khit (The Peoples Age), Maung Wuntha, said that while the press council was a good idea, it should comprise people who were fair and independent [and] not under the influence of any internal or external organisation. Maung Wuntha said the press council would be needed after a proposed media law was promulgated later this year because the law was likely to result in a return of private daily newspapers. If the government permits publication of private daily newspapers we will soon need a press council it should be established even before the middle of the year, he said. He said the Burma Press Council and Burma Journalists Association had been active until the early 1960s, while there had also been an association for publishers. At the moment, there is a printers and publishers association here too but I dont know whether it will be reorganised into a press council or the press council will be formed to include private-sector journalists, he said. Author U Ko Ko (Ko Tekkatho) agreed a press council was needed. They can ensure journalists abide by the journalism ethics and work within both the ethical and legal boundaries. We need more practice to enjoy more media freedom, he said. U Kyaw Thu, a fellow at the Oxford-based Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, said that greater press freedom often resulted in more aggressive journalism. He said the Press Complaint Committee in United Kingdom received more than 1000 complaint letters from readers each year. The complaint committee is able to solve some problems but not all, he said. If Myanmar has private newspapers there will be a lot of competition for news and I expect we will need a committee like this to solve the problems that arise.

US envoy to visit this week

By Zaw Win Than UNITED States special envoy Mr Derek Mitchell will visit Myanmar and northern Thailand this week, the State Department announced on January 5. Mr Mitchell, the special representative and policy coordinator for Myanmar, is scheduled to hold meetings in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon on the January 9 to 13 trip. He will also travel to Bagan to see microfinance programs and other development projects in the dry zone. The trip is a follow-up to Secretary of State Hillary Clintons visit in early December, the US said in a statement. Mr Luis CdeBaca, ambassador at large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, will travel with Mr Mitchell from January 9 to 11 to assess the human trafficking situation firsthand and explore opportunities to strengthen the governments anti-trafficking efforts, the statement said. In Nay Pyi Taw, Mr CdeBaca will join with Mr Mitchell in meetings with officials to discuss recent steps to address transnational sex trafficking and improve labour conditions for workers. In Yangon, Mr CdeBaca will meet with nongovernment organisations and the new National Human Rights Commission.

TiMESbusiness
MOTORISTS buying government rationed gasoline on January 1 were greeted with a shock to ring in the New Year a price increase of nearly 30 percent. The increase saw prices rise to K3350 a gallon (about 4.5 litres), from K2500. The price jump will also be felt across the country at private filling stations outside of Yangon and will boos t g o v e r n m e n t tax revenues, said a spokesperson from the Myanmar Petroleum Trade Association. The fuel transportation charges were previously paid by the government and were determined by the distance from the main depots. Filling stations in Yangon paid no charges but Mandalay stations paid K115 a gallon, while Nay Pyi Taw and Pathein both paid K100, the spokesperson said. Other miscellaneous fees are also added to fuel delivery costs and start at K50 a gallon in Yangon but reach K255 a gallon for destinations such as Loikaw in Kayah State. The amount of commercial tax reaped from fuel sales will also rise because a 5pc levy is charged on every gallon sold. The government will now reap K167.5 for each gallon sold. So while a gallon of gasoline costs K3350 in Yangon, the price is K3500 in Mandalay, while buyers in Hakha, in Chin State, pay K3800. However, there are few filling stations outside of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, so most fuel sales in remote areas are by roadside sellers. In Rakhine State, private filling stations are selling government supplied gasoline for K3800 a gallon, while across Mandalay Region the cost was K3500. However, motorists are still limited to buying 2 gallons of gasoline per car, per day or 6 gallons every three days. Black market prices increased immediately after the January 1 hike, with many shops selling fuel for K400 a gallon more on January 4 than the December 31 price of about K4300. By January 1 the price had increased to K4500 but continued to climb and reached K4700 on January 4. In Kyaukpyu township in Rakhine State a gallon of gasoline was selling on the black market for K5600, up from K5200 on December 31; in Bagan the price was K5200; the Nay Pyi Taw price was K4500; and buyers in Bago Region were paying about K5000 a gallon. A black market fuel shop owner in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township said that since smart cards were introduced late last year to clamp down on motorists buying more ration fuel than the 2 gallon-a-day limit, the amount of fuel he bought had fallen by about 10 50-gallon barrels a day. He said the reduction was partially caused by the introduction of the smart cards and partly by the wave of newly imported cars, many of whose owners buy only octane fuel. The Myanmar Petroleum Trade Association spokesperson said that the Myanmar Mini Wagons, which are made and sold by the Ministry of Industry, will be eligible for smart cards. We have already issued 167 new smart cards for the Myanmar Mini Wagons and are continuing, he said. While the price increase affects all motorists, taxi drivers who run gasolinepowered cars say the increase has cut into their already slim profits and has forced them to charge higher prices.

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Govt increases fuel price by K850

A Myat Myittar Mon filling station employee pumps gasoline into a car in Tarmwe township last week. Pic: Yadanar U Tun Win, a 48-year-old taxi driver, said he has been looking for a compressed natural gas (CNG) taxi for months but has been unable to locate one and has been forced to continue renting a gasoline-powered car instead. I normally use about 2 gallons of fuel a day and make about K7000 after I have paid K10,000 to rent the car. Now Ill have to pay K6700 to buy 2 gallons, instead of K5000 so Ill be making K1700 a day less, he said. Im negotiating with the car owner about this issue because the K1700 reduction from my daily wage is a big loss for my family of five, he said. He added that he wished the government would be clearer on the issue of whether CNG conversions will recommence in future because converted cars are so cheap to run. At the moment Im thinking about changing jobs if Im unable to find a CNG taxi, he said. U Kyaw Myint, the driver of a CNG-powered taxi, said he pays K15,000 a day to rent the car. He doubted that taxi fares would rise in the wake of the gasoline price increase. But the drivers of the gasoline-powered taxis might not want to take passengers to isolated areas anymore because they wont want to risk not being able to find a passenger on the way back. However, they will still have to compete with CNG taxis who will keep the price the same, so I dont think fares will increase, he said. U Kyaw Myint said he has been driving his cab for about five years but it seemed that there were fewer CNG-powered taxis on the road and finding another one to rent was difficult. He added that the 70-litre fuel tank in his car lasted for about a day and a half. I think I earn about K10,000 in profit every day, even after renting the car for K15,000 between 8am and 7pm, he said. Another taxi driver U Kyaw Kyaw, who owns a gasoline-powered car, said he could not find anyone else to drive it because its large 1.8-litre engine got poor fuel economy of only 23 miles to the gallon. If I reduced the daily rental to K8000 I could rent it out but then I wouldnt make any money because Id spend all the rental fees on repairing it, he said. He said he uses 2 gallons of gasoline and 1 gallon of octane a day, making about K10,000 a day in profit. However, a rise in fuel prices had been mooted as early as the first sitting of the Pyithu Hluttaw on October 21 by the Minister for Energy, U Than Htay. He said that in accord with the market economy, measures would be taken to change pricing from fixed to free market. With the aim of ensuring [the] effective use of state funds in the businesses that are being run in the interest of the state and people, the Ministry of Energy assumed that the price of domestically produced gasoline should be changed appropriately instead of selling at a loss, he said. He said the government lost K26.64 billion in subsidising fuel sales between June 2010 and August 2011.

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Indonesia trade to hit $500 million by 2015

By Zaw Win Than FOLLOWING the Second Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Indonesia and Myanmar in late December, both countries have agreed to try to boost trade to US$500 million by 2015. The joint commission provided the opportunity for both nations to review the state of bilateral relations and then to project a roadmap for the signing of further agreements, Indonesias Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa said during a press conference at Sedona Hotel in Yangon on December 28. He also stated that Indonesia is ready to form a strong partnership with Myanmar in its democratisation efforts and could offer guidance by drawing on its own experience with adopting democracy. Without a doubt, from the Indonesian perspective political and security cooperation are key elements in our bilateral collaboration. This has become even more so given the recent political change that is taking place in Myanmar, Dr Natalegawa said. Indonesia itself went through similar changes about 10 years ago. Therefore we do see tremendous potential for the two countries to collaborate and cooperate counterparts in Myanmar, he said. On social and cultural cooperation, the commission discussed the possibilities of direct flights between Yangon and Jakarta and hopes to make progress on this in 2012. I am told that Myanmar Airways International is scheduled to start YangonSingapore-Jakarta flights as well as Yangon-SingaporeBali. But we hope to have a more direct flight arranged. The possibility of direct flight between our two countries will open up trade, investment and tourism opportunities. And through this connection, we agreed to develop joint tourism promotion efforts for example, Bagan in Myanmar and Borobudur in Indonesia as cultural destination as well as other destinations between the two countries, he said. Dr Natalegawa said the Indonesian government has agreed to extend a number of technical cooperation prog rams to Myanmar such as those related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic training. We also have technical cooperation on post-harvest training program for fruits and vegetables, teak wood research and development, as well as fisheries and disaster relief management. We also discussed regional issues, he added.

Indonesias Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa during a recent trip to Myanmar. Pic: Yadanar

in the promotion of good governance, democracy and human rights, he added. The second area slated for further cooperation during the meetings was economic collaboration. Dr Natalagawa said that during the 18 th ASEAN Summit in May last year he had discussed measures that could boost trade with

President U Thein Sein with 2015 the target year. The two leaders committed to raise the trade volume between the two countries to $500 million by 2015. Two foreign ministers and the joint commission today discussed ways and means to ensure that the target is achieved by 2015, Dr Natalegawa said.

Given the facts, even this year, our trade volume has already reached something like $300 million, he said. The commission also discussed possible cooperation in sectors such as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, transport, information and communication technology, food and energy security as

well as banking. Its important that the two countries establish collaboration to ensure food security, especially [in terms of] investment, research and technology, production and productivity. In the banking sector, Indonesias central bank is ready to extend capacity building programs to its

Latest jade, gem expo earns $900m in sales

By Win Ko Ko Latt SALES of gems and jade at Myanmar Gems Enterprises mid-year Gems Emporium that ended on January 3 earned a total of about 700 million euros, or US$903 million, an official told The Myanmar Times on January 5. However, the earnings were significantly less than the $2.9 billion recorded during an emporium in December 2010. The majority of the most expensive lots up for auction were bought by Chinese gems traders but local traders bought tender lots, he said. Nearly 12,000 jade lots were displayed at the 11-day emporium, which started on December 24, as well as 230 gems and 270 pearl lots. The event attracted 1600 foreign visitors and 3700 Myanmar traders. In all nearly 8300 jade lots were sold, while 39 gem and 212 pearls lots also found buyers. The highest price recorded at the emporium for a single jade lot was 7.2 million euros [about $9.3 million]. We also sold 55 jade lots for more than 1 million euros each, the enterprise official said. Gem traders said the reasons for lower overall sales was the raising of a tax on jade and gems bought from Myanmar by the Chinese government, as well as higher minimum deposits imposed by the government. In October last year the Chinese government boosted taxes on gems and jade bought from Myanmar to 35 percent, up from 10pc previously. The government imposed a minimum deposits of 50,000 euros on all bids, replacing the old system were bids less than 1 million euros required only 10,000 euros. A gem trader from Muse in Shan State who bought 1 million euros of jade said the measures had been put in place to discourage nonpaying bidders. I think the government raised minimum deposits because some gem traders bought jades and gems at previous auction at high prices but did not follow through with their deals later. I think they were just speculating, he said. But local traders had a lot of opportunities to buy good pieces at this emporium.

Continued FDI influx depends on government, say investors

By Aye Thidar Kyaw POTENTIAL foreign investors say government efforts to reform economic policy are key to boosting investment in the country at a time when the international spotlight is shining on Myanmar. However, the reform efforts appear to be working for now. Even the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which sits at 18 on the list of foreign investor nations in Myanmar with a total of US$41 million according to Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), is exploring new opportunities in Myanmar. Al Marwan group of companies, a UAE-based firm that has examined Myanmar several times in the past 20 years, has decided to take the next step and is discussing potential investments with MIC officials, a company spokesperson said recently. We have been here for many different projects and we have had to check how the government supports foreign investors. The rules and regulations [that govern foreign investment] are the most important consideration in determining how much money we put in, Al Marwan general manager Mr Ziad Al-Attar told local media on December 27. He added that Myanmar has great potential because of its location and its large population, which provided both labour and a big potential market. Mr Ziad Al-Attar said the company would return to Yangon before January 31 to submit proposals to invest in and/or build highways, roads, bridges largest foreign investor in Myanmar, especially in the oil and gas sector through PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), the overseas arm of its state-owned PTT energy firm. PTTEP is the operator of the Zawtika gas project in the Gulf of Mottama and a partner in the Yetagun and Yadana offshore gas projects. Thailand has invested about US$9 billion in energy, manufacturing and China surpassed Thailand to become Myanmars largest foreign investor in the 2010-11 financial year when nearly $20 billion in assorted energy and infrastructure development projects were announced. Mr Nong Rong, vice secretary general of the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat, said Chinese investors stand ready to support Myanmar and can draw on their more than 20 years of experience in Chinas blossoming economy. He said that when China starting reforming its economy the majority of foreign investment centred on exporting the countrys natural resources. However, China is now an importer of many natural resources. In the beginning [of the reform], Chinese people worried about the impact of the foreign investment because it was resources focused but later it changed to manufacturing, he said. Myanmar is similar to where China was 20 years ago, he added. Mr Nong Rong said Chinese investors were targeting Myanmars underdeveloped infrastructure and construction sectors, as well as the manufacturing industry because of the abundant labour available.

The rules and regulations [that govern foreign investment] are the most
important consideration in determining how much money we put in.

CORRECTION In our 607 issue we incorrectly referred to U Win Aung as the chairman of the KMA Hotel Group. In fact U Win Aung is the chief executive officer. We apologise for any confusion caused by this error.

and hotels in Yangon and neighbouring areas. He added that the company is also interested in trading and marine services. In late November, MIC chairman and Minister for Industry U Soe Thein told media that huge foreign investment was likely to flow into the country, not only from regional countries, but also Western nations such as Norway, Sweden and several other EU members that have contacted MIC. Thailand is the second-

mining projects but other Thai investors are waiting for further reforms, said Mr Prajuab Supinee, the commercial counsellor at Thailands embassy. Our investors are studying the new foreign investment law but we dont think its totally different from the old one so they want to just wait and see, he said. He added that new investors are interested in consumer goods manufacturing and agriculture ventures.

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Job watch
The Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Delta Programme Coordinator, Local ICA 5. Duration: 1 year Application deadline: 16 January 2012 Terms of reference are available on UNOPS website: www.unops.org and at LIFT Office, Room 341, Inya Lake Royal Hotel, Yangon.

Deputy Prime Minister and government spokeswoman Soraya Saenz de Santamaria gives a press conference at the end of a weekly cabinet meeting in Madrid on January 5. Pic: AFP

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Myanmar is seeking a qualified local applicant to fill the post of: Field Associate (LICA) (GL-6) to be stationed in its Field Unit in Myitkyina with frequent and extended visits to other operational areas in Kachin State. The detailed Terms of Reference for this position are available on request from UNHCR offices in Yangon, Maungdaw, Mawlamyine, Myeik, Taungoo and Myitkyina. Closing date: 21.01.2012

Spain ups fight against deficit

By Katell Abiven MADRID Spains right-leaning government said on January 5 it would step up the fight against tax fraud and cut the number of debt-laden state-owned firms as it seeks to slash the deficit. Just two weeks after taking power, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys team announced a second round of reforms to meet an increasingly daunting deficitcutting target. The government said it aimed to recoup 8.17 billion euros (US$10.5 billion) this year by boosting the number of tax inspectors and limiting the size of cash payments. The underground economy is estimated to account for nearly one-fourth of Spains gross domestic product (GDP) and several plans put in place in recent years to fight tax evasion have had little impact. The government must also resize the public sector, Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said, adding that there were more than 4000 public companies and foundations, mostly run by regional governments. The main objective is to bring the public deficit under control, she told a news conference after a cabinet meeting. Last week, the government announced budget cuts amounting to 8.9 billion euros ($11.5 billion) and tax increases, including on salaries and on capital income, to bring in another 6.28 billion euros ($8.8 billion). Santamaria warned at the time that those measures were just the beginning of the beginning. Rajoys government is taking quick action so as to meet a promise to slash the annual public deficit to 4.4 percent of GDP in 2012, come what may. The government has acknowledged Spain will miss its goal of reducing the public deficit to 6pc of GDP in 2011 from 9.3pc the year before. The 2011 deficit may even top 8pc, ministers say. The Popular Party government says the deficit slippage in 2011 could force it to implement another 20 billion euros ($25.8 billion) in austerity measures for 2012, on top of the originally estimated savings target of 16.5 billion euros ($22.6 billion). The government also announced that the social security funds accounts are worse than had been feared, with a 2011 deficit of 668 million euros ($862 million). The previous Socialist government had forecast a social security surplus. Economy Minister Luis de Guindos earlier spooked financial markets in an interview with the Financial Times in which he warned of large provisions for banks bad loans. If you take international valuations as in the case of Ireland, at the most you are talking about the need for 50 billion euros [$64.5 billion] of extra provisions [for Spanish banks], De Guindos said. In the great majority of cases, they can provide it themselves from their profits, and it could be done not in one year but over several years. Spanish share prices plunged 3.04pc in afternoon trade after the warning, dragged down by banks. The banks loaned huge amounts of money during the property bubble, which imploded in 2008 leaving them holding piles of doubtful loans and devalued real estate assets. The property crash also destroyed millions of jobs and sent the economy into a slump from which it has yet to recover. The unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2011 hit 21.5pc. The European Banking Authority said in December that Spains five biggest banks required an extra 26 billion euros ($33.5 billion) in fresh capital. De Guindos also told the newspaper he would impose strict budget discipline on the 17 powerful autonomous regions, which are responsible for health and education services. A new law in March would introduce tough budget controls, he said. AFP

Myanmar awards onshore oil, gas blocks

KUALA LUMPUR Myanmar awarded 10 onshore oil and gas blocks to eight firms in its biggest energy tender in years and is now offering nine offshore blocks, two Yangonbased sources with direct knowledge of the deals told Reuters last week. The winning firms were mostly from Asia, including Malaysias Petronas and Thailands PTT Exploration and Production, as Western firms have shied away from the country. Myanmar has been moving fast to implement political reforms and attract investment, drawing praise from western nations but no easing of sanctions that analysts say may see oil majors miss out on opportunities. The political opening has gathered pace since the tender closed on August 23, and could see bids from further afield for the next round, with one of the sources saying Japanese firms had shown an interest. Myanmar failed to strike deals on the remaining eight blocks as these were not seen as lucrative, said the sources, who could not be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media. The Ministry of Energy and state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise are now offering nine offshore blocks, of which five are deepwater. No details were available on the bidders for the offshore blocks. The Ministry of Energy has asked for proposals. Some oil and gas companies have come for the data presentations. There has been a lot more interest in the deepwater blocks coming from the Japanese, said the first source. Japanese Trade Minister Yukio Edano was due to visit Myanmar on January 12-14 with a business delegation that includes the president of Japans top refiner JX Nippon Oil and Energy. A trade ministry official said the trip would promote cooperation in the energy and mining field, including pushing for investment in oil and natural gas in Myanmar. Myanmars proven gas reserves at 11.8 trillion cubic feet at the end of 2010, or 0.2 percent of the worlds total according to the BP Statistical review, have drawn interest from China and India where resilient economic growth is fuelling energy demand. Southeast Asian countries are also facing rising demand to use cleaner-burning gas for power generation. Countries in Southeast Asia bagged the bulk of the awards, led by Petronas and PTT winning two blocks each. Petronas officials were not immediately available for comment. Little known Indonesian firm PT ITSTECH Resources Asia won the rights to explore one block. Interest from major, state-linked Chinese players was lukewarm, paving the way for lesser-known Tianjin New Highland and Hong Kong-listed EPI Holding to secure a block each, the sources said. With limited interest from the usually aggressive Chinese resource firms, Indias Jubilant Energy also bagged one production sharing block. The sources said Switzerland-based Geopetrol International Holdings Inc secured the rights for a marginal oil field. Russian-linked CIS Nobel Oil Company also won a production sharing contract for one oil and gas field. Myanmars aggressive oil and gas pitch to investors comes as western diplomats hold talks with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose political participation is now key for a civilian government hoping to end economic sanctions. These trade embargoes were put in place over the past two decades due to the countrys poor human rights record under the military junta, leaving the resource rich country poverty stricken. After a new civilian government took power last year, which in turn initiated talks with Suu Kyi, released political prisoners and reached out to armed ethnic groups, hopes for an unwinding of sanctions have grown. On January 6, British Foreign Secretary William Hague met separately with Myanmars government and Suu Kyi, seeking the same reforms and offering similar concessions as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did late last year. Myanmar is opening up its country and its oil and gas sector almost in unison with Clinton leading the way, said Victor Shum, an oil consultant at Purvin & Gertz in Singapore. Many western oil majors may take a wait and see approach with this due to the sanctions but in doing so, they could miss the boat, he added. The second Yangon-based source said in the event of still weak interest from western and also Chinese oil companies for the deepwater and shallow blocks, Myanmar could fall back on investment from Southeast Asian countries. Reuters

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2010, but has since dropped off sharply due to rising interest rates, higher commodity prices and economic uncertainty. Auto industry group the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said last month sales in the fiscal year to March would rise between 2 and 4pc, far from the 1618pc forecast last year. Far from discouraged by what analysts see as a temporary blip, French auto giant PSA Peugeot Citroen is to announce its return to India after an unhappy and ultimately aborted alliance with a local partner in the 1990s. Fellow French manufacturer Renault relaunched itself in India last year amid a big marketing push and will unveil its new Pulse model and an SUV at the Delhi Expo, which ends on January 11. Peugeot, Renault and BMW, the German manufacturer that dominates in the luxury segment of the Indian car market, face dire market conditions in their home markets as the European debt crisis dampens consumer spending. The current slowdown [in India] is not here to stay as the fundamentals of car sales growth, namely urbanisation and car density, are still very attractive, said the consultancy Deloitte in a recent study. India remains a market dominated by small cars as consumers follow the familiar path of upgrading from push-bikes to motorbikes to cars, with most new buyers opting for affordable models at the bottom of the market. It is always going to be about the value proposition in India, Hinrichs told reporters on January 4. Earlier last week, India-based Bajaj Motors unveiled a new contender for the title of the worlds cheapest car, its tiny RE60, which will compete with the path-breaking and locally-made Tata Nano in price. But there will also be plenty of car makers looking to impress at the other end of the market. Ford is using the Delhi expo to showcase a remodelled version of its small EcoSport SUV, which will be pitched at richer buyers looking for more comfort on Indias congested and often poorly maintained roads. A 2011 report on the wealthy in India by Merrill Lynch Capgemini found there were 153,000 Indians who have financial assets of over US$1 million, excluding the value of their main residences. This flush of new cash has attracted luxury brands. Ferrari opened its first showroom in May last year, while Maserati and Aston Martin followed suit. Besides luxury and small cars, there will be new electric vehicles from Indian manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra which will also launch the South Korean brand Ssangyong, which it acquired in 2010. AFP

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Car makers hit Indian expo seeking growth

By Adam Plowright NEW DELHI The worlds leading car makers jostled for space at the start of Indias Auto Expo on January 5, eyeing a market that has slowed sharply but rema i n s a h o t s p o t compared with depressed Western economies. The exhibition, which takes place every two years, has grown in stature in line with interest in the Indian economy, which is expected by economists to expand by 7 percent this financial year despite a recent slowdown. We now see this as one of the most important shows on the calendar, Fords Asia-Pacific president Joe Hinrichs said on January 4, adding that the group expected Indias vastly under-penetrated market to be the worlds thirdbiggest by 2020. In a sign of the changing priorities of car makers, Jaguar Land Rover, the British brands bought by Indias Tata conglomerate in 2008, decided to skip the overlapping Detroit motorshow to focus on the New Delhi expo. Beneath the dazzling lights, pounding music and exhibition girls set to accompany the launch of up to 50 new models at the sprawling exhibition centre lies a clear commercial logic. Car ownership remains low in India, a country of 1.2 billion people where two-thirds live below the poverty line but an expanding economy is minting millions of new middle-class families and millionaires each year. Growth of the passenger car market hit 31pc in

President and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company Alan Mullaly (centre) poses during the preview of the new Ford EcoSport car in New Delhi on January 4, along with Ford India president and managing director Michael Bonham (left) and group vice-president Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa Joe Henrichs (right). Pic: AFP

Huge violations in China local debt audit

SHANGHAI China said on January 4 it had uncovered 530.9 billion yuan (US$84 billion) in misused funds in an audit of local government debts, as it moves to clean up problem financing. Local governments, which are banned from borrowing directly from banks, have set up financing vehicles to fund infrastructure and other projects but growing debts have fuelled concerns about a potential explosion in bad loans. The audit, which covered the year 2010, found numerous violations by these local financing vehicles, including funds illegally diverted to property and the capital markets, and fake investments, the National Audit Office said. The financing vehicles also provided loans secured with improper collateral and failed to make proper use of funds, the agency said in a report posted on its website. Nearly half of the misused funds, around 259.2 billion yuan, had been resolved, the report said, though it did not elaborate. The central government has moved to rectify problematic local debt through tighter management, regular reviews and financial support for cash-strapped local governments, the state auditor said. In October, Beijing said it would allow Chinese cities and provinces to issues bonds, ending a 17-year ban, to give local governments a funding boost. Last June, Beijing put the debt held by local governments at 10.7 trillion yuan ($1.69 trillion) at the end of 2010 or about one quarter of Chinas 2010 gross domestic product (GDP). Several provinces later published reports that showed their debt-to-GDP ratio was higher than the national figure. AFP

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MTN blast triggers building collapse

Latest chapter in long running dangerous building story after explosion in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township
By Htar Htar Khin THE massive fire and subsequent explosion in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township on December 29 has been cited as the catalyst for a partial building collapse in the same township on January 4. The rear section of the 124th Street building gave way at about 11am on January 4 but nobody was injured because most residents were out celebrating Independence Day. The explosion at Set Sen district in Mingalar Taung Nyunt sent shockwaves through the surrounding area that cracked walls and broke windows, said U Lazarus, managing director of Yadanar Shwe Htun Construction. I think its the right time to have a serious look at the structural safety of many buildings, particularly in the aftermath of that terrible fire, he said. He added that people living in Tarmwe, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Thaketa and Dawbon townships should inspect the structural safety of their residences. If you notice problems deaths have brought greater attention to the issue, which remains largely unresolved. U Tin Naing, 43, the managing director of AMT Construction in Pazundaung township, which is rebuilding one dangerous building site included in the latest YCDC list, confirmed that the most time-consuming aspect of the rebuilding process was reaching an agreement with tenants. If the apartment owners evacuate their properties peacefully and quickly theres no trouble for developers. But if they choose to stay then we have no choice but to negotiate until we reach a settlement, he said. Even at the latest block were working on, most of the families have already left but some have chosen to stay and I can only hope that they will leave by the time YCDC gives us approval to demolish the building, he said. He added that the company is ready to begin the redevelopment of the 90-year-old building, which has major structural flaws, within three months. The buildings structure is badly damaged. A number of walls are cracked, the roof is damaged and the floors are weak, he said. But the worst thing is that the cement slab on one of the upper balconies fell off three months ago and most of the residents wont dare to stay there, U Tin Naing said. Another developer, whose firm based in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, said the negotiations involved in demolishing old buildings and redeveloping them were extremely complicated because so many different parties were usually involved. Land owners, tenants and YCDC officials should be trying to work harmoniously to rebuild these sites, which would see the projects completed much faster, he said. If not, the developers are facing many hardships to make deals with the tenants, particularly if some of them dont want to leave. Sometimes the developers just abandon sites when the tenants are too difficult, he said. A 54-year-old resident of one of the newly added dangerous buildings in the downtown area said the posting of a red signboard by YCDC made him unhappy. Ive lived here since my childhood and for this building to be deemed dangerous makes me very sad. The building is more than 100 years old and I love it because it has style, he said. But water leakage over time has seriously damaged the rear part of the building, he said. The building will be redeveloped as a 12storey condo block by a big construction firm and I think well have no choice but to move to somewhere in Yangons outskirts.

Firemen stand outside the partially collapsed building in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township last week. Pic: Kaung Htet such as cracked walls its a g o o d i n d i cat i on t hat you should consider how safe your property is, he said. Another developer in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township said older buildings were in particular need of checks. The recent explosion felt like a small earthquake, he said. However, lengthy delays and procedures are increasing the risk posed by Yangons dangerous buildings, developers said last week. Yangon City Development Committee announced in December that 12 additional buildings would be added to the list of the sites deemed dangerous and unfit for habitation. The new additions include three blocks in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, two blocks each in Kyeemyindaing, Lanmadaw, Tarmwe townships and one each in Botahtaung, Pazundaung and Kyauktada. All of the buildings are in built-up neighbourhoods. A 35-year-old developer based in Botahtaung township said negotiations over the future of the doomed buildings with the tenants frequently took months to conclude. Negotiation is the hardest step for developers. The biggest barrier is the unwillingness of residents to move out but there is also lots of paperwork that needs to be completed, he said. He added that the ground floor apartments of the buildings, many of which lie on main roads, were sought after as places to operate small businesses. As far as Im aware most of the cases where there are extended delays in demolishing old buildings o c c u r in Pabe d an an d Kyauktada townships because the land there is expensive, he said. The unnamed developer said some of his projects at Latha and Mingalar Taung Nyunt townships had been postponed by up to nine months as a result of protracted negotiations with tenants. He said YCDC should amend the regulations that govern dangerous buildings to speed up the process of tearing down the older sites. The delays give the whole industry a bad name, which is painful for all of us. If the process was shortened it would be much better for everyone, the developer said. He added that there are 150 YCDC-designated dangerous buildings in Yangon that have not been torn down. More than 300 buildings across Yangon, mostly in the six downtown townships, have been designated as dangerous by YCDC. The buildings bear red signs posted above the main entrances to warn would-be squatters of the danger. However, while the existence of the buildings was public knowledge, the issue shot into the publics attention when a teenage girl was killed in a partial collapse in Pabedan township in March 2010. More recently, a 49-yearold man was killed in another partial collapse in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township in October 2011. Both tragic

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Abu Dhabi extends bailouts with Aldar

By Zainab Fattah ABU DHABI Abu Dhabis government has extended its bailout of companies hurt by the United Arab Emirates real-estate crash, agreeing to buy assets valued at 16.8 billion dirhams (US$4.57 billion) from Aldar Properties PJSC. The government will purchase 760 homes in the Al Raha Beach development and retire 5 billion dirhams ( $ 1. 36 bi l l i o n ) o f d e b t related to infrastructure on Yas Island, Aldar said in a statement. Aldar gained as much as 9.5 percent in Abu Dhabi trading, the biggest increase in a year. Developers in Abu Dhabi and neighbouring emirate Dubai are struggling to pay down debts after property prices fell by more than half since the markets peak in 2008. The latest agreement takes the amount of government spending on Aldar, Abu Dhabis biggest developer, to 36 billion dirhams ($9.78 billion) this year. The state also contributed to a $20 billion bailout of Dubai in 2009. The agreement demonstrates the support that the government is giving Aldar, but it also brings into question the future business model for the company, said Mohammed Ali Yasin, chief investment officer at CAPM Investment PJSC in Abu Dhabi. Will it continue to be a developer or merely a propertymanagement company for the government? The government will also buy 5.7 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) of assets in Central Market, a project in downtown Abu Dhabi, and finance the completion of the districts redevelopment. Aldar will receive 4.5 billion dirhams ($1.22 billion) in the next two months as part of the agreement and the rest will be paid over four years, according to the statement. The deal will immediately reduce Aldars debt by 5 billion dirhams. The company has repaid 14.2 billion dirhams ($3.86 billion) in debt this year, including a 4.5 billion-dirham convertible Islamic bond, or Sukuk, on November 10. In January, the Abu Dhabi government paid Aldar 19.2 billion dirhams ($5.22 billion) for assets including a Ferrari theme park and convertible bonds. Its definitely better news for debt holders than equity holders, said Ahmed Badr, head of Middle East property research at Credit Suisse Group in Dubai. Going forward, there is hardly any business for Aldar except some recurring income from hotels, schools and malls. Combine that with a soft property market and the outlook remains weak. Bloomberg News

Detroit surprises as housing hotspot

By Brady Dennis WASHINGTON An unlikely name has been popping up lately as a rare bright spot in the nations still-abysmal housing market: Detroit. Among the nations top 20 metropolitan regions, only the Detroit and Washington, DC, areas posted annual home price increases, according to S&P/Case-Shiller home price data for October released last week. At 2.5 percent, Detroits gain was almost double the increase reported for Washington, where unemployment and foreclosures have remained relatively low despite the financial crisis. Improbable as it might seem, the Detroit area is seeing an increase in building permits. Construction firms are dusting off their equipment and returning to work, and bidding wars are breaking out over desirable homes. It is a rapid climb back, said Howard Wial, a fellow for the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, who with two colleagues published a paper recently about the economic recovery in Americas 100 largest metropolitan areas. Its not anywhere near a bounce back, but its something. Wials study listed the Detroit area as one of the 20 strongest-performing regions, along with several others near the Great Lakes, and he said the recent recovery has much to do with the growth in manufacturing and the resurrection of the domestic auto industry. Detroit remains battered by the recession but has stabilised more rapidly than many other parts of the country since hitting bottom in 2009, he said. Jobs are coming back; obviously, not all the jobs that were lost, but there are a lot more jobs now than there were, Wial said. The increase in jobs, coupled with fewer foreclosures and fewer residents fleeing the area, has translated into an improved, and in some neighbourhoods even a hot, real estate market. This actually has been a record year for us, said Andy Hargreaves, a Coldwell Banker real estate agent in Plymouth, Michigan, who said he has seen sales double over the past year. The interest in this area is the Jones Lang LaSalle. Thats becoming more commonplace than the calls I was getting two years ago. Despite that encouraging turn, Weiner said, Detroit still has plenty of real estate that time has just forgotten and has become a smaller market than it used to be. Others offered similar caveats about the recent run of positive news, noting that Detroit has only begun limping toward recovery. Detroit-area home prices remain 40 percent below peak levels. Vacant properties make up 23pc of the citys total housing stock, according to a recent government study, and the city has about 30,000 vacant homes dotting the landscape. In addition, Detroits population fell by a quarter between 2000 and 2010. The city government is on the verge of bankruptcy, in part because of its plummeting tax base and soaring pension costs. Itll never be a full recovery to the size we were 10 years ago, but thats okay, Weiner said. We just need to stay on solid footing, and that potential really does exist. Washington Post

Detroit and Washington DC both recorded home price increases late last year. Pic: AFP highest Ive ever seen it. In part, the upturn is attributable to the laws of supply and demand. Parts suppliers to the auto industry and other area employers have increased hiring and, therefore, added to the number of home buyers, he said. At the same time, although thousands of homes sit empty in the Detroit area, the inventory of move-inready homes has dwindled, causing a frenzy whenever one hits the market. A home thats properly priced in move-in-ready condition will, almost in every case, have multiple offers and sell at or over asking price, Hargreaves said. Buyers are realising if you dont jump on it right away, you get beat out. Some businesses have shown a renewed willingness to remain rooted in Detroit. Quicken Loans bought a collection of downtown properties, and businesses including those that depend on the automakers have sought out new space. What were seeing now are companies saying: Ill sign a five-year lease. Ill sign a 10-year lease, said AJ Weiner, an office broker for the Detroit branch of

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India army in hi-tech sell-off

NEW DELHI Developed for troops serving on glaciers high in the Himalayas, the non-flushing bio-digester toilet made by Indias top defence research body is now being offered to companies and poorer states. It is one of 200 technologies produced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) identified as for sale via the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The national trade body and DRDO in October forged a four-year partnership to hawk dual-use military products as part of Premier Manmohan Singhs pledge in 2008 to offer defence technology spin-offs to the public, officials said. The bio-digester is among 10 of the DRDO products put on the fast-track for sale to state governments and private companies, an Indian defence ministry official added. Our condition is to take any non-classified technology [that can be used] for the benefit of the common man, said Nirankar Saxena, executive director of FICCIs Centre for Technology Commercialisation, which heads the project. The bio-digester toilet conceived by a DRDO unit in the city of Gwalior, works by mixing self-multiplying bacteria with human waste in specially-made tanks, resulting in the production of methane gas and water. It was meant for Indian combat troops deployed on Siachen, a 6300-metre-high (20,800-feet-high) glacier in disputed Kashmir where temperatures can fall up to minus 50 Celsius. Experts say they believe some 5000 soldiers are deployed on the frigid wasteland, where calm has prevailed since a 2003 ceasefire with rival Pakistan. Work on it began 15 years ago because excreta buried in snow by soldiers in the Siachen glacier polluted rivers when the ice melted, said scientist Vijay Veer of the Defence Research and Development Establishment, a DRDO unit. The bacteria used in the mountain version of the toilet were originally found in Antarctica, but another cocktail can be used in the hot tropical plains where the need for toilets in India is most acute. FICCIs Saxena said the Indian territory of Lakshadweep a cluster of islands has sought 12,000 bio-digesters at some 25,000 rupees (US$550) a unit for a major housing project. Other DRDO products include heat shields for trains and vehicles, windows that control light penetration, mosquito repellents and medical kits to tackle dengue and chikungunya, both insectborne viruses. AFP

An elderly patient trains his handeye coordination by using the Armeo robotic arm at the Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation Therapeutics in Singapores Tan Tock Seng Hospital on December 6. Pic: AFP

Singapore taps robots, games in rehab

By Philip Lim SINGAPORE Six months ago, Singaporean retiree Soon Eng Sam, 70, suffered a stroke that paralysed the left side of his body. Bedridden for three months, he has regained some limb functions on the affected side through conventional physical therapy but now hopes to hasten his recovery with the help of new gadgets designed to make rehabilitation fun. This therapy is not so boring, not so painful as physical therapy, because the machine is assisting me to move my arm up and down and laterally, he said after a recent hour-long session with the Armeo robotic arm. A therapist had to tell Soon to slow down as the former civil servant enthusiastically used his left hand, partly supported by the robotic arm, to catch virtual water droplets with a teacup on a colour monitor. The machine is among the hightech exercise stations now being used at the Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation Therapeutics (CART), described by its administrators as the most advanced facility of its kind in Asia. Medical authorities are deploying the latest technology as fast-greying Singapore prepares for a silver tsunami of elderly people as a result of longer life spans and low birth rates. In two decades, an estimated 20 percent of the population will be 65 years or older, compared to 9.3pc at present. To better prepare themselves for the demographic explosion, hospitals in the affluent city-state of five million people are using the latest available technology to augment its limited pool of health personnel. Chan Kay Fei, head of Rehabilitation Medicine at the government-run Tan Tock Seng Hospital, which houses CART, said therapists on their own cannot meet this rising need of the ageing population. So technology, I feel, could be the multiplier, Chan said, adding that both therapists and patients benefit from the increasing use of robotic equipment and videogame-inspired software. Robotics reduce or eliminate physical loading upon our therapists. It creates an interesting and interactive environment which offers consistency and objectivity to the treatment program, he said. Using the machines, therapists are able to precisely monitor the patients progress and calibrate the machines accordingly. The Lokomat gait trainer shows a movie-like avatar, controlled by the patients movements, walking around a virtual world collecting medals. Such machines are particularly suited for countries with rapidly ageing populations, said Bala Rajaratnam, a lecturer at the School of Health Sciences at Nanyang Polytechnic. It allows therapists to use smart technology to both empower clients to take control over their recovery as well as maximise therapy time, he said. Future physical therapists at Balas school also use videogame machines such as the Nintendo Wii to help patients recover more quickly than they would using conventional methods. Other medical institutions in Singapore such as KK Womens and Childrens Hospital as well as Changi General Hospital are also using videogames as part of their repertoire of therapy. The targeted patient population includes people with neurological conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injury and Parkinsons Disease, said Jean Tan, a senior physiotherapist at Changi. Any patients with balance deficits and decreased arm function will also benefit from these games. Younger patients, including accident victims and those with congenital motor problems, also benefit from therapy robots and videogames. Kankipati Rajan Raju, 45, an Indian banker who was paralysed from the neck down after being hit by a bus during a business trip to France in May, said technology is a boon to people like him but the human factor is still more crucial than machines. Six months after the accident, Raju can walk on his own, shake hands and even do short jumps, a miracle he attributes to medical personnel as well as a healthy dose of robotics and virtual reality. The technology assists you, but the therapists have made the difference, he said after a session at CART. AFP

Shwe Pyitagon to launch K5000 prepaid SIMs

By Htoo Aung CONSUMERS crying out for cheap mobile phone SIM cards for years might finally get their wish from March if a telecoms company receives government permission. Shwe Pyitagon Telecoms Company plans to begin selling prepaid GSM connections for K5000, K10,000 and K50,000 from March. First we are going to sell one million third generation (3G) SIM cards for K5000, hopefully starting from the first week of March. We will begin the project with Yangon and Ayeyarwady Region, said Ko Lwin Naing Oo, chairman and managing director of Shwe Pyitagon. People will only be required to pay K5000 a card and show their National Registration Card, although buyers will be limited to one connection each, another company official said. He said the new service would be 40 percent owned by the government, 30pc by Shwe Pyitagon and 30pc by the public when the company set up Shwe Pyitagon Investment Cooperation. However, he could not say how much individual shares would cost. Telephone charges will be K25 for local calls, K35 for trunk calls and text messages will be K25 each, he said. This is part of the governments five-year project to boost mobile phone access. After the first year we will extend to Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay regions and several border areas. We also offers both voice and high speed data transfer technology. Potential buyers said the possibility of cheaper GSM cards was wonderful news. First I couldnt believe my ears and I just thought it was a rumour. If we can really buy SIM cards for K5000 its wonderful news, said Daw Khin Lay Soe, information and documentation officer for the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation, which acts as a centre for history and tradition for countries from the region. However, in what could be seen as a worrying sign a Myanma Posts and Telecommunications spokesperson said: We did not know about this project.

Dr Myo Myint Oo poses with Ko Lwin Naing Oo, chairman and managing director of Shwe Pyitagon Telecoms, during a media event last week. Pic: Boothee plan to go nation wide but are waiting for permission from the government, Ko Lwin Naing Oo said. He added that the company will not rely on any of the Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications infrastructure and will instead set up their own network. He added that the first one million connections will use the 3G network but within one year the company would upgrade to a 4G network. Ko Lwin Naing Oo said the company will utilise the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System for the project because it

Damascus blast kills 26

DAMASCUS A suicide bomber on January 6 killed 26 people and wounded dozens in the Syrian capital with the government vowing an iron fist response. The bomber blew himself up near a school in the historic Midan quarter, Interior Minister Lieutenant General Mohammad alShaar was quoted as saying by the state-run SANA news agency. It was the second blast in Damascus in two weeks. The interior ministry branded the bombing a new terrorist escalation and said more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of explosives was used. We will strike with an iron fist all those who

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undermine the security of the nation, the ministry said in a statement. Syrian opposition factions blamed President Bashar al-Assads government for the bombing and called on Arab and Western forces to end the bloodshed. The Syrian National Council said the bombing clearly bears the regimes fingerprints. Meanwhile, Syrian activists have called for an Arab League observer mission to admit its failure to stem months of bloodshed and hand over to the United Nations, which estimates more than 5000 people have died since prodemocracy protests began in March. AFP

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Briefly
BAGHDAD A wave of attacks against Shiite Muslims killed at least 68 people on January 5, the worst toll in nearly five months, as Iraq grappled with a political row that has raised sectarian tensions. Related report, P. 25. CAIRO The chief prosecutor in Hosni Mubaraks trial on January 5 demanded the death sentence for the fallen Egyptian dictator, arguing that he had ordered the killings of anti-regime demonstrators. Earlier report, P. 25. TEHRAN Iran said on January 5 it was not concerned about an imminent EU ban on its oil, saying it would endure the extra sanctions even though they amounted to an economic war. VIENNA A total 103 journalists were killed in 2011, Vienna-based press watchdog, the International Press Institute, said on January 5. It was the second highest toll on record after 2009, when 110 journalists were killed on the job. NEW YORK Five thousand items recovered from the Atlantic grave of the Titanic, from a 17-ton piece of the hull to china used to serve first-class passengers, will go on auction in New York in April 11, a century after the liner sank, it was announced on January 5. AFP

An undated image released by the Oregon Health and Science University of newborn, genetically-modified monkeys, Roku (left) and Hex. US researchers said on January 5 that they had created the worlds first genetically-modified monkeys by fusing cells from up to six different embryos, in what could be a major advance in medical research. Pic: AFP/Oregon Health and Sciency University

Obama plans a leaner military

WASHINGTON President Barack Obama unveiled a strategy on January 5 for a leaner US military focused on countering Chinas rising power and signaling a shift away from large ground wars against insurgents. The plan calls for preparing for possible challenges from Iran and China, requiring air and naval power, while virtually ruling out any future counter-insurgency campaigns such as those conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan. The defence strategic review sets out an approach for the US military in a looming era of austerity, as Obamas administration prepares for US$487 billion in defence cuts during the next 10 years. But the US president, anticipating attacks from his Republican rivals in an election year, said reductions would be limited and would not come at the expense of Americas military might. So yes, our military will be leaner, but the world must know the United States is going to maintain our military superiority with armed forces that are agile, flexible and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats, Obama told reporters in a rare appearance at the Pentagon. Saying the country was turning the page on a decade of war, Obama said the new strategy would increasingly focus on Asia, where commanders worry about Chinas growing military power. Well be strengthening our presence in the Asia Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of this critical region, he said. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, appearing with Obama along with top officers, said the strategy envisages a smaller and leaner force that will expand the militarys role in Asia while maintaining a strong presence in the Middle East. The eight-page strategy document said the military will work with allies in the Middle East to ensure security in the Gulf and prevent Iran from securing nuclear weapons. However, counter-insurgency operations receive a lower priority under the plan, enabling the administration to scale back ground forces. The US militarys top officer, General Martin Dempsey, praised the strategy but acknowledged it carried some risks, which could in some cases mean a slower response or fewer resources for an operation. But he said the country faced tough economic times and had to adapt to new threats. The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, condemned the strategy and accused Obama of gutting defence. The President has packaged our retreat from the world in the guise of a new strategy to mask his divestment of our military and national defence, McKeon, a Republican, said in a statement. AFP

A tiny breakthrough in computer science

WASHINGTON Scientists said on January 5 they have designed tiny wires, 10,000 times thinner than a human hair but with the same electrical capacity as copper, in a major step toward building smaller, more potent computers. The advance, described in the US journal Science, shows for the first time that wires one atom tall and four atoms wide can carry a charge as well as conventional wires. That could lead to even tinier electronic devices in the future as well as new steps toward quantum computing, an industry still in its infancy which would create powerful computers that could sift through massive amounts of data faster than current digital computers which use binary code. Driven by the semiconductor industry, computer chip components continuously shrink in size allowing ever smaller and more powerful computers, said researcher Michelle Simmons of the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia. We are on the threshold of making transistors out of individual atoms. But to build a practical qu an tu m c ompu te r w e have recognised that the interconnecting wiring and circuitry also needs to shrink to the atomic scale. Scientists were able to forge atom-sized wires in silicon using a technique called scanning tunnelling microscopy, whereby they placed chains of phosphorus atoms within a silicon crystal. This technique not only allows us to image individual atoms but also to manipulate them and place them in position, said researcher Bent Weber, the lead author of the study. The nano-wires they built this way ranged from 1.5 to 11 nanometers thick. But even though the circuits were smaller, s c i e n t i s t s o b s e r v e d no increased difficulty in coaxing an electric charge through them what has previously been considered a major obstacle to quantum computing. In an accompanying article, David Ferry of the School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University called the findings good news for the semiconductor industry. AFP

TRADEMARk CAuTIoN NoTICE

FRASER AND NEAVE, LIMITED, a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its registered office at 438 Alexandra Road,#21-00 Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages. (International Class 32)

Reg. No. 4/6286/2008 for Intl Class 41 Reg. No. 4/6287/2008 Used in respect of:Music concert services; live band performances; provision of recreational facilities; music hall services; show production; provision of karaoke facilities; organization of competitions for entertainment purposes; entertainment; recreation services; providing instructional tours, providing instructional tours relating to brewing; exhibition of films, presentation of films, production of shows, organization of beer tasting; entertainment relating to beer tasting; arranging and conducting of conferences, seminars, workshops [training]; booking of seats for shows; organization sports and educational competition; party planning[entertainment]; film production; game services provided on-line; presentation of live performances and shows. (International Class 41) Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law.

TRANSLATE

Reg. No. 4/2771/1995 & 4/6276/2008 Used in respect of:Beer in International Class 32, Stouts, ale, malt beverages, porter and all other alcoholic drinks included in International Class 33.

Reg. No. 4/2754/2006 Used in respect of:Ale, beer, malt beverages, stout; aerated and mineral waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and

Tin ohnmar Tun B.A(LAW) LL.B,LL.M(UK) P.OBox109,Ph: 09 73150632 (For. Fraser and Neave, Limited, Singapore) Dated: 9th January, 2012

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British judge jails pair for evil racist killing

LONDON A British judge jailed two white men on January 5 for the evil murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993, one of the countrys most notorious racist crimes which prompted a major police overhaul. Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, were found guilty by a jury the previous day of being part of a gang of white youths who stabbed the 18-year-old to death in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop in Eltham, southeast London. Handing down the sentences in a packed courtroom at Londons Old Bailey, Judge Colman Treacy said Lawrences murder was a terrible and evil crime committed for no other reason than racial hatred. He sentenced Dobson, who was aged 17 at the time of the attack, to at least 15 years and two months in jail, while Norris, who was 16 at the time, was given a minimum of 14 years and three months. The judge said the longrunning case had scarred the conscience of the nation. The case sparked an overhaul of the police after a damning report found the original investigation was hampered by institutional racism, and is viewed as a milestone in race relations across Britain. AFP

Briefs
McCain for Romney
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire Republican hero Senator John McCain on January 4 backed Mitt Romney to be the partys 2012 presidential candidate. McCains backing for Romney reflected an effort by the Republican establishment to avoid an intra-party bloodletting that could leave the eventual nominee in a weakened position to challenge President Barack Obama. A guard monitors detainees attending a life skills class at the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a file photo taken on March 30, 2010, that was reviewed by US military officials. January 11 marks the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the first prisoners at Guantanamo. Pic: AFP

Arson charges
LOS ANGELES A German man arrested after a four-day arson spree in Los Angeles appeared in court on January 4 charged with 37 counts of starting fires in Hollywood, prosecutors said. Harry Burkhart, 24, launched a binge of over 50 arson attacks during the New Year holiday weekend, fired up by anti-American hatred fueled by his mothers fight against deportation to Germany, they said.

Socialists jibe enrages Sarkozy camp

PARIS Supporters of Frances President Nicolas Sarkozy demanded on January 4 that his main opponent in his re-election battle apologise after he reportedly insulted him at a lunch for political journalists the previous day. Socialist flag-bearer Francois Hollande, who will face Sarkozy in Aprils election, allegedly called the president a sale mec literally a dirty guy and roughly equivalent in force to a term like nasty piece of work. The January 3 lunch was supposedly an off-therecord briefing for reporters, including one from AFP, but Hollandes taunt was partially revealed in the daily Le Parisien, drawing outrage from the right. Le Parisien reported the term as an insult, but other journalists at the lunch interpreted the phrase as part of an imagined dialogue in which Sarkozy described himself in unflattering terms in order to appear tough. Imagining himself in the mind of Sarkozy, Hollande said: Im the president of failure, a nasty piece of work, but in this difficult period Im the only one capable of handling things. I alone have the bravery. Hes going to present himself as Captain Courageous, courting unpopularity. Hes a weak candidate because if thats how hes beginning his campaign its unimpressive. France deserves better, he said. Several of Sarkozys ministers and supporters in parliament denounced the insult. Valerie RossoDebord of Sarkozys UMP party said: Frankly, its a red card offence. You do not insult the president of the republic. Interior Minister Claude Gueant branded Hollandes attack unacceptable and several other ministers demanded a public apology from the opposition leader. Sarkozy is reportedly privately caustic about Hollande, and his career has also been marked by several insulting outbursts. In February 2008 he was caught on camera telling a member of the public who refused to shake his hand at the Paris agricultural show: Get lost, you stupid bastard. Responding to the criticism, Hollandes spokesman recalled this episode. Honestly, if Francois Hollande had said to Nicolas Sarkozy Get lost, you stupid bastard, he would have had reason to complain, Bernard Cazeneuve said. But thats not the kind of thing Francois Hollande says and Francois Hollande will not be the president of get lost, you stupid bastard. This story is false. Francois Hollande is not in the habit of launching insults. He campaigns on the issues, he said. And as to the way this non-event has been exploited by the UMP, I suppose that when Sarkozy calls Francois Hollande small its meant as a compliment, or that when he calls his supporters crackpots hes just being friendly? The alleged epithet caused a storm on Twitter and the comments sections of French news sites, as supporters of both candidates traded insults. Sarkozy is trailing Hollande in the opinion polls, which suggest that he on course to lose to him in Mays second-round presidential run-off, but he has begun making up ground on his rival and observers expect a tight race. AFP

Twins births double

WASHINGTON Advances in fertility treatment and a trend toward laterlife childbirth are fueling a boom in twins in the United States, showed figures released on January 4. The number of twins doubled in 2009 compared to 1980, rising from 68,339 to over 137,000 births, said the National Center for Health Statistics. AFP

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

NOTICE is hereby given that Otis ElEvatOr COmpany of 10 Farm Springs, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States of America is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(Reg: Nos. IV/6018/2008 & IV/12227/2011) in respect of:- Elevators, escalators, lifts (except skilifts), hoists, cranes (lifting and hoisting apparatus), conveyors (machines), parking systems (electric), parts (especially elevator group management systems), engines and motors (other than land vehicles) Class: 7 Installation and repair of elevators, escalators, electric appliance installation and repair, machinery installation, maintenance and repair, re-building engines that have been worn or partially destroyed, rebuilding machines that have been worn or partially destroyed Class: 37 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Otis ElEvatOr COmpany P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 9th January, 2012

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Issues that could decide US election

While super PACs may By Katrina vanden Heuvel not coordinate directly with campaigns, there is DOES Iowa matter? Maybe, little means of effectively maybe not. My advice in the enforcing that rule. The weeks to come: Dont let the treasurer of Mitt Romneys giddiness of the campaign super PAC, which spent coverage distract from what $3.1 million in Iowa running mostly negative ads against will really matter. Instead, pay attention his opponents, served as to three issues that could chief financial officer of affect the outcome of the Romneys first presidential election, even though they campaign. President Barack have nothing to do with the Obamas super PAC is run by Bill Burton, his 2008 campaigns themselves: First, a surge in voting press secretary and a close restrictions: In 2011, 14 adviser who left his White states passed laws making House post to gear up for i t h a r d e r f o r c e r t a i n the election. The question about super Americans, particularly minorities and young people, PACs is not whether they to vote. The goal is to keep will have an impact but how traditional Democratic big it will be and whether a constituencies from casting people-powered movement ballots, and methods include can stop them. Third, the medias obsession requiring voters to show government-issued IDs (of with false equivalence: How which more than 1 in 10 the election is covered will Americans lack), reducing almost certainly have a or ending early voting, and measurable impact on its disenfranchising citizens outcome. The New York Times Paul with criminal records. In Texas, for example, Krugman describes what he a c o n c e a l e d h a n d g u n is witnessing as post-truth license is a sufficient form politics, in which rightof voter identification, but leaning candidates can feel a university ID is not. In free to say whatever they Wisconsin, a voter without want without being held accountable an ID needs by the press. a birth There may certificate to The most be instances get one, but a voter without dangerous vehicles in which a ndid te a birth for corruption in c acalled aout is certificate needs a valid American politics f o r s a y i n g something ID to obtain egregiously one. In today. misleading; Tennessee, a but, as 96-year-old African-American woman Krugman notes, if past was denied a free voter ID experience is any guide, most because she didnt have of the news media will feel as a copy of her marriage though their reporting must be balanced. For too many license. Indeed, a Brennan Center journalists, calling out a for Justice analysis found Republican for lying requires that as many as five million criticising a Democrat too, eligible voters will find it making for a media age significantly harder to cast where false equivalence ballots. Of the 12 most likely what Eric Alterman has battleground states, five called the mainstream have curtailed voting rights medias deepest ideological and two are considering commitment is confused doing so. The 2012 election with objectivity. In that world, candidates may well turn on how many traditionally Democratic can continue to say things voters are unable to cast that are flatly, grossly, ballots in critical states and shamefully untrue, and on whether the Justice as The Washington Posts Department is able to fight E.J. Dionne described it, back, as it did recently in without fear of retribution. Obama has travelled the South Carolina. Second, the rise of super world and apologised for political action committee America, says Romney. (PAC) spending: Among Except that he hasnt. The t h e m o s t d e v a s t a t i n g stimulus created zero jobs, consequences of the Supreme says Rick Perry. Except that Courts 2010 Citizens United it created or saved at least r u l i n g ( t h a t p r o h i b i t s three million jobs. Obama is government from placing going to put free enterprise l i m i t s o n i n d e p e n d e n t on trial, claims Romney. s p e n d i n g f o r p o l i t i c a l How does he square that purposes by corporations with the nearly three million and unions) is the rise of private-sector jobs created organisations that are not under Obama policies in the required to disclose their past 20 months? But in this donors but that can recruit media era, he doesnt have to and spend unlimited sums in square anything at all. These three factors are key direct support of candidates. So far, these super PACs not only to understanding this have reported spending campaign and election but to n e a r l y U S $ 7 m i l l i o n . seeing just how far Americans Fred Wertheimer of the have to go to reclaim a watchdog group Democracy democracy that is driven by 21 told USA Today that the the people themselves. The organisations represent the Washington Post (Katrina vanden Heuvel is most dangerous vehicles for corruption in American editor and publisher of the Nation magazine). politics today.

Romney, by a whisker!
DES MOINES, Iowa Mitt Romney on January 4 won the first battle in the 2012 White House race, taking Iowa by a razor-thin margin to defeat Christian conservative Rick Santorum by just eight votes. The former Massachusetts governor won 30,015 votes in the January 3 Republican nominating contest over 30,007 for Santorum, Iowa officials announced after the two men slugged it out to a nail-biting photo-finish. It marked a remarkable comeback for Santorum in the battle to capture the Republican Party crown and challenge President Barack Obama on November 6. You have taken the first step in taking back this country, Santorum, who surged in Iowa after being given up as politically dead weeks ago, told cheering supporters at what was essentially a victory rally after the Iowa caucus. The former senator, a devout Roman Catholic who opposes abortion and contraception and has a hawkish foreign policy, took a shot at what are seen as Romneys more centrist views, saying what wins in America are bold ideas, sharp contrasts. Romney, a millionaire venture capitalist, said he and Santorum each had a great victory and congratulated Representative Ron Paul on his thirdplace finish then trained his guns on Obama. This has been a failed presidency, Romney said late on January 3, in a battle Obama and then vote by secret ballot. The Iowa caucuses came against the backdrop of a sour, job-hungry US economy that weighs heavily on the embattled Obamas bid for a second term, four years after he promised hope and change in his historic 2008 victory. The president, in a message beamed to Democrats holding their own caucuses throughout mostly rural Iowa, pleaded with them to stick with him, saying: Change is never easy. The quirky Iowa voting process does not directly award delegates to the partys nominating convention in August, and its strength lies in its timing: It can set the tone for the rest of the state-by-state battle, lift or bury a sagging campaign, and add lustre to a shining presidential prospect. Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who finished with just five percent of the vote and later withdrew from the race, and Texas Governor Rick Perry had disastrous nights. Romney has made little secret that he hoped his strong finish in Iowa, a romp in New Hampshire, and another success in South Carolina may give him a lock on the nomination months before the general election. However, Romney faces stubborn doubts about his conservative credentials, as well as his Mormon faith, and has been unable to increase his support among Republican voters nationwide above 30pc. AFP

A confident Mitt Romney in Des Moines on January 3 ahead of the Iowa result. Pic: AFP variation of the stump speech he used in Iowa, calling Obama in over his head and vowing I will go to work to get America back to work. Romney and Santorum ended with 25 percent each, Paul stood at 21pc, and former House speaker Newt Gingrich led the second tier of candidates with about 13pc of the vote. After a months-long campaign onslaught barrages of television attack ads, telephone calls and mailings, candidates blitzing across the state Iowans headed into hundreds of caucus sites around the mostly rural heartland state. They gathered at venues such as school gymnasiums and libraries to speak in front of neighbours on behalf of their chosen candidate to

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN NoTICE

Fraser and Neave, Limited, a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its registered office at 438 Alexandra Road, #21-00 Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

Archipelago Brewery Company

Reg. No. 4/6282/2008 Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Beer, ale, lager, stout, porter; malt beverages; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit juices and fruit drinks; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.(International Class 32)

Reg. Nos. 4/1948/1998 & 4/6264/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Beer and Stout. (International Class 32)

ABC
Reg. Nos. 4/5842/2001 & 4/6260/2008 for Intl Class 32 Reg. Nos. 4/3147/2003 & 4/6270/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Beer, Stout, mineral and aerated waters and other nonalcoholic drinks, syrups, fruit drinks and fruit juices and other preparations for making beverages. (International Class 32) Reg. Nos. 4/6134/2001 & 4/6261/2008 for Intl Class 32

Reg. Nos. 4/604/2003 & 4/6271/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Reg. Nos. 4/5435/1996 & 4/6262/2008 for Intl Class 32 Brewing services and brewing of beer. (International Class 32) Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Reg. Nos. 4/6133/2001 & 4/6263/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Stout. (International Class 32) Tin ohnmar Tun B.A(LAW) LL.B,LL.M(UK) P.O. Box 109,Ph: 0973150632 (For. Fraser and Neave, Limited, Singapore) Dated: 9th January, 2012

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US probes on mission to expand knowledge of Moon

WASHINGTON The second of two NASA lunar probes on a mission to study the Moons inner core went into orbit as planned on January 1, the US space agency said. The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL-B) began orbiting the Moon about an hour before midnight local time, said officials at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. GRAIL-A reached its lunar orbit on December 31. NASA greets the new year with a new mission of exploration, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement. The twin GRAIL spacecraft will vastly expand our knowledge of our moon and the evolution of our own planet, he said. We begin this year reminding people around the world that NASA does big, bold things in order to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown. The US$500-million pair of washing machine-sized satellites was launched on September 10 on a mission to map the Moons inner core for the first time. The spacecraft are in a near-polar elliptical orbit, travelling around the Moon in about 11.5 hours, NASA said. In the coming weeks, that orbit time will be reduced to just under two hours, it added. Beginning in March, the two unmanned spacecraft will send radio signals that allow earth-based scientists to create a highresolution map of the Moons gravitational field, helping them to better understand its sub-surface features and the origins of other bodies in the solar system. The mission should shed light on the unexplored far side of the Moon and test a hypothesis that there was once a second Moon that fused with ours. The two spacecraft have taken three months to reach the Moon as opposed to the usual three-day journey taken by the manned Apollo missions. The longer journey allowed scientists to better test the two probes. Scientists believe that the Moon was formed when a planet-sized object crashed into the Earth, throwing off a load of material that eventually became our planets airless, desolate satellite. How it heated up over time, creating a magma ocean that later crystallised, remains a mystery, despite 109 missions to study the Moon since 1959 and the fact that 12 humans have walked on its surface. AFP

TRADEMARk CAuTIoN NoTICE

Fraser and Neave, Limited, a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its registered office at 438 Alexandra Road, #21-00 Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

Technology replaces tradition for the carpet makers of Iran

Reg. No. 4/6283/2008 Intl Class 32

Reg. No. 4/6485/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Beer, ale, lager, stout, porter; malt beverages; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit juices and fruit drinks; syrups and other preparations for making beverages. (International Class 32)

BARoNS STRoNGBREW
Reg. Nos. 4/2946/1997 & 4/6273/2008 for Intl Class 32 Used in respect of:Beers and Stout. (International Class 32) Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Tin ohnmar Tun B.A(LAW) LL.B,LL.M(UK) P.O. Box 109,Ph: 0973150632 (For. Fraser and Neave, Limited, Singapore) Dated: 9th January, 2012

One worker in the firms ISFAHAN, Iran Zahra dyeing operation, Javad Nazers fingers work Firoozi, said the practice deftly on the loom, rapidly underscored carpet-making weaving each colourful silk as traditional art. thread into a carpet that However, nowadays it is will take more than a year being treated as an export to complete. commodity, he said. The practised, swift In a factory outside the movements and the loom, town of Kashan, between strung up on rough-hewn Qom and Isfahan, that shift wooden rods, are ages-old, can be clearly seen. virtually unchanged in the A worker in a white coat more than 2500 years that oversees automated dyeing Persian carpets have been in several stainless steel made in the country today vats which ensure the known as Iran. dyes are applied evenly But the industry, worth and to catalogue standards half a billion dollars in obviating the colour exports, has come under variations that occur in the threat in recent years A vendor displays a Persian carpet at his shop in the artisanal technique. and is responding by To keep pace with the introducing some radical Iranian city of Isfahan. Pic: AFP That reflects the narrow patterns of lines and flowers changing face of the sector, transformations effectively replacing tradition with profit margins, including in and birds that will be set the hand-me-down style the ancient bazaars where into the carpet by the female of teaching has shifted 21st-century technology. Nazer sees her profession piles of ornate coverings are weavers. Next to him sits an from the workshops to the which counts 200,000 piled on top of each other, older worker determinedly classroom. In Isfahans university r e g i s t e r e d w e a v e r s , waiting for prospective doing the work the oldfashioned way: by hand, on o f a r t , s t u d e n t s l e a r n i n c l u d i n g h e r m o t h e r , customers. in a matter of days the The situation in the grid paper. father and aunts as an Some people have been techniques their traditional inherited one passed from m a r k e t h a s w o r s e n e d one generation to the next drastically in the past few designing for years and are predecessors would have years, due to the lack of still working by hand. Those spent months trying to since time immemorial. Im 18, and I have been buyers, especially since our in their 60s have no interest glean from their elders. Our methods of weaving since I was 15, carpets (target) customers in computers. Why? One has Nazer said. I like weaving are tourists and we need to keep pace with science, academising the traditional and its not that hard unless more tourists in the country, otherwise one becomes 100 way have really sped up said Hassan Hosseinzadeh, percent isolated, Dejahany teaching, said a carpet one does too much of it. weaving teacher at the What she does not see, a carpet seller attending an said. university, Ali Reza though, is the changing Iranpour. market outside her He referred cosy workshop shared One has to keep pace with science, otherwise example to theas an work with dozens of other of one student that women. one becomes 100 percent isolated. he said matched the There, cheaper quality of old masters, imitations of what she The computer, he said, all from just six hours a makes are flooding in from exhibition of the wares in China and Pakistan, many the central city of Isfahan speeds up designing and week of weaving classes. I havent figured out yet allows room for more in December. of them machine-woven. To counter the decline, manoeuvres. Working with why in the traditional system, The number of buyers is dwindling, put off by some carpet businesses the computer is much faster there is this opposition to using measurement tools, rising prices for the carpets, have turned to computers than hand-drawn work. I t s t h e s a m e s t o r y he said. largely a result of soaring and machinery to claw back He stressed, though, that he of change in the dyeing their place in the market. silk costs. held up traditional methods in One firm, in the city of process. A genuine, good-quality Most of it is still carried his teaching, because those handmade Persian carpet Qom, has a young designer, can cost thousands or tens Javad Dejahany, sitting out in steamy rooms where people learned their craft in front of a desktop PC men dunk balls of silk into from the masters and its not of thousands of dollars. Weavers such as Nazer, connected to a drawing vats, then roll them into experience accumulated over loops around their arms just a couple of centuries, but though, receive less than tablet. He uses the device to before drying them on rather a millennium. a dollar a day for their AFP sketch out the intricate rooftop beams. painstaking work.

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Backdown eases crisis in Iraq

BAGHDAD Iraqs premier backed off threats to sack ministers boycotting cabinet, instead naming temporary replacements on January 4. Nuri al-Malikis decision was the latest in an apparent calming of Iraqs political crisis, which has seen the countrys Sunni Vice President charged with running a death squad and the main Sunnibacked bloc boycott parliament and cabinet, shortly after US troops completed their withdrawal. Despite ministers belonging to the Iraqiya bloc skipping a cabinet meeting on January 3, Maliki declined to follow through on an earlier threat to sack them, instead declaring they were on extended leave, Malikis spokesman said. We cannot allow the governments work to stop, Ali Mussawi said. Their absence gave us two choices either fire them or consider them on leave. The cabinet voted that they were considered to be on extended leave. Their portfolios were temporarily handed to other sitting ministers. For the previous two weeks, Iraq has been engulfed in a political crisis sparked by authorities decision to issue an arrest warrant for Vice President Tareq alHashemi on terror charges. Hashemi, who has sought refuge in the northern autonomous Kurdish region, denies the charges and his Iraqiya party has boycotted cabinet and parliament, the latter of which re-opened on January 3 without the partys participation. Sunni Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak has decried Maliki as a dictator worse than Saddam Hussein, and the premier has called for him to be sacked. MPs were due to have considered that request on January 3, but the motion was not discussed or voted on. Mutlak has offered to apologise for his remarks and several other politicians have toned down earlier heated rhetoric which at one point saw Maliki threaten to dissolve a power-sharing government. Several Iraqi leaders have called for urgent talks of politicians from all major blocs to resolve the crisis, but no such meetings have yet been held. The political process, in spite of all the weaknesses it suffers, is still the only solution, parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi, a Sunni and a member of Iraqiya, said in his speech. The national conference that Jalal Talabani has called for is the right way to resolve the crisis, and we hope it will succeed. AFP

Briefs
Tensions in Libya
TRIPOLI An influential group of former rebels who fought ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi rejected the choice of the new chief of army on January 4, raising fresh security concerns in the war-torn country. The Coalition of Libyan Thwars (revolutionaries) said it does not approve the appointment of Yussef alMangush as chief of staff because he was not among the candidates it had proposed to lead a revamped force.

Israelis, Palestinians Mubarak a tyrannical leader, hold positive talks prosecutors tell Cairo court
AMMAN Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held a positive first face-to-face meeting in more than 15 months on January 3, but cautioned that full-blown talks were still some way off. The talks and atmosphere were positive, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told reporters after the meeting in Amman between Israels chief negotiator Yitzhak Molcho, his Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erakat and Palestinian negotiator Mohammed Shtayyeh. Washington welcomed what it described as a positive development after months of deadlock in peace talks over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus refusal in 2010 to renew a freeze on most settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. Judeh, who hosted the meeting in the Jordanian capital, voiced cautious optimism. The two sides expressed their commitment to a two-state solution. We do not want to raise the level of expectations, but at the same time we do not want to minimise the importance of this meeting, he said. The Palestinians submitted a paper on borders and security. The Israeli side received it, promising to study it and respond, he said. Earlier last week, Israeli cabinet minister Dan Meridor said the fact that a meeting was taking place was a positive development but that it did not in itself constitute a return to direct talks. Erakat made the same point in an interview with Voice of Palestine radio. This meeting will be devoted to discussing the possibility of making a breakthrough that could lead to the resumption of negotiations. Therefore, it will not mark the resumption of negotiations, he said on January 2. AFP CAIRO Egyptian prosecutors on January 3 portrayed ousted president Hosni Mubarak as a tyrannical leader, as they made their opening arguments in his murder trial. The ailing former strongman, who was wheeled into court on a stretcher, is accused of involvement in the deaths of protesters during the uprising that overthrew him in February. His former interior minister Habib al-Adly and six security chiefs were also in the dock, as were his two sons Alaa and Gamal who are being tried on corruption charges. Mubarak, 83, was a tyrannical leader who sought to hand power to his younger son Gamal, who spread corruption in the country and opened the door to his friends and relatives, ruining the country without any accountability, said prosecutor Mustafa Suleiman.

Iraq toll 162,000

BAGHDAD About 162,000 people, most of them civilians, were killed in Iraq from the start of the 2003 US-led invasion up to last months withdrawal of American forces, British NGO Iraq Body Count said on January 2. IBC said about 79 percent of the fatalities were civilians, while the rest included US soldiers, Iraqi security forces and insurgents.

Ndour joins race

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak leaves a Cairo court on a stretcher after a hearing in his murder and corruption trial on January 2. Pic: AFP Judge Ahmed Refaat heard from the prosecution for an hour before adjourning the hearing to January 4. The prosecution has been given three days to make its case after Judge Refaat previously heard arguments from lawyers representing the families of the alleged victims. Mubarak is the first leader toppled in the Arab Spring uprisings to appear in court. The hearings began on August 3 after months of protests to pressure the military rulers to place the former strongman on trial along with ex-regime officials. There was a three months hiatus when lawyers for the alleged victims had tried to dismiss Judge Refaat, whom they accused of bias towards the defence. The request was subsequently denied. AFP DAKAR World-renowned Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour said on January 2 he is running for president in a bid to unseat incumbent Abdoulaye Wade whose plans for a third term have triggered unrest. Ndour, 52, has emerged as an outspoken critic of Wade, whose bid for a controversial third term in office has angered opposition and civil society groups, and tensions have led to violent clashes in recent months. AFP

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

Tigerfire (Guangzhou) Lighting Technology Corporation of 134 Xi Hua Road, Guangzhou, China is the assignor and Guangzhou Light Industry & Trade Group Ltd. of 147, Yanjiangxi Road, Guangzhou, P.R China, is the assignee; Owner and Sole Proprietor of following Trade Mark:

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

NOTICE is hereby given that SANYo SHokuHIN Co., LTD. a joint stock company duly organized under the laws of Japan, manufactures and merchants of Sanyo Akasaka Building, 3-5-2 Akasaka, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks:-

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

NOTICE is hereby given that BARToN & GuESTIER, a company organized and existing under the laws of France and having its principal office at 87, rue du Dehez, Chteau Magnol, Blanquefort, France is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks:-

(Reg: Nos. IV/2503/1996) Reg.No.IV/631/1999 Reg.No. IV/8756/2008 Reg.No.IV/10098/2011 Reg.No.IV/10099/2011 in respect of Flashlight. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. khine khine u, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (uk) For Tigerfire (Guangzhou) Lighting Technology Corporation and Guangzhou Light Industry & Trade Group Ltd. #731, 7th Fl., Traders Hotel, Yangon. Dated. January 9, 2012

(Reg: Nos. IV/5543/2005 & IV/11046/2011)

BARToN & GuESTIER

(Reg: Nos. IV/2505/1996) The above two trademarks are in respect of:instant noodles Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for SANYo SHokuHIN Co., LTD. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 9th January, 2012 (Reg: Nos. IV/494/1995 & IV/11047/2011) The above two trademarks are in respect of:Alcoholic beverages (except beers) in Class 33 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for BARToN & GuESTIER, P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 9th January, 2012

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Trouble stalks a paradise on earth

WAISAI, Indonesia Huts on stilts perch above the coral of the turquoise lagoon, hammocks awaiting a lazy siesta and sunset cocktails. The Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat is a living Eden. But for how long? This remote pearl of Asia between the Pacific and Indian oceans in eastern Indonesias Papua province has remained a closely guarded secret and one of the last frontiers of tourism, known only to intrepid travellers and avid divers. Raja Ampats palm-fringed islands, surrounded by an underwater kaleidoscope of coral and fish, are described by the regional tourism office as the last paradise on earth. A 2002 report by US-based Conservation International classed the waters as potentially the worlds richest in terms of marine biodiversity, with nearly 1400 varieties of fish and 603 species of coral. The 610 rocky islets of Raja Ampat meaning Four Kings in Indonesian cover an area of 4.5 million hectares (11 million acres), boasting 750 kilometres (450 miles) of pristine sandy beaches. Its the best diving in the world, said retired Londoner Pam Roth, 78, an the island of Kri, to up to 34 enthusiast for 33 years. privileged guests. But trouble is lurking. If they want this to be In the Papua mainland, a thousand kilometres another Bali, the tourists will southeast of Raja Ampat, calls leave, Praet said, referring to for independence by Papuas the Indonesian island which indigenous Melanesian is often seen as a victim of population that began mass tourism. We do not want to compete decades ago have become more vocal in recent years, with Bali, we do not want after Indonesias turn toward to develop big resorts like in Bali, said Hari Untoro democracy in 1998. Tribal and local leaders Dradjat, senior adviser at the accuse the government of National Tourism Ministry. Quality, not quantity, is robbing rich forests and mines, polluting water and the goal, he added. We land in the resource-rich believe in the protection of the region and putting little uniqueness of this area. The number of tourists back into one of the countrys arriving in Raja Ampat poorest areas. Because of the distance is actually still very low from the mainland, the compared to other tourism sparsely populated Raja destinations, nonetheless Ampat islands remain largely there are already signs of untouched by the troubles overcrowding on specific popular dive sites, said Mark for now. The small number of Erdmann, senior advisor for adventurers arriving each Conservation International year in the idyllic isles remain in Indonesia. The important thing will be focused on diving and nature, largely unaware of the to carefully manage tourism development to spread the problems of the region. So far, the islands have pressure over a greater area remained largely protected of Raja Ampat and avoid from another scourge: mass crowding on popular sites, he said. tourism. He welcomed a new They house only seven resorts (with three being regulation adopted in July built), each with a dozen restricting the number of villas at most. In addition, resorts to 20, about three 39 liveaboards with a times the present number. InMay2007,thegovernment maximum of 20 people on imposed an each vessel, ply the entrance fee of waters. In 2010, Raja If they 500,000 Indonesian rupiah ($56) for Ampat welcomed only 4515 visitors want this foreign visitors and 250,000 for one for every Indonesians, with 1000 hectares to be 30 percent of the each paying up to another p r o c e e d s g o i n g US$5000 a week for a villa nestled Bali, the to the regional tourism ministry in the mangroves or a cabin in a tourists and sthe vrest ofor, con er ati n traditional wooden education and boat. will health. But that could Raja Ampat is change, as the leave. eco tourism not islands gear up to mass tourism like attract and welcome Bali, said Lamatenggo, citing more tourists. Remoteness has been the as proof the recent creation of main bulwark against mass seven marine parks covering tourism. With no air link, the a total of 1.2 million hectares, most practical way is to land or 45 percent of the regions in Sorong, the closest town, reefs and mangroves. But the government and take a three- or four-hour ride on a ferry that began has refused to yield on development, despite operating in 2010. Signs of change are visible repeated objections by NGOs in a runway being hacked out in Indonesian Papua. Erdmann said construction of the forest, where chainsaws clearing the way for an airport was beginning to take its toll due to open in 2012 drown out on the fragile ecosystem. Raja Ampat right now birdsong. A road connecting the is already suffering from future airport runs beside a a number of ill-conceived stunning, translucent bay government infrastructure rich with coral that was once d e v e l o p m e n t p r o j e c t s , completely isolated but is especially from ring road threatened by the impending development around many of scourges of construction and the bigger islands, he said. There is in fact no real tourism. We hope it (the airport) justification for these roads, will bring many tourists from as the people of Raja Ampat many countries, said Yusdi do not have any cars or Lamatenggo, the regional motorbikes but rely on sea transportation, Erdmann tourism minister. But Jimmy Praet, manager said, adding that the work is of a company that pioneered smothering precious reefs. He complained that the tourism in Raja Ampat, is concerned that an airport government had turned a will make this place too deaf ear to calls for a system accessible: its so remote and of public ferries to transport people and goods, in large part unique now. Praets Papua Diving, because crooked contractors which opened the first resort and corrupt officials were in the mid 1990s, rents a promoting road projects, which dozen villas nestled between were being built haphazardly jungle and sandy beach or and with little regard for the perched above the lagoon on ecosystem. AFP

Starfish bask on a bed of sea grass in the waters off Raja Ampats Mansuar Island, in eastern Indonesias Papua region. The Raja Ampat archipelago has been nominated for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pic: AFP

TRADEMARk CAuTIoN NoTICE

FRASER AND NEAVE, LIMITED, a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its registered office at 438 Alexandra Road,#21-00 Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

TRADEMARk CAuTIoN NoTICE

Fraser and Neave, Limited, a company organized under the laws of Singapore and having its registered office at 438 Alexandra Road, #21-00 Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958 is the owner and sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:-

Reg. Nos. 4/2284/1962 & 4/6279/2008

Reg. Nos. 4/2031/1962 & 4/6281/2008 Used in respect of:Beer, ale, Stout in International Class 32.

Reg. No. 4/6284/2008

Reg. No. 4/6285/2008 Used in respect of:Beer, ale, lager, stout, porter; malt beverages; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit juices and fruit drinks; syrups and other preparations for making beverages. (International Class 32) Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Tin ohnmar Tun B.A(LAW) LL.B,LL.M(UK) P.O. Box 109,Ph: 0973150632 (For. Fraser and Neave, Limited, Singapore) Dated: 9th January, 2012

AMBER

Reg. Nos. 4/2033/1962 I& 4/6280/2008 Used in respect of:Beers and Stout in International Class 32. Any unauthorised use, imitation, infringements or fraudulent intentions of the above marks will be dealt with according to law. Tin ohnmar Tun B.A(LAW) LL.B,LL.M(UK) P.OBox109,Ph: 0973150632 (For. Fraser and Neave, Limited, Singapore) Dated. 9th January, 2012

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is unbeatable. A Hong Kong sushi restaurant owner paid the record price last year and Kimura added: I wanted to win the best tuna so that Japanese customers, not overseas, can enjoy it. Bluefin is usually the most expensive fish available at Tsukiji. It was sweet even without sugar or sake. It was a very delicate sweet taste, said female customer Noriko Nakai, 63. Decades of overfishing have seen global tuna stocks crash, leading some Western nations to call for a ban on catching endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna. Japan consumes three-quarters of the global catch of bluefin, a highly prized sushi ingredient known in Japan as kuro maguro (black tuna) and dubbed by sushi connoisseurs the black diamond because of its scarcity. You know, good things like this are appreciated in the whole world, said male customer Hirotaka Higurashi, 22, when asked about the overfishing issue. There is nothing we can do about it. AFP Sushi restaurant chain owner Kiyoshi Kimura with the $736,000 bluefin tuna at Tokyos Tsukiji fish market on January 5. Pic: AFP

MyanMar tiMes

Restaurateur pays $736,000 for very delicious tuna

TOKYO A wealthy restaurateur paid nearly US$750,000 for a tuna at Japans Tsukiji fish market on January 5, smashing the record price for a single bluefin. The 269-kilogramme (592-pound) fish caught off Japans northern Aomori prefecture fetched an eye-popping 56.49 million yen ($736,500) when the hammer came down in the first auction of the year. The figure dwarfs the previous record of 32.49 million yen paid at last years inaugural auction at Tsukiji, a huge working market that features on many Tokyo tourist itineraries. The winning bidder on January 5 was Kiyoshi Kimura, president of the company that runs the popular Sushi-Zanmai chain. At about 210,000 yen a kilogram, a single slice of sushi could cost as much as 5000 yen, but the firm plans to sell it at a more regular price of up to 418 yen, media reported. The flesh is coloured in magnificent red and the quality of fat is very good, Kimura said. It is very delicious. The taste

Singapore slashes ministers salaries

SINGAPORE Singapore will slash its leaders unpopular multi-milliondollar salaries by at least a third, new guidelines showed on January 4, but they will remain the worlds best-paid politicians. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who promised the salary review to ease public anger that surfaced in elections last year, will take a 36 percent reduction in basic pay to S$2.2 million (US$1.69 million). That is still the highest salary of any elected head of government in the world more than four times as much as Barack Obama who earns $400,000 a year as president of the United States. It is also more than 45 times the $36,200 annual salary, including allowances, that Manmohan Singh is paid as prime minister of India, a nation of 1.2 billion people. The Peoples Action Party (PAP), which has ruled Singapore since independence in 1965, has been on the defensive since its share of votes in the 2011 election fell to 60 percent, an all-time low. Among the hottest issues facing the PAP was ministers high pay, which the government has justified as necessary to attract talent from the private sector and to deter the corruption that afflicts other Asian countries. Under the new scale the city-states largely ceremonial president will see his pay reduced by 51pc to S$1.54 million, while entry-level cabinet members will receive half the premiers salary. Under the benchmarks unveiled on January 4, the salary of an entry-level cabinet minister is set at 60pc of the median income of the 1000 highest-earning Singaporean citizens, or about S$1.1 million. Popular local satirist Mr Brown wrote on Twitter: Why must ministerial salaries be pegged to the Top 1000 earners of Singapore? Why not the lowest 1000? You help the poorest, you make more. AFP

US pushes China to urge restraint by North Korea

SEOUL The United States has urged China to stress the need for restraint to its North Korean allies as Pyongyang undergoes a leadership transition, a senior US diplomat said on January 5. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who arrived in South Korea from talks in China, said he asked Beijing to consult closely with Washington on developments in the North. We also urge China to make clear the importance of restraint by the new North Korean leadership, Campbell told reporters after talks with Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan and other officials. The US also stressed that North Korea should take steps to improve relations with the ROK (South Korea) and to abide by its international obligations and commitments, he said. Campbell said better cross-border relations were essential in improving ties between the North and the international community. The United States bases 28,500 troops in the South to protect it from the North. Campbell said he stressed the strength of the alliance during his talks in Seoul. In all our meetings I underscored the strongest possible commitment of the US to the enduring partnership...and the determination to be tightly aligned as we together face the new leadership transition in North Korea, he said. In Beijing on January 4, Campbell urged all parties to refrain from any provocations after Kim Jong-Ils death. He was the first US diplomat to visit China the Norths sole major ally since the death. Meanwhile, South Korea said on January 5 it sees no major problems with the Norths leadership transition and wants better ties with its neighbour, despite Pyongyangs fierce criticism of traitors in Seoul. The assessments came from Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan and Unification Minister Yu Woo-Ik, days after the North threatened retaliation against their government. The communist state proclaimed Kim Jong-Un as great successor after the death of his father Kim Jong-il on December 17, but warned the world its policy remains unchanged. Yu told a briefing the North seems to be focused on solidifying the new leadership under difficult conditions but added: We see no major problems in the process. The untested Kim Jong-Un, in his late 20s, had barely three years to prepare to take over the impoverished but nuclear-armed state. Some analysts have questioned whether he can assert his authority. Yu, echoing comments on January 2 by the Souths President Lee Myung-Bak, said he sees this year as a significant turning point on the divided peninsula. He said the South should play a leading role to help the Norths new leadership make good choices about the future and bring about peace, prosperity and eventual reunification of the Korean peninsula. Pyongyangs top decisionmaking body the National Defence Commission vowed on December 30 never to have dealings with the Lee Myung-Bak group of traitors. It vowed unspecified retaliation for what it called insults by the Seoul government during the mourning period for Kim. AFP

Maldives lifts spa ban

COLOMBO The Maldives president said on January 4 he had lifted a ban on spas in the upmarket tourist destination after establishing they were not being used for prostitution, as alleged by Islamist protesters. The tourism ministry had ordered all massage and beauty treatment centres to close six days earlier in response to protests in the capital, Male, organised by a hardline Islamist opposition party. There was a huge demonstration in Male against spas, saying they were brothels, President Mohamed Nasheed told AFP by telephone. We had to respect the crowd so we ordered a quality control regarding their use. We found that they are perfectly healthy and places where families can obtain top class treatment. We feel comfortable that we can now open the spas. The private tourism industry in the Maldives had also sought the intervention of the Supreme Court to lift the ban, saying it was unnecessary and would deprive them of business. The tourism industry is a vital foreign exchange earner and employer in the Maldives, a popular high-end destination for affluent honeymooners and celebrities. The Indian Ocean island nation last year received more than 850,000 tourists, drawn to its secluded islands known for turquoise blue lagoons, coral and reefs filled with multi-coloured fish. AFP

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

Ricola Ltd., of Baselstrasse 31-4242 Laufen (Switzerland), is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

HSBC Holdings plc., of 8 Canada Square, London, E14 5HQ, United Kingdom, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

RICoLA
Reg. No. 3335/1998 in respect of Pharmaceutical preparations including medicated confectionery; non-medicated confectionery, tea. 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 Ricola Ltd. P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Dated: 9th January, 2012

HSBC
Reg. No. 6243/1997 in respect of:- Financial; banking, insurance, stockbroking and investment services; all included in Class 36. 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 HSBC Holdings plc. P. O. Box 60, Yangon. Dated: 9th January 2012

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Kabul gives approval for US, Taliban talks

KABUL The government of Afghanistan on January 4 gave its blessing to talks between Taliban insurgents and the United States and also to the opening of an office for the Islamists in Qatar. The hardline Taliban said the previous day it had come to an initial agreement with relevant sides including Qatar to set up its first representative office outside Afghanistan. The move is seen as a precursor to talks to end the bloody war between the Taliban and the US-backed government of President Hamid Karzai. Afghanistan, to save the country from war, conspiracies, the killing of innocent people and to reach peace, agrees with the negotiations between US and Taliban that will end up in creating an office for Taliban in Qatar, the government said in a statement. Kabul considers negotiations the only way to reach peace and end the war and violence that have been imposed on our people, the statement said. It added that the acceptance of the Taliban-US negotiations aimed to save our country and people from foreigners pretexts and servants who are used to continue war in Afghanistan. A government source who did not want to be named said this was a reference to Pakistan, which Karzai has in the past accused of undermining all negotiations with the Taliban. In Pakistan, a senior government official said in response to the Taliban statement: Afghanistan is a sovereign country and Pakistan will support any move which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Taliban has said that one of its main demands for negotiated peace would be for a prisoner exchange to include the release of their inmates from the USrun detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said no decisions have been made in that regard. But overall analysts hailed the move to open an office abroad as a step back from the Talibans previous refusal to negotiate until all foreign troops have left Afghan soil. I think this is positive news for peace in Afghanistan, Giran Hiwad, of the Kabul-based thinktank, Afghanistan Analysts Network, told AFP. Haroun Mir of Afghanistans Centre for Research and Policy Studies said the opening of an office would be good news for peace but a setback for Karzai as the Taliban pursued direct talks with Washington. The US said in reaction to the Taliban statement that the insurgents must abandon violence before any real peace process can begin in Afghanistan. We welcome any step along the road... of the Afghan-led process towards reconciliation, White House spokesman Jay Carney said. Weve always said that Taliban reconciliation would only come on the condition of breaking from al-Qaeda, abandoning violence and abiding by the Afghan constitution, and that remains the case. AFP

Briefs
Kidnappers want $2m, says victim
SYDNEY An Australian kidnapped by suspected Muslim extremists in the Philippines said his captors were demanding US$2 million in ransom as he pleaded for his life in a video released on January 5. A distressed-looking Warren Rodwell, 53, who was seized from his home in the southern town of Ipil on December 5, urged authorities to do all they can to secure his freedom. The Sydney Morning Herald, which obtained a copy of the video, said it was sent by the kidnappers to Rodwells Filipina wife, Miraflor Gutang, shortly before Christmas.

Afghan child bride Sahar Gul, 15, speaks to the media on December 31 as she recovers in a Kabul hospital from injuries allegedly inflicted by her mother-in-law. The teenager said she was beaten, had her fingernails pulled out and was burned by cigarettes after she defied attempts by her in-laws to force her into prostitution. Sahar Gul said she had been sold by her brother to her husband about seven months ago for US$5000. The Afghan government said on January 2 that Sahar Gul would be sent to India for medical treatment. An Oxfam report released in October said 87 percent of Afghan women report having experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence or forced marriage. Pic: AFP

Former drug agency chief jailed for life

PHNOM PENH A Cambodian court on January 5 sentenced the former chief of the countrys anti-drug agency and his aide to life in jail for corruption and narcotics trafficking, a court official said. Moek Dara, the former head of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, and his subordinate Chea Leng were found guilty of involvement in 32 cases of trafficking, prosecutor Phann Vanarath told AFP.

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

NOTICE is hereby given that Del Monte Corporation a company incorporated in the State of Delaware, U.S.A of One Maritime Plaza, San Francisco, California 94111 U.S.A is the Owner of the following trademarks:-

New Delhi backs $1.2b missile deal

NEW DELHI India has cleared a US$1.2 billion deal to buy 500 air-to-air missiles from European firm MBDA as it undergoes a major program to modernise its military, defence ministry officials said on January 5. The cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the deal the previous day as part of a previously-announced package to upgrade Indias 51 Mirage 2000 planes, a senior ministry source told AFP. The overall $2.4-billion Mirage package was approved in July last year, with the French firms Thales and Dassault Aviation signed up for work expected to last 10 years. Two aircraft have already been flown to France for upgrades and the rest will be modernised at staterun Hindustan Aeronautics facilities in India. India is also expected to decide shortly between rival bids from Frances Dassault and the Eurofighter consortium for a $12 billion fighter jet deal. The contract is for 18 combat aircraft with another 108 to be built in India with options to acquire more. AFP

Fine for artist to be reviewed

BEIJING The authorities in China have agreed to review a fine imposed on a firm linked to controversial artist Ai Weiwei, his lawyer Pu Zhiqiang said on January 5. Ai disappeared into custody for 81 days last year. On his release, the artist was charged with tax evasion linked to Fake Cultural Development Ltd, a firm founded by Ai but registered to his wife. Ai, 54, denies the tax evasion charges and insists the case is a politically motivated attempt to silence his activism.

(Reg: Nos. IV/3677/1993 & IV/11042/2011)

TRADE MARk CAuTIoN

YuNNAN YuNTIANHuA INTERNATIoNAL CHEMICAL Co., LTD., of No.1417, Dianchi Rd., Kunming City, Yunnan Province, P.R. China, is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following Trade Mark:

Commandos to protect tigers

BANG ALO RE, India Armed commandos are to be deployed in the jungles of southern India to deter poachers from capturing and killing endangered tigers, state government officials announced on Wednesday. The 54-strong Special Tiger Protection Force will patrol the two main tiger reserves of Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu state border, the Karnataka government in Bangalore said. The squad, which includes forest rangers, has undergone a threemonth course in jungle survival techniques as well as weapons training. India is home to half of the worlds rapidly dwindling wild tiger population but has been struggling to halt the big cats decline in the face of poachers, international smuggling networks and loss of habitat. The tiger population stands at about 1706, up slightly on the 1411 in 2006. AFP

(Reg: Nos. IV/3675/1993 & IV/11043/2011) (Reg: Nos. IV/1189/1979 & IV/11044/2011) The above three trademarks are in respect of:Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats, salad dressings, preserves; coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey; treacle; yeast, baking-powder, salt, mustard; vinegar; sauces (except for salad dressings), spices; alcoholic drinks and beverages, syrups and other non-alcoholic preparations for making such drinks and beverages Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Del Monte Corporation P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 9th January, 2012

DEL MoNTE

Tiger parts found in the post

BANGKOK Thai customs officials said on January 6 they had seized four boxes of smuggled tiger skins and bones worth tens of thousands of dollars in the post, believed to be destined for interior decoration. The tiger parts, found earlier last week at the central post office in Bangkok, were thought to have come from Indonesia and be destined for China, said Somchai Poolsawasdi, director general of Royal Thai Customs. He said the parcels were en route to Mae Sai in northern Thailand. AFP

Reg.No.IV/2814/1998 Reg.No.IV/5019/2008 in respect of Class 1: Compound fertilizer, diammonium phosphate, methanol, formalin, ammonium bicarbonate, battery sulphuric acid, cryolite, sodium fluorosilicate. Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said Trade Mark or other infringements will be dealt with according to law. khine khine u, Advocate LL.B, D.B.L, LL.M (uk) For YuNNAN YuNTIANHuA INTERNATIoNAL CHEMICAL Co., LTD., #731, 7th Fl., Traders Hotel, Yangon. Dated. January 9, 2012

Time out
By Zon Pann Pwint MANY famous film stars in Myanmar live in fashionable and impressive mansions. However, not all actors are so lucky, and for those older supporting actresses from the era of black-andwhite films, there is Mothers House to take care of their basic needs. Mothers House is a small community located in Aung Chan Thar quarter in Thanlyin township, where a dozen elderly actresses live together in four humble wooden houses. Among the residents is Daw Khin Lay Swe, who appeared in well-known fil ms suc h a s Ta Ky a ut HnaKyaut Tay Ko Thi (1971; Two Verses of a Song) and Shwe Kyi Ngwe Kyi Tan Par Lo (1975; A Gold and Silver Thread of Tender Attachment). I am very happy here. The time with my friends in the house has been very peaceful, she said. As I get older, I hardly appear on television anymore. I act much less than I used to and have more leisure time to spend. So I moved to Mothers House, where the residents are older and share a common interest in acting. Mothers House was founded in 2010 by actress Daw Nwe Nwe San, the fulfillment of her long-standing dream of establishing a home for elderly supporting actresses. Since I was young, I have often made contributions from my earnings to supporting actors, said Daw Nwe Nwe San, who won Academy Award for her supporting role in Tharaphu (Crown) in 1994. There was no security for actors when they grew old, which prompted me to found a home for them. But it took me a long time due to lack of support. She said she was finally pushed to take action after the dismaying deaths of actresses Daw Tin Tin Hla in 2009 and Daw Myint Myint Htay in 2004. Their deaths were not peaceful. They didnt have a place to settle when they passed away so that I decided to set up a home for old actresses at any cost, she said. Daw Nwe Nwe San started to ask for donations in 2009, and the following year the land was donated and the houses were built. My dream became possible when a well-wisher donated land that was covered with bamboo, said Daw Nwe Nwe San. After the land was cleared it took month to get donations to build the houses. Finally, Taw Win construction company built four wooden houses [in 2010], and we have lived here ever since. There are 12 of us staying here permanently, with three people in each house. Some go back home two days a week to see their families or personal physicians, she said. Funding for living expenses at Mothers Home comes partly from donations and partly from a traditional anyeint dance group formed by Daw Nwe Nwe San in 1994. The group consists of mature actresses who perform at social events if invited. Father Land construction group is now building a onestorey brick building near the original houses. It is expected to be finished in April, at which time some of

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Aging actresses find home of their own

If a leading actress gets K8 million, a supporting actress might make only K300,000, so they are not comfortable. Even well-known supporting actresses cant go to private clinics when they are sick. They need to queue to see doctors at the hospital, she said. Its sad to see older actresses having trouble finding a place to live. Some even stay in monasteries. I cant accept that the elderly supporting actresses who served the country in their own way should die in destitution, so I welcome them to stay at Mothers Home. Actress Daw Hteik Tin Htar, 71, moved to Mothers house just after construction of the four houses was completed at the beginning of the 2010 monsoon season. The actress gained fame for her roles in tragedies, and attracted audiences with her ability to express the emotions of her characters. But in the past five years her appearances in films have grown sparse. I used to live in a rented house in Tarmwe township. When the film industry hardly ever called me, it was hard for me to buy food and pay rent on my own, Daw Hteik Tin Htar said with tears in her eyes. She said her son and daughter are having trouble earning livings for themselves, and with six of her sibling having passed away, she felt very lonely. So I moved here. I regularly get a bag of rice, onions and cooking oil at no charge. I dont need to worry about food and a place to stay. At last, I am able to feel secure about my future, she said, adding: I regard Mothers House as a refuge for the destitute. I have a peaceful life here. My hobbies are cooking and growing plants. I grow parsnip and rosella. I make soups from the vegetables I grow while the other cook different curries, then we eat together everyday, she said. Im happy. I often quarrel and fight with others in the house, then we laugh out loud after the fight. Mothers Home resident Daw Phyo, 66, said she has daughters who could care for her but complained that they treat her like an old person. And at home, my grandchild nags me when I pray and when I go to bed. No one annoys me here. If I miss my grandchild, I can visit home, she said. I want to stay with my friends, freely chatting away and devoting more time to my hobby. I am very peaceful and tranquil here. Daw Aye Kyi, 87, whose film credits include Sa Kar Pyaw Thaw A Thae Hna Lone (1968; Talking Heart), said she plans to move into the new building when construction is complete in April. I am very happy here. We argue and talk about our families. I feel as if many siblings live together. At night, many of us sleep together on the floor, she said. Daw Khin Than Myint, 81, who in 1968 starred in a local adaptation of the US film The Parent Trap (1961), also expressed her appreciation for Mothers Home. When I first came here, I didnt want to leave because I was very bored at home. Everyday I was waiting for the day I could stay here, she said.

Daw Khin Than Myint (left) and Daw Nwe Nwe San attend a ceremony to lay the foundation for a new brick building at Mothers Home, funded by Father Land construction group, in November 2011. Pic: Supplied the residents will relocate to because of its regulations. They are very strict about the new building. Daw Nwe Nwe San said when residents must wake some of the residents fled up, pray together, eat and their homes when they had sleep. Here, they feel like arguments with their son-in- its an ordinary home. They are free to sleep, eat and laws and daughter-in-law. Before I opened Mothers meditate as they please. Daw Nwe Nwe San added Home, I lived in a rented house so I couldnt let them that problems faced by stay with me and I urged some aging actresses are them to return home, she exacerbated by the fact that the gap in pay between lead said. They also couldnt go and supporting actresses is to the Home for the Aged growing wider.

Photo fest returns to Yangon

By May Sandy THE fourth Yangon Photo Festival will be held at the French Institute from January 25 to February 4. This years festival which will include photo exhibitions, competitions and lectures by international professionals will focus on environmental issues. The goal of the festival is to give the new generation of Myanmar photographers the tools to compete at an international level, said Valentine Xnos, head of the cultural mission at the French Institute. Our fourth edition will be a unique opportunity to raise awareness on environmental issues in Myanmar and worldwide. Each year, the French Institute provides four or five intensive photo-essay workshops for amateur and professional photographers. This year, the first workshop will be held from January 14 to 21, led by French photographer Christophe Lovigny. Designed for professionals and those who have already developed a special interest in photography, the intensive workshop in English will focus on expanding the participants skills by creating a narrative photo essay. The best works will be screened on January 28, and prizes worth US$4000 will be awarded. Eight exhibitions will be also held at the French Institute starting on January 28. These include Fukushima by Christine Cibert (France), The Moken, Sea Gypsies by Andrew Testa (UK), Pollution in China by Lu Guang (China), Water Is Life by MAK Remissa/Asia Motion (Cambodia), The Honey Gathers by Eric Tourneret (France), White Russia by Alexander Gronsky (Russia), Shanghai: Memories and Prejudice by Vincent Su (China), and Katrina by Cedric Faimali/Collectif Argos (France). Additionally, an exhibition by French photographer Nicolas Dubreuil titled Poles will be held at Alamanda Inn starting on January 27. A series of lectures on environmental issues will also be scheduled during the festival. Subjects will include the Dawei port project by Zaw Oo, director of environmental NGO Loka Ahlinn; media incidents in China by Dr Cao Pinxin, dean of the School of Photography at Communication University of China Nanjing; and environmental issues in China by Jean Lh, owner of the Beaugeste Gallery in Shanghai, and Christophe Lovigny. A photo contest sponsored by Canon and Kodak will also be held during the Yangon Photo Festival, under the theme Nature in the City. The contest is open to all photographers. Participants must submit three different 9x12 inch photographs printed on Kodak paper, to the French Institute before January 14. For more information on the festival, contest or photo-essay workshop, contact Didi, Adeline or Valentine at the French Institute, 340 Pyay Road, Yangon; Tel 536-900, 537-122.

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Generous gift of Dhamma presented by Thai princess

By Zon Pann Pwint IN 1999 the Dhamma Society of Thailand, founded by Maniratana Bunnag, started work on revising the phonetic Roman version o f t h e Pa l i - l a n g u a g e Tipitaka, the three books of the Buddhist cannon. The project was completed in 2005. Last month, members of the Dhamma Society led by Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand brought a copy of the 40-volume, Roman-script Tipitaka to Myanmar. The set was presented to Dr Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa, chairman of the State Samgha Mah Nyaka Committee, at a ceremony held at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon on December 18. Dr Aung Maw, chancellor of the Dhamma Society of Myanmar, said the Romans c r i p t Ti p i t a k a w o u l d play an important part in spreading Buddhism globally. People from the West find it difficult to learn the Tipitaka [in Pali], which was written in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India where the Buddha gained enlightenment, he said. They cant read the Tipitaka. They can only study Chronicle of Buddha in English, which is not a satisfying means of learning about the Buddhas teachings, said Dr Aung Maw, who has contributed to the development of a Tipitaka database and digital Tipitaka edition. The Pali Tipitaka consists of three parts: Suttantapitaka (book on the discourses), where scholars will be able to study the text. Colonel Suradhaj Bunnag, the chancellor of Dhamma Society of Thailand and son of Maniratana Bunnag, told The Myanmar Times by email that preparing the 40-volume set was a mammoth task. In the past, collating and editing the Tipitaka was work done only by emperors and kings. With all humility and modesty, we in the Dhamma Society never dreamt of performing the whole task, he said. At first we only thought of re-publishing an existing version but after checking the Roman-script manuscripts of the wellknown Vippassana Research Institute [VRI] Edition, we found many printing errors, he said. After informing the president of the VRI about the errors, the Dhamma Society started proofreading the Roman version, a process that was repeated three times by scholars and took six years to complete. Printed copies of the revised Roman version were released in 2005, and since then more than 40 institutions in 20 countries have received printed copies as a royal gift from Thailand. The Dhamma Society spent another six years digitising the updated Roman version, a project that was completed last year. We realised this was a special deed that we were privileged to be involved in. We never thought the Tipitaka was our own, but we feel that it belongs to all humanity. We were simply contributing what little we could, Suradhaj Bunnag said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attends the National League for Democracy charity concert at Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon on December 30. Pic: Thet Htoo

NLD charity gig raises K30 million

By Kyaw Hsu Mon A FUNFAIR and concert held by the National League for Democracy on December 30 raised K32.5 million for the education of ethnic people in Myanmar. Pa r t i c i p a n t s d e e m e d the event a great success, despite the fact that it was rescheduled from its original date of December 15, and the venue was changed from Thuwunna Stadium to the Myanmar Convection Centre. More than 60 booths were set up at the funfair, where vendors sold handicrafts and souvenirs such as calendars, t-shirts, scarves, notebooks, bags and picture frames bearing the likenesses of Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Many people came today, I think more than 20,000 throughout the day, said one vendor, Ma Aye Mi. They wanted to buy t-shirts and scarves with images of Bogyoke and Aunty Suu. We want our children to know who Bogyoke Aung San is. Thats why we brought them here, said one father from Mayangone township. A housewife from Kyauktada township said she was initially afraid to visit the funfair because of the danger of bomb explosions, but in the end she could not control [her] desire and overcame her fears to attend. While the funfair started at 8am, the stage show lasted from 4:30pm to 2am, attended by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and featuring eight bands and 90 singers. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi enjoyed the stage show up to 8pm, said one NLD Youth member. Many singers donated their money to the cause of educating ethnic people, including R Zarni and Tun Eaindra Bo, who each gave K300,000. At the same time, many singers opened their hearts to the audience while they were onstage. I will not be a politician but I will continue social work for the benefit of civil society, Saung Oo Hlaing told to the audience. An auction was also held for a t-shirt signed by the nearly 100 musicians who participated in the concert. The bidding started at K3 million and eventually topped out at K12.5 million in a final bid made by Daw Malar Win, managing director of Common Purpose Co Ltd. Daw Malar Win said she was happy to pay the amount to help the education of ethnic people.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand (left) carries a copy of the Tipitaka in Roman script at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin Hall on December 18. Pic: Pe Myint Oo Abhidhammapitaka (book on the ultimate realities) and Vinayapitaka (book on the disciplines). The words of the Buddha were first compiled in the Tipitaka at the First Great I n t e r n a t i o n a l Ti p i t a k a Council in Rajagaha, India, around 543 BCE. Subsequently, councils were held in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos to verify and propagate the Buddhas teachings. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand attended the Sixth Great International Tipitaka Council held at Mahapasana Cave at Kaba Aye Pagoda in Yangon in 1957. The translation of the Tipitaka into the Roman phonetic alphabet was based on the revised version of the Pali manuscript from the Sixth Great International Tipitaka Council in Yangon, where respected monks from all over the world gathered and recited the Tipitaka to verify the text, Dr Aung Maw said. He added that Dr Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa has asked Thailand for another four sets of the Roman Tipitaka for Buddhist universities in Myanmar,

Jackson kids to make dads prints in Hwood

LOS ANGELES Michael Jacksons three children are to sink their fathers shoes and famous sequined glove into the cement outside a storied Hollywood cinema and tourist site, organisers said last week. In a rare public appearance, Prince, Paris and Blanket will make their late fathers mark in the cement outside the Graumans Chinese Theatre on January 26. The entrance to t h e h ist oric cin e ma on Hollywood Boulevard is a major tourist attraction, with hand and footprints of movie stars and filmmakers from over the decades. The vast majority of those with prints at the G r a u m a n s i n c l u d i n g icons like Fred Astaire, E l i z a b e t h Ta y l o r, J u d y Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier and Clark Gable are from the movie world. The Graumans Chinese Theatre forecourt is one of the most photographed tourist sites in the world, annually attracting as many visitors as the Taj Mahal i n I n d i a a n d t h e Pr a d o Museum in Madrid, said a statement. AFP

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with a 12-year-old girl, Lolita style embodies the childhood world of fairytales and comic-book fantasy. Over the last 20 years, it has developed and splintered into a broad range of subdivisions, taking on elements of the Gothic from black roses and coffin jewellery to the pseudo-holy, with some girls sporting crucifixes. One young woman in Tokyos Lolita heartland of Harajuku, who gave her name only as Mina, introduced herself as wearing Black Lolita, which is a little different from the orthodox Lolita. Mina, in her late teens, said Black Lolita is a mix of Sweet Lolita a style that makes heavy use of furs, including stuffed animals and fake rabbit ears and Gothic Lolita, which employs black ribbons, lace, pearls and satin, while maintaining the Lolita basic of large skirts. There is also Classical Lolita, which is more mature looking, she said. One thing all Lolita styles have in common is the distinct hint of sexuality and burlesque. A model displays a creation designed by a student of Japans Vantan design school at their fashion show in Tokyo on October 22. Pic: AFP Japanese girls love cute things, but they also love things that are slightly disturbing, said designer Maiko Fujii, standing next to a girl modelling her interpretation of Snow White, decked out in Gothic Lolita lingerie. I think girls sometimes get enthralled by something forbidden, something ghastly, she said. Fujii, who studies the Lolita style at Tokyo-based Va n t a n d e s i g n s c h o o l , dressed her Snow White in a camisole with dark red chiffon and black knee-high stockings. Fujii said she found Snow White a perfect subject for her slightly disturbing Lolita image after discovering in the fairy tale that she was supposed to be only 12 or so when she married the prince. Satomi Tsuchiya, 20, a school friend of Fujii, said: I think we want to show somehow that we are not just cute. Norinao Tanaka, associate professor of fashion sociology at Bunka Gakuen University, sees the Lolita style as a manifestation of a psychological state unique to Japanese youngsters. The Lolita style in general represents the world of childhood, the time before girls achieve their womanly sexuality, Tanaka said. They live in the inner world of cuteness and immaturity, as if they are refusing to grow into an a d u lt , h e sa id . Th e y seem to rebel against the styles of certain age groups imposed by society. Maybe for that reason, the Lolita style seems to be confined to a fairly small demographic. Designer Fujii, who wore a simple short skirt and t-shirt, said at 25 she already felt too old to wear the costumes she designs. Kanami Naoi, an 18-yearold design school student, who wore a bright red, fluffy skirt with a white beret, said the style was very doll-like and could be difficult for older women to pull off. It depends on who wears it, but maybe 30 is too old. I would say 25 is a close call, she said. But Imari Sato, 18, was more forgiving. I think its fine to wear it as long as it makes you happy, she said. AFP

MyanMar tiMes

Japans Lolita style cutesy and disturbing

By Harumi Ozawa TO K Y O O u t l a n d i s h pannier skirts with layers of frilly lace; teenage girls with larger-than-life makeup; a dash of sexuality and lashings of Victoriana are the order of the day for Japans Lolita girls. What began as a street fashion two decades ago as youngsters aped the doll-like European styles of baroque and rococo has morphed into a nearmainstream movement, with dozens of offshoots. Popular Lolita models such as Misako Aoki were big hits at this autumns Japan Fashion Week, showing off white parasols and pastel pink puff sleeves with highlaced boots, tiny top hats and huge ribbons. This is definitely one of the latest trends in Japans fashion world, said Akiko Shinoda, a director for the Japan Fashion Week Organisation, adding Lolitas appeared for the first time last year at the twice-ayear show. I think it will survive as one distinct category in Japan. Taking its name from the title of Vladimir Nabokovs novel about a middle-aged mans sexual obsession

Louvre breaks visitors record

PA R I S T h e L o u v r e cemented its position as the worlds most-visited museum with a record 8.8 million visitors last year to the Paris home of Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa and other masterpieces. The Louvre saw a 5 percent increase in visitors in 2011, after three years in a row in which about 8.5 million people had visited the museum, it said in a statement. The museum said it enjoyed a strong return of American visits and a more and more marked presence of visitors from emerging countries. Vi s i t o r s f r o m a b r o a d accounted for 66pc of the museums attendees, led by tourists from the United States, followed by Brazil, Italy, Australia and China. The number of visitors to French museums is expected to have grown overall by more than 5pc last year to about 27 million, French heritage officials said last month. According to a survey by London-based The Art Newspaper, the second most-visited museum in 2010 was the British Museum, with 5.8 million visitors, followed by New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art with 5.2 million. AFP

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Network Marketing Bye Bye 2011 Customer Lucky Draw

Meryl Streep on blue carpet for UK premiere of Margaret Thatcher film

LONDON Meryl Streep took to a specially laid blue carpet last week for the European premiere of The Iron Lady, the biopic of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher that could win her an Oscar. Streep braved the drizzle to walk up the carpet matching Thatchers trademark blue outfits and her Conservative partys traditional colour at the BFI Southbank in central London on January 4. Her performance as the grocers daughter who changed the face of Britain has earned her a Golden Globe nomination, putting her in line to win the third Oscar of her career next month. While Streeps acting has won acclaim, early reviews were mixed. Times reviewer Kate Muir gave the film three stars out of five, calling it a performance of great depth that is condemned to stay in the shallow end. Muir criticised the films emphasis on feminism over politics which left the Thatcher years almost unrecognisable. The staunchly Conservative Daily Mail awarded only two stars, running the headline: An Oscar prospect, yes but a great film? No! No! No!, echoing one of Thatchers most famous speeches. Film critics have pointed to Streeps bouffant hair and clothes in the role as near-perfect, and the distinctive voice that Thatcher worked so hard to perfect booms throughout the film. Streep confessed she knew little about Thatchers policies before accepting the role but defended the decision to make a film about a woman who remains a divisive figure in Britain. That was part of what made it interesting, because people tended to look at her either as the saviour or the destroyer of the UK. And at this point in time the feelings are still as vehement it seems to me, she said at the premiere. Director Phyllida Lloyd revealed last week that Thatchers family had turned down an invitation to a public screening of the film. We did make contact with the family some time ago to tell them what we were trying to do but they perhaps quite understandably have sort of stepped back from the whole thing. I can quite understand them not wanting to see it in the public gaze so we are not actually sure whether they have seen it or not. AFP

U Than Naing

Managing director U Khin Maung Aye Ko Htain Lin Aung

Dr Ei Ei Phyo

Jasper House Restaurant Opening

Ni Nee, Yon Yone and guests

Ni Nee and Yon Yone

Elton John wants Justin Timberlake to play him in biopic

LOS ANGELES Elton John is working on a biopic about himself and would like Justin Timberlake to take on the lead role, he said in an interview published last week. The British veteran star also spoke about his and partner David Furnishs love for their son Zachary whose first birthday was on Christmas Day saying the child was the light of our lives. An announcement about the biopic is due very soon, the 64-year-old told the Los Angeles Times newspaper. Thats very much in the works. Were making an announcement about that very, very soon. We have a director on board, and then its just going to be a matter of getting the script exactly the way we want it, he said. Lee Hall, who wrote mega-hit Billy Elliot, has written the screenplay, he said, adding they will soon start trying to cast and plan production. On who will play him, he said: I dont know. Ive got a wish list of people. No 1 on my wish list is Justin Timberlake, because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of [Elton classic] Rocket Man and was superb. The film will be a jukebox musical with possibly a couple of new songs, he said. Its going to be a surreal look at my life, and not just a factual look at my life I just dont want it to be a normal biopic because my life hasnt been like that, he added. The singer who is nominated for a Golden Globe on January 15 for his song Hello, Hello from the film Gnomeo & Juliet, will be back in the studio soon to record a new album but insisted his days as a top-40 pop star are over. As Elton John, my days on pop radio are over, and I know that and I accept it and Im not unhappy about it. Its a different time of my life now, and it gives me the freedom to do whatever kind of music I want to do, he said. AFP

The Street Bar and Restaurant Opening

Hlwan Paing and Htet Htet

Yan Yann Chan and Chilli

May Grace Parry

Bossini Seasonal Fashion Show

Manila promises help for Jason Bourne

MANILA Even movie super-spy Jason Bourne needs help against the nightmarish traffic in the Philippine capital Manila, the citys administrator said last week. Metro Manila chairman Francis Tolentino is taking steps to avoid chaos on the roads when the latest installment in the blockbuster series, The Bourne Legacy, starts filming in this country later this month. Some of the major roads in the trafficclogged city will be used for car chases and action sequences, Tolentino said. Motorists will be advised about alternative routes during shooting days, he said, adding that teams will be deployed for crowd control and to re-direct traffic. The movie will be shown worldwide. Its best that we clean the area first before filming, Tolentino told reporters. We will advise the neighbourhoods concerned to be more sensitive to the once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunity. The character of Jason Bourne, a CIA agent suffering from memory loss, was originally created in a series of books by Robert Ludlum which in turn have been turned into hugely successful movies: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, all starring Matt Damon in the title role. AFP
Mr Andy Lee Daw Nang Ei Ei Zar and Ma Cho Thet Nwe

Bossini staff

Thandar Hlaing

37
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soCiAlite
January 9 - 15, 2012
This week Socialite has so much to offer with exciting photos from the events during holiday period. She started off with the opening party for The Street Bar and Restaurant at the Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel compound on December 22 , and the Miss Christmas 2011 contest at Traders Hotel on December 23. On the Christmas Day, she took part in the Karen New Year celebration in Ahlone township. On December 27 Socialite joined Network Marketings year-end lucky draw event, and the following day attended the launch of Daeng Gi Meo Ri Korean Shampoo at Sedona Hotel before heading to the Bossini Seasonal Fashion Show at Traders Hotel. Socialites footsteps then led to the 4th Grand Art Stream Family Art Exhibition Donation Ceremony and Kandawgyi Park for the Miss Drs Secret 2011 contest. On New Years Eve she went to the Jasper Restaurant opening and attended the Art of Freedom Festival at Taw Win Centre. The rest of the night is a bit of a blur, but the next day she found herself at the opening of Colour Plus Fashion at Dagon Centre II to start off the New Year.

MyanMar tiMes
Art of Freedom Film Festival

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi

Ko Pauk

Thet Mon Myint

Zaw Latt and Wai Thit Lwin

Colour Plus Fashion Opening

Karen New Year Celebration

4th Grand Art Stream Family Art Exhibition Donation Ceremony

Ma Cho and Ma Khin Sadar Kyaw

Khin Sadar Kyaw and staff

Miss Drs Secret 2011

Ms Annie

Artisit U Lun Kywe and family

Hein Wai Yan

U Myo Min and model

Daeng Gi Meo Ri Korean Cosmetic Launch

Ma Khaing Myo and Ma Thiri Win Kyaw

Mr Charles Lim

Ko Kyaw Zeya

Ms Hae Kyun Joe

Miss Christmas 2011

Me N Ma Girls performance

Models

trAvel
January 9 - 15, 2012
the

38
MyanMar tiMes

Beauty, contrast on the Ayeyarwady

By Aye Min Tun DURING the winter months, when rainfall is scarce in Myanmar, the Ayeyarwady River retreats to its mother channel, becoming quite narrow in some areas and impassably shallow in others. Sandbanks that are hidden during the monsoon season emerge from beneath the surface after the heavy rains stop. In Bhamo in Kachin State, this wintertime transformation means that boats must dock quite far from the town, as the water becomes too low for a close approach. I visited Bhamo in December, and reaching the dock from the town required taking a shabby bullock cart across the sand dunes, through the flying dust. I could see the river flowing in the distance, long before we reached it. The scene at the riverbank was hectic, with dockworkers shouting and snarling at one another as they loaded goods onto the moored boats. I quickly found the boat I would be taking downstream to Mandalay, a two-deck China-made vessel named the Pyai Gyi Tagon (3). With three loud whistle blasts, our boat took off downstream at 3:30pm. Within two hours we reached the Second Defile of the Ayeyarwady River, just as the sun was setting beyond the hills and disgorging orange fluff over the skyline. The Second Defile was 23 kilometres (14 miles) long. The winter conditions meant that in some areas rocks jutted from beneath the surface. The current was fast, and our boat moved quickly between the cliffs on the right-hand side and the river road on The ship resumed its journey at 5am the next day. Two hours later we slid into the Third Defile of the Ayeyarwady, where the water was dark green with rocky banks hinting at its depth. Four hours later we cleared the gorge and river widened, its channels spreading like fingers with spacious sandbanks in between. Later in the day we passed the village of Nwe Nyein, whose residents are potters. Glazed pots were piled on the riverbank, glittering in the sun. They were destined to be fitted with rattan ropes to make rafts and floated down to the Ayeyarwady delta, where they would be sold at villages for use in fermenting fish. We passed more villages and farms on both sides of the river. Far from the banks, farmers worked at peanut and sugarcane plantations. Tomatoes planted in the sandy soil reddened in the sizzling sun. Life along the river was a study of beauty and confusing contrasts, with ferries, fishing boats, farmland, wasteland and jumbles of huts all sketched in by the brush of nature. As the sunlight faded in the early evening, we neared Gaw Wein Jetty in Mandalay, our destination. Our ship would stop there. I would get off there. But the Ayeyarwady River would go on forever.

AIRLINE OFFICES
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Air Asia (FD) 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

Air China (CA)

Building (2), corner of Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon, 8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 666112, 655882.

Bangkok Airways (PG)

Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp,

Air India

75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

Glazed pots are floated downstream on the Ayeyarwady River for sale in the delta region. Pic: Douglas Long the left, where I could see the sparkling headlights of trucks travelling overland to and from Bhamo. Night had fallen by the time we exited the defile. Light twinkled from small cooking fires on the fishing boats we passed. At 7pm the boat docked at the town of Shwegu, and 15 minutes later we were off again, loud goodbyes and the shouts of vendors fading in the distance behind us. The winter night was freezing cold. As the moon waned toward the horizon, more and more stars dotted the sky. Fog also started rising from the water, and by 9pm it was so thick that we had to moor overnight at a sandbank in the middle of the river. With the ships engines and lights turned off, the night became very tranquil, the silence broken only by the whisper of the current. The next morning dawned chilly and foggy, and the sunlight barely penetrated the thick mist. It wasnt until 9am that the fog dispersed and we were able to set forth on our second day on the Ayeyarwady River. Egrets and ruddy shelducks sunbathed on the scattered sandbanks, cranes flew across the sky and the occasional Ayeyarwady dolphin frolicked in the water. Such a kaleidoscopic view filled me with inspiration. This was the Ayeyarwady that had flowed through time and history, sometimes in might, sometimes in anger, sometimes in retreat. The ship reached Katha dock at noon and stopped there for half an hour, which was enough for me to have lunch and look around the riverside market. After Katha the river broadened a bit. At 5pm we reached Hti Gyke village, which had no dock. Passengers had to disembark by walking across a narrow wooden plank propped against the ships lower deck from the bank. When he left Hti Gyke, the Ayeyarwady was dozing under the shimmering light of the setting sun. Night fell, and we arrived at Tagaung at 9pm. The town, said to be the first capital of the original Myanmar people, was grave, silent and dark. I couldnt even see the towns riverside pagodas from the boat. An hour later we docked at Kya-nyat for the night. The wind whispered in my ears like icy dew and I fell into a wintry reverie.

Myanmar Airways International(8M)

08-02, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290

Silk Air(MI)

Thai Airways (TG)

#11-01, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255499 Fax : 255490

New, and reopening, destinations for 2012

By Andrea Sachs WHATS new or newly reopening in 2012? So much. Heres a short list. Egypts minister of state for antiquities recently announced the partial reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor, which had been closed for renovations. The department will unveil a 152-metre (500-foot) stretch of the 2.8-kilometre (1.7mile) avenue, lined with hundreds of the mythical creatures, in mid-March. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium debuts January 21, with 40-plus tanks swimming with sand tiger sharks, native brook trout, piranhas, madtom catfish and more. The attraction is in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse on the west bank of the Flats. Practice those Spidey skills on the new SkyPoint Climb on Australias Gold Coast. The countrys highest external building walk starts on Level 77 of the residential Q1 tower and mounts nearly 300 stairs to the summit, almost 273 metres (900 feet) above sea level. Tours by day or at twilight begin January 14. The Mob Museum, alias the National Museum of Organised Crime and Law Enforcement, makes its mark in downtown Las Vegas on February 14. Housed in a former federal courthouse, the attraction focuses on the colourful and contentious history of organised crime and law enforcement. LeMay-Americas Car Museum rolls out the hot wheels June 2. The Tacoma, Washington, venue will feature a four-story museum and up to 500 cars, trucks and motorcycles, including the LeMay collection, which earned a Guinness record for amassing more than 3500 vehicles in the mid1990s. A few to watch for in New York: The Museum for African Art will move to a new location on the Museum Mile; the Museum of Mathematics, at 11 E. 26 th Street; the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, set to open at the World Trade Centre site on that unforgettable date. The Washington Post

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

#1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

Domestic Airlines
Yangon Airways(YH)

166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)

56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

AIR KBZ (K7)

33-49,Corner of Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport) Fax: 372983

Air Mandalay (6T)

146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488 (Head Office) 720309, 652753, 652754 (Airport Office), Fax: 525 937

Asian Wings (AW)

No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar. Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-73135991~3.Fax: 951 532333

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trAvel
January 9 - 15, 2012

MyanMar tiMes

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES

DAYS
MON

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES

DAYS
SUN

Flight
6T 405 AW 891 6T 401 K7 222 W9 011 AW 761 K7 824 6T 451 6T 501 YH 909 6T 405 W9 251 6T 401 YH 729 6T 451 K7 226 AW 791 6T 501 AW 891 6T 401 K7 222 6T 331 K7 824 YH 737 6T 451 W9 261 YH 731 6T 501 YH 909 AW 891 6T 401 6T 405 AW 201 W9 255 YH 729 K7 622 6T 451 YH 731 AW 891 6T 405 W9 251 6T 401 YH 917 K7 222 AW 751 K7 824 6T 451 YH 731 W9 271 6T 403 YH 909 6T 401 AW 601 YH 729 6T 501 AW 891 YH 909 AW 891 6T 401 K7 822 W9 255 6T 331 K7 622 AW 751 6T 451 6T 501

Dep Arr
06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 07:30 11:00 11:00 11:30 15:00 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 11:00 11:30 11:00 15:00 16:30 06:15 06:30 06:30 07:00 11:00 11:00 11:30 13:30 15:00 16:30 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 10:30 11:25 11:30 15:00 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:30 11:00 11:00 11:30 15:00 06:00 06:15 06:15 06:15 07:00 10:30 15:30 16:15 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 07:00 11:00 11:00 11:30 15:00 08:20 08:20 08:20 08:40 08:30 12:55 12:25 12:55 17:00 07:55 08:20 07:55 08:35 12:40 12:55 12:25 16:25 17:55 08:20 08:35 08:40 08:25 12:25 13:10 12:55 07:55 17:10 17:55 07:55 08:20 08:20 08:20 07:55 08:55 13:30 12:25 12:55 17:10 08:20 08:20 07:55 08:35 08:50 08:40 12:25 12:25 12:55 17:10 07:25 07:40 07:55 08:20 08:25 13:30 17:30 08:20 08:30 08:20 08:20 08:35 08:55 08:25 12:25 12:25 12:55 17:00

DAYS
TUE

Flight
W9 009 6T 406 6T 402 YH 910 W9 011 YH 812 W9 251 K7 227 W9 150 AW 762 YH 730 6T 502 W9 009 AW 892 6T 406 6T 332 6T 402 W9 021 K7 825 YH 738 6T 502 W9 009 AW 892 6T 402 6T 406 YH 812 W9 021 K7 623 AW 762 YH 730 6T 502 W9 009 AW 892 6T 406 YH 918 6T 402 K7 223 AW 202 W9 251 K7 825 YH 731 6T 502 W9 232 YH 728 AW 892 6T 404 W9 011 W9 262 AW 602 YH 812 YH 730 6T 502 W9 009 AW 892 YH 910 6T 402 6T 332 W9 011 W9 256 K7 823 YH 812 K7 623 AW 752 YH 738 6T 502

Dep Arr
08:30 08:40 08:55 09:25 09:25 13:25 13:35 15:05 16:20 16:25 17:20 18:15 08:30 08:35 08:40 08:45 08:55 14:10 15:45 17:10 18:15 08:30 08:35 08:40 08:40 13:10 14:10 15:45 16:25 17:15 17:20 08:30 08:35 08:40 08:50 08:55 09:00 11:00 13:35 15:45 17:10 17:20 17:35 17:45 08:35 08:00 09:25 10:50 12:20 13:10 17:15 17:50 08:30 08:35 08:35 08:40 08:45 09:25 11:20 11:55 13:10 15:45 17:10 17:10 17:20 09:30 10:05 10:55 10:50 11:10 14:50 15:00 16:30 17:45 17:50 18:45 20:20 09:30 10:30 10:40 10:10 10:55 15:10 17:10 18:35 20:20 09:30 10:30 10:40 10:40 14:35 15:10 17:10 17:50 18:45 19:25 09:30 10:30 10:05 10:45 10:55 11:05 12:25 15:00 17:10 19:25 19:25 19:00 19:10 10:30 10:05 11:10 12:15 13:45 14:35 18:45 19:55 09:30 10:30 10:00 10:40 10:10 11:10 12:45 14:00 14:35 17:10 18:35 18:35 19:25

DAYS
THUR

Flight
AW 891 6T 401 6T 405 W9 009 YH 917 6T 405 AW 891 W9 009 6T 401 K7 222 YH 917 6T 361 AW 891 6T 401 6T 403 W9 009 YH 917 6T 451 W9 143 AW 891 6T 401 YH 909 W9 009 YH 917

Dep Arr
06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:45 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 10:30 06:00 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 07:35 07:35 07:35 07:25 08:05 07:35 07:35 07:25 07:50 07:50 08:05 08:05 07:35 07:35 08:30 07:25 08:05 11:50 07:20 07:35 07:35 07:50 07:25 08:05

Flight
K7 822 W9 115 YH 811 6T 501 YH 731 YH 737 W9 143 AW 892 6T 402 6T 406 YH 918 W9 011 K7 223 AW 892 YH 918 W9 011 6T 402 K7 827 W9 116 W9 143 AW 892 YH 918 6T 402 K7 223 W9 143 6T 402 6T 406 YH 918 K7 823 W9 143 AW 892 YH 918 6T 402 K7 223 W9 143 AW 892 YH 918 6T 402 K7 827 AW 892 6T 402 YH 918 W9 011 6T 362 K7 823 W9 116 YH 738

Dep Arr
06:30 11:00 11:00 15:00 15:00 11:00 09:05 09:20 09:30 09:30 09:35 09:40 09:55 09:20 09:35 09:40 09:45 10:30 16:45 09:05 09:20 09:35 09:45 09:55 09:05 09:30 09:30 09:35 10:30 09:05 09:20 09:35 09:45 09:55 09:05 09:20 09:35 10:20 10:30 09:20 09:30 09:35 09:40 09:55 12:50 16:45 17:20 07:40 12:10 12:25 16:10 16:25 12:25 10:15 10:30 10:40 10:40 10:45 10:35 11:05 10:30 10:45 10:35 10:55 11:40 17:55 10:15 10:30 10:45 10:55 11:05 10:15 10:40 10:40 10:45 11:40 10:15 10:30 10:45 10:55 11:05 10:15 10:30 10:45 11:30 11:40 10:30 10:40 10:45 10:35 11:08 14:00 17:55 18:35

Flight
MON FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306 TUE FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306

Dep
08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:30 08:50 09:50 10:55 16:30 16:40 17:40 19:45 08:40 10:10 14:15 16:40 08:00 10:10 14:15 16:40 08:00 10:10 11:25 16:40 08:00 10:10 14:15 16:40 17:30 08:00 10:10 11:25 16:40 17:30

Arr
10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 10:15 10:35 11:45 12:50 18:15 18:35 19:25 21:40 13:05 14:45 18:40 21:15 12:25 14:45 18:40 21:15 12:25 14:45 15:50 21:15 12:25 14:45 18:40 21:15 22:05 12:25 14:45 15:50 21:15 22:05

Flight
SAT 8M 231 MI 511 8M 6232 MI 517 MI 519 8M 231 MI 511 8M 233 MI 517 MI 519

Dep
08:00 10:10 11:25 16:40 17:30 08:00 10:10 14:15 16:40 17:30

Arr
12:25 14:45 15:50 21:15 22:05 12:25 14:45 18:40 21:15 22:05

Flight
MON 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332 TUE 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332

Dep
07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 16:25 15:00 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:10 07:10 07:55 09:15 15:00 16:25 17:50 19:25 07:55 14:10 14:20 19:40 07:55 14:10 14:20 19:40 07:55 09:10 14:10 14:20 07:55 14:10 14:20 15:20 19:40 07:55 09:10 14:10 14:20 15:20

Arr
07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 17:10 15:50 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 07:55 07:55 08:50 10:05 15:50 17:10 18:45 20:10 09:20 15:35 15:45 21:05 09:20 15:35 15:45 21:05 09:20 10:35 15:35 15:45 09:20 15:35 15:45 16:40 21:05 09:20 10:35 15:35 15:45 16:40

Flight
SAT MI 512 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 518 MI 520 SUN MI 512 8M 232 MI 518 MI 520

Dep

Arr

YANGON TO MANDALAY

YANGON TO BANGKOK

BANGKOK TO YANGON

07:55 09:20 09:10 10:35 14:10 15:35 14:20 15:45 15:20 16:40 07:55 09:20 14:10 15:35 14:20 15:45 15:20 16:40 19:40 21:05 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 15:40 16:45 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:45 08:50 10:30 14:15 15:45 08:50 10:30 14:15 15:45 09:55 12:45 09:55 12:45 09:55 12:45 12:35 13:15 12:35 13:15 12:35 13:15 12:35 13:15 12:35 13:15 10:00 14:55 15:50 16:40 14:30 15:00 14:30 15:00 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 11:40 13:25 11:40 13:25 11:40 13:25 13:50 15:15 13:50 15:15

FRI

HEHO TO YANGON
MON

SUN

TUE

WED

SAT

TUE

YANGON TO SIEM REAP

WED 8M 401 SAT 8M 401 08:50 11:25 08:50 11:25 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 17:15 21:30 11:20 15:50 08:45 13:15 11:20 15:50 08:45 13:15 SAT 14:00 19:25 14:00 19:25 14:00 19:25 14:15 17:35 14:15 17:35 14:15 17:35 14:15 17:35 14:15 17:35 13:30 16:40 13:30 16:40 12:00 13:30 12:00 13:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 SUN

8M 234
MON MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 TUE MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 WED MH 740 AK 850 THU MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 FRI MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 MH 740 AK 850 MH 740 8M 502 AK 850

KUALA LUMPUR TO YANGON

SUN

YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR

MON 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 TUE 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851

WED

THUR

WED

NYAUNG U TO YANGON
MON W9 109 AW 782 YH 732 6T 502 YH 910 W9 109 AW 792 YH 732 6T 502 W9 109 AW 782 YH 732 6T 502 YH 910 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502 W9 109 AW 782 YH 732 6T 502 YH 910 W9 109 AW 792 YH 732 6T 502 YH 910 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502 17:25 17:25 17:55 18:05 08:40 17:25 17:25 18:10 19:00 17:25 17:25 17:55 19:00 08:40 17:25 17:55 18:05 17:25 17:25 17:55 18:05 08:40 17:25 17:25 17:55 18:35 08:40 17:25 17:55 18:05 18:20 18:45 19:15 19:25 10:00 18:20 18:45 19:30 20:20 18:20 18:45 19:15 20:20 10:00 18:20 19:15 19:25 18:20 18:45 19:15 19:25 10:00 18:20 18:45 19:15 19:55 10:00 18:20 19:15 19:25

THUR

THUR

FRI

TUE

FRI

WED FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306 THUR FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306 FRI FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306 FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306 FD 3771 8M 335 TG 304 PG 702 8M 331 PG 704 FD 3773 TG 306

WED MH 741 AK 851 THU 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 MH 741 AK 851 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851

WED 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332 THUR 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332 FRI 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 FD 3772 PG 703 TG 305 8M 332 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332 8M 336 FD 3770 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 FD 3772 TG 305 8M 332

WED

SAT

FRI

THUR

SAT SUN

SAT SUN

FRI

SUN

SAT

FRI

SAT

YANGON TO GUANGZHOU
WED CZ 3056 THUR 8M 711 SAT CZ 3056 SUN 8M 711 MON CI 7916 WED CI 7916 FRI TUE CI 7916 CA 906

GUANGZHOU TO YANGON
WED CZ 3055 THUR 8M 712 SAT CZ 3055

YANGON TO SITTWE
MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT SUN 6T 607 W9 309 6T 611 W9 309 6T 611 W9 309 6T 607 W9 309 6T 607 W9 309 6T 607 W9 309 6T 607 W9 309 6T 608 W9 310 6T 612 W9 310 6T 612 W9 310 6T 608 W9 310 6T 608 W9 310 6T 608 W9 310 6T 608 6T 707 AW 301 6T 707 K7 317 K7 317 AW 301 AW 301 6T 707 K7 317 AW 301 6T 708 6T 708 K7 318 AW 302 AW 302 K7 318 6T 708 K7 318 AW 302 11:00 13:00 10:30 13:00 10:30 13:00 11:00 13:00 11:00 13:00 12:00 13:00 11:00 13:00 12:40 15:00 12:10 15:00 12:10 15:00 13:15 15:00 13:15 15:00 14:15 15:00 13:15 07:30 07:00 11:15 12:30 12:30 12:45 07:00 11:15 12:30 12:45 11:55 15:40 16:40 17:15 11:30 16:40 15:40 16:40 17:15 12:25 14:45 11:55 14:45 11:55 14:45 13:00 14:45 13:00 14:45 14:00 14:45 13:00 14:45 14:40 16:45 13:35 16:45 13:35 16:45 14:40 16:45 14:40 16:45 15:40 16:45 14:40 09:30 09:05 13:15 14:00 14:00 14:50 09:05 13:15 14:00 14:50 13:55 17:40 18:10 19:20 13:35 18:10 17:40 18:10 19:20

SAT

SUN

SUN

SUN 8M 712 MON CI 7915 WED CI 7915 FRI TUE CI 7915 CA 905

SAT

YANGON TO TAIPEI

TAIPEI TO YANGON

YANGON TO MYITKYINA
MON TUE THUR FRI SUN W9 255 W9 251 AW 201 W9 255 W9 251 AW 211 W9 255 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:00 06:30 09:25 09:25 09:20 09:25 09:25 08:50 09:25

SUN

YANGON TO KUNMING
WED CA 906 THUR CA 906 SAT SUN Mon FRI CA 906 CA 906 IC734 IC734

KUNMING TO YANGON
WED CA 905 THUR CA 905 SAT SUN Mon FRI CA 905 CA 905 IC733 IC728

YANGON TO NYAUNG U
MON W9 143 6T 401 6T 405 AW 891 YH 633 K7 222 YH 917 W9 143 6T 401 AW 891 YH 917 W9 143 6T 405 6T 401 K7 222 YH 917 AW 781 06:00 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:00 06:30 06:15 06:30 06:00 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 15:00 07:20 07:35 07:35 07:35 07:50 07:50 08:05 07:20 07:50 07:35 08:05 07:20 07:35 07:50 07:50 08:05 17:10

SUN

MYITKYINA TO YANGON
MON TUE THUR FRI SUN W9 256 W9 252 AW 202 W9 256 W9 252 W9 256 09:45 12:05 09:35 09:45 12:05 09:45 12:40 15:00 12:25 12:40 15:00 12:40

SITTWE TO YANGON
MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT SUN

MANDALAY TO YANGON
MON YH 634 AW 892 6T 402 6T 406 K7 223 W9 262 W9 021 K7 825 AW 762 YH 728 6T 502 08:35 08:35 08:40 08:40 09:00 10:50 14:10 15:45 16:25 16:30 17:20 10:00 10:30 10:40 10:40 11:05 12:15 15:10 17:10 17:50 17:55 19:25 TUE

YANGON TO KOLKATA

KOLKATA TO YANGON

WED

YANGON TO HEHO
MON W9 119 AW 761 YH 727 6T 501 YH 731 K7 826 W9 115 AW 761 YH 811 YH 731 W9 119 YH 737 YH 731 K7 826 AW 761 YH 811 W9 109 6T 501 YH 731 W9 109 6T 501 YH 731 K7 826 AW 751 W9 119 YH 811 YH 731 6T 501 11:00 11:00 11:00 15:00 15:00 06:30 11:00 11:00 11:15 15:00 11:00 11:00 15:00 06:30 11:00 11:00 14:30 15:00 15:00 14:30 15:00 15:00 06:30 11:00 11:00 11:00 15:00 15:30 12:10 12:10 12:25 16:10 16:25 07:40 12:10 12:10 12:40 16:25 12:10 12:25 16:25 07:40 12:10 12:25 15:25 16:10 16:25 15:25 16:10 16:25 07:40 12:10 12:10 12:25 16:25 16:40

YANGON TO SINGAPORE
MON 8M 231 MI 511 8M 233 MI 517 TUE 8M 231 MI 511 8M 233 MI 517

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI

THUR W9 9607 SUN W9 9607

SINGAPORE TO YANGON
MON MI 512 8M 232 MI 518 8M 234 TUE MI 512 8M 232 MI 518 8M 234

CHIANG MAI TO YANGON

THUR W9 9608 SUN W9 9608

Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan AW = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways

TUE

YANGON TO MYEIK
MON TUE

YANGON TO HANOI
MON VN 956 WED VN 956 FRI SAT VN 956 VN 956

HANOI TO YANGON
MON VN 957 WED VN 957 FRI SAT TUE VN 957 VN 957 VN 943

WED

THUR FRI SAT SUN

International
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star

THUR

WED 8M 231 MI 511 8M 6232 MI 517 THUR 8M 231 MI 511 8M 233 MI 517 MI 519 FRI 8M 231 MI 511 8M 6232 MI 517 MI 519

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH

TUE VN 942 14:25 17:10 14:25 17:10 14:25 17:10 08:50 12:50 08:50 12:50 THUR VN 942 SUN VN 942 WED 8M 401 SAT 8M 401

WED MI 512 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 518 THUR MI 512 8M 232 MI 518 MI 520 8M 234 FRI MI 512 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 518 MI 520

HO CHI MINH TO YANGON

THUR VN 943 SUN VN 943 WED 8M 402 SAT 8M 402

MYEIK TO YANGON
MON TUE

FRI

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON

SAT

THUR FRI SAT SUN

YANGON TO GAYA
WED 8M 601 SAT 8M 601 09:00 10:30 09:00 10:30

GAYA TO YANGON
WED 8M 602 SAT 8M 602 11:30 15:00 11:30 15:00

Subject to change without notice

teA BreAk
January 9 - 15, 2012
the

40
MyanMar tiMes

Winemaking erupts in the shadow of Italys Mt Etna

By Joe Ray LINGUAGLOSSA, Italy When a would-be winegrower comes to Salvo Foti, Sicilys top wine consultant, for tips on starting a vineyard, he begins with a warning: To make good wine you have to be in it for the long haul. When they ask me Whats the first thing I should do? I say Have children, Foti said as he strolled among the thick, knotted vines of his own property on Mount Etnas northern slope. The son and grandson of Sicilian winemakers, Foti believes that getting the Italian island to shine requires a long-term commitment. His teenage son is at his side to oversee the harvest, learning just as he once did. Many winemakers are not thinking of the future, said Foti. If youre thinking about money right now, youre not thinking about terroir and whats good for the vineyard. Sicilian wine is in a peculiar spot. Historically, it has been made for local consumption or exported in bulk to give more delicate French and Italian wines a needed bit of backbone. Despite centuries of winemaking, bottling and selling it for export has only begun in earnest in the last 25 years. Once Sicilian wine began hitting shelves around the world, there was something of a mini-boom, with Nero dAvola, a grape indigenous to southern Sicily and worthy of a careful tasting, leading the charge. The percentage of IGT (name-controlled) wines produced per hectare nearly doubled between 2009 and 2010. Earning and keeping an IGT label forces growers to meet strict standards, usually resulting in a better wine, so the jump suggests some growers understand that quality, rather than quantity, is key to success. But the good work has sometimes been obscured by others who overexploited t h e i s l a n d s n e w f o u n d v i s i b i l i t y, p r o d u c i n g homogenised plonk to turn a quick buck. Winemaker Foti has watched it all happen. If Foti had his way, he might have pushed the boom off until about now, giving

YOUR STARS
By Astrologer Aung Myin Kyaw
Aquarius
Finding light in the darkness is a very important means of escaping from evil. You must make the effort to steer yourself from the wrong path and start moving in a positive direction. Be patient with your friends. Trust in a happy outcome; chances are things will turn out well.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Pisces

By indulging in malicious thoughts, evil deeds and the mad pursuit of sensuous pleasures, you risk turning your life into a web of thorns. Also, take steps to improve your mental balance as quickly as possible, so that you will have a greater chance of prevailing against difficult circumstances. You are stepping into a brighter future, but you will have to battle for what you want.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Aries

You have the potential for a great life ahead of you, but it is up to you to discover the best way live it. Being the owner of a one-of-a-kind object is always pretty cool; understand that you are also unique, and you should treat yourself as the treasure that you are. Believe that the unvarnished truth and unconditional love will always have the final word.

March 21 - April 19

Taurus

A porters hauls a bucket of grapes for Sicilys top wine consultant, Salvo Foti, at his vineyard north of Mount Etna on December 2. Pic: AFP winemakers time to learn to work their land, and their wines time to age. A 2000 Nerojbleo the entry-level wine at the Gulfi winery, where he consults retails for about 14 euros (US$19) but stands up to competition costing more than twice that amount. Unfortunately, most of the Sicilian wine on retailers shelves is a much more recent vintage. There are lots of international style wines that are fine, but thats not the point, he said. Youve got to speak of the humanity of wine, of your own humanity. In the hill towns north of Mount Etna, Sicilys wine boom is unfurling but quietly. Etnas blown-out crater lords over everything, sending wisps of steam into the air on some days and on others, it is lost in the clouds. Stop in one of its small towns for an espresso, look at the black volcanic rock used to pave the streets and build the houses, and you could only be beneath Etna. Everything is small-scale by necessity. Drop down a side road to witness the meeting of man and nature: The tiny plots of farmland cut into the mountains undulations can only be so large before topography gets in the way. At Fotis Etna vineyard, part of an association with other local wine experts called I Vigneri, vines are grown albarello style, each one trained to a stake and grown like a bush. Over the course of the day on Fotis property and that of his neighbour, client and co-producer, Mario Paoluzi, a few of their industry friends drop by. Their mouths drop open at the sight of the museumquality vines thick as a mans thigh and old enough to have survived the phylloxera plague that wiped out vast numbers of European vines around the turn of the 20th century. Its a wonderfully wild approach, inconceivable in most other winegrowing regions in the world. Quince, cactus and fruit trees dot the vineyard. Between the vines, lizards flit around through the tall grass, fennel and mint, stray zucchini and chard plants. Occasionally, parsley springs from the crook of a vine and when a vine dies, its replaced by a new one, leaving old and new next to each other. At Fotis vineyard, the harvesting is done by hand since there is no way to get anything more mechanised than a mule into most of the plots. The grapes in any one plot are a mix of nerello mascalese, nerello cappuccio, Grenache and a few so old their provenance is unknown, the whole creating a sort of pre-blended wine. The workers, Foti and Paoluzis shared crew of less than 20 men, seem pulled from an early 1900s movie reel, singing, shouting, picking, hauling, laughing and working their way through each parcel in a loose pack. They cut the grapes by hand and pass them to a pair of porters who sling each full bucket on their shoulders and walk it out to a waiting truck. A normal vineyard takes about 30 days of human power per year per hectare, said Paoluzi. Here we need 200. Its pretty expensive. The effort, however, is worth it. A t I V i g n e r i , F o t i s Vinupetra, particularly those cellared for at least four years, are marvels, with flavours associated with big reds, while remaining light and maintaining wonderful acidity. His wines have picked up praise from the worlds top wine critics helping to justify the price premium for bottles that retail from just under 30 to 40 euros and beyond. As stressful as the harvest is on most vineyards, Foti floats around with a beguiling calm. Asked what his job is at harvest time, he laughs. I organise the team. My work is to guide, to stimulate. To give input. I created the team and I indicate the way. Basta. Stop, he said. He is confident that if other Sicilian winemakers follow his lead, theyll all be better off in the long run. My team is happy and if youre happy in the vineyard, your wine is, too. My English might be bad, but I think my wine is good. AFP

Blind faith is never the pathway to wisdom. The better way is to use logic and creative thought to find the cause of the problem and work your way toward a proper solution. Take the management skills you use at work and apply them to your home life to find a way to balance family time and social relationships.

April 20 - May 20

Gemini

You are able to get more done in a day than most people accomplish in a week. You have a special gift for using communication to forge unity and understanding among people of different natures, classes and backgrounds. Put everything in the proper place to move forward in overcoming the challenges that block your path.

May 21 - June 20

Cancer

The moon will provide you with emotional satisfaction and a sense of security. Try to learn from your mistakes, and dont be afraid to make more of them. The carefully considered decisions you make now will bear fruit and result in honours in the future. A positive change in social relationships will provide the opportunity to enjoy the financial success you crave.

June 22 - July 22

Leo

You are about to complete a journey of self-realisation and creativity. Use your newfound wisdom to positively influence those around you, as well as any organisations with which you are affiliated. Remember that trust is built one block at a time, but when it is violated the entire wall will come crashing down. Know what to own and what to let go.

July 23 - Aug 22

Virgo

You are rarely aware of the full extent of your appeal, particularly when it comes to your looks. Use your penchant for outstanding organisation, keen observation and constant care to avoid reductive approaches to activities with which you are involved maintaining complexity is preferable to the tendency among those of inferior intellect to dumb things down.

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Libra

Impartiality and justice for all is of the utmost importance to you in all aspects of life. Nobody can do good for everybody, but you can work toward leading yourself and as many others as possible onto the right path that will lead to success and to the fulfilment of real needs. Unexpected social favours will help improve your lifestyle.

Sept 23 - Oct 22

Scorpio

Nobody is a winner in any argument. With courage and boldness you can take charge of your thoughts and make of life whatever you want. Develop a habit of linking the various tasks that you are required to complete. Remember that any job done properly bodes well for the future, and all jobs have the potential for taking you to the top.

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Sagittarius

One of the most important ingredients of success is the will to be courageous. Surviving one danger is a step toward overcoming the next danger. Never be afraid to try something new, but always keep things in perspective. With every change comes new opportunities for success, but you must keep your eyes open and be ready to take advantage of them.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Capricorn

You will find pleasure in making plans to deal with unexpected circumstances. Success is merely an extension of your own personality, so allow yourself to be guided by your own convictions. Maintain a proper balance between your personality and your responsibilities at all times, especially when you find yourself facing interference from many directions. For a personal reading contact Aung Myin Kyaw, 4th Floor, 113 Thamain Bayan Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: 0973135632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Computer
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Education
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Language
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HAppy LeARnInG Japanese Language, we have basic level course, advance level course, we'll consult you who go to japan to study, without having any profit, start in december. Contact. 130 (3A) Camp Bell Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 555259, 430230.

For Rent
SUpeR Custom 92 mdl, Diesel, 7 seats 4B- Car for three months lease, monthly 10 Lakhs: Owner: 09-518-8320, 09-507-4096.

For Sale
Two fibre-glass bodied speedboats for sale. 17 feet long by 5.5 feet wide, formerly used by NGO in the Ayeyarwady Delta. Engines not included for sale and not available. Will be released to best offer. For more information please contact Norwegian Refugee Council head office on 501 828. nISSAn Presea BlackStar limited Edition (1994 Model) [ Good as New (Odometer 135000 km) ] Contact : 09-492-75744 1.CDMA 800 Mhz (Sim Card + Handset) 2. Razor Headphone 3.Apple Super Drive ph: 09-739-03193. AppLe Super Drive + Apple Magic mouse [ 110000 ] Acer LED monitor + graphic card (1G) [100000] Galaxy tab 7' (used) - 310000 HTC sensation XE (new) - 420000 Razor Headphone90000 ph: 09-739-03193. CAR Sunny Supersaloon 93 mdl W/RTA 85000kM AUTOTRANSMISSION 9A/---- 2 Nissan Bluebird SSS Auto Gear White Color Tha/---- call me 09502-2776 epSon Stylus Pro 9890 Large Format Printer. 2880 x 1440 dpi resolution. Epson Ultra Chrome K3 Ink Technology. Auto cutter for roll paper. (BO+) size printing (44 wide printing). Including 8 pcs of 110ml inks Ph: 09-73131768. USeD IpHone 4G 16GB (White) with Gevey Card Already Jailbreak and install Full application and HD Game with 2 Cover and charger Price - 320000 if interest Pls call : 09-517-8391. (1). ACeR MonIToR 18.5" (2). Nividia Graphic Card 1GB (3). CDMA 800 mhz + Huawei C8500 Ph: 09739-03193. VoLKSwAGen - Passat saloon( 96-97)-7A / HSD , price k 135 lakh.

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PROPERTY
Rent/Sale
pyIn oo LwIn For Rental & Sale Area : 65.00 acres. Location: About 5 miles away from Pyin Oo Lwin Town & is about (1km) away from Mandalay - Lashio Main Rd (on the way to Peik Chin Myaung), Rd condition from Main Road to the Land is very good. Soil & Land Condition - 80% flat with little slope - Can start plantation / farming immediately - Have one big tube well & two big Concrete reservoir for irrigation purpose - Suitable for all type of Crop & Farm or even bee keeping too. Sale Price : 95 lakhs per acres. Dhama Thukha Kyaung Rd, Hlaing Township. 0.8 acres compound: (a) land only (b) 2 x 3-phase industrial power meter (c) 1 x phone landline. Ph : 09-501-2920 THUwUnnA , 80 ft x 60 ft 2RC, water, electricity, aircon and tel line - rental Lakhs 7 / month Ph : 09500-0811 BAHAn : New University Avenue Lane, Condo, 7 Flr, 1500 Sqft , Fully Furnished, Fully Furniture, 3 A/C, 1 MBR, 2 SBR ,1Ph, 5.3 Lakhs , (Suitable to Rent for Foreigner), Call : 09731-35900, 01-569448, 722635. BAHAn, 93 (J), Than Lwin Road, 2 RC new building on 0.25 acre, Bedroom (4), Bathroom (5), 3 Phase Meter, Ph: (1), rent only to Foreigners. Contact: Daw May Kyi 09-503-8589, 526972. BAHAn, A Big 3 storey house with 7 bedrooms (bathroom attached), for rent. Spacious outdoor area in Golden Valley, Bahan. No brokers. Pls contact : 09-862-4900. HLAInG, Baho Rd, very near from Bartar (Thiri Myaing) Bus stop, ISM Int'l school, 12.5' x 50', G Flr, Good in water supply and Lighting, Transporting is very convenient. Available for computer store, beauty palar. 1 month only 1.5 Lakhs. Ph: 09730-49543. MAyAnGone, 100 x 100' 2 story, new house, Ph,5 Bedrooms, US$ 2600 Fully decorated, 7A/C Ph : 09-502-0969. The house built on the lake with both swimming pool negotiable price & tennis, Big garden, new house with 4bedrooms, Ph: 09- 502-0969 Suitable for embassadors residence. x 40ft) - Lakhs 3800 .Contact to : 095000811 AHLone, Sin Minn Housing, Kannar Rd, 15 x 55, 2 Flr, 2 Bed Rooms, Extn Phone, Power Meter & Motor, already decorated with Parquet, 2 minutes work to bus-stop (Sin Min Market Bus Stop) & bazaar, Sales Price: 320 Lakhs, Pls contact owner : 226855/226822 (extn: 134) HoTeL, a 12 doubleroom two-storeyed Hotel (fully-furnished) in Bagan Myothit. Situated on the best location and on the one and only Main Road of Bagan Myothit. One single-storeyed kitchen + servant quarter included in the same compound of the land area 60ft. x 80ft. All documents are in present owners name. Most promising area in Bagan where Tourism Industry will boom and local business will flourish after completion of Pakokku-Bagan bridge. Price= 1800 Lakhs (Negoti-able) Only down-payment & immediate transfer of the building and all documents. This is a migration sale and once-in-the-bluemoon chance. Contact through nyuntaung 1959 @ gmail.com duwun@ mail4u.com.mm aks@ myanmar.com.mm www. myanmar-travels. org or call 09-204-2039, 01577066. MAnDALAy : 26(B) Road, between (86/87) Aungmyaytharsan Tsp. (22 ft X 75 ft ) Ph: 09504-8704, 02-21915 HMAw BI - Area : 35' x 60' Price : 45 Lakhs. Ph : 513993 , 09-513-2125, 09-731-56058, KyeeMyIn DIne ,25' x 50', 2 storey building, 2 AC,1 line ph., Insein St, Yangon. Price: 2,200 lakh Contact ph: 09-5003181, 09-515-2981. AHLone, Kannar Rd, 15 x 55, 2 Flr, 2 Bed Rooms, Extn Phone, Power Meter & Motor, already decorated with Parquet, 2 minutes work to bus-stop (Sin Min Market Bus Stop) & bazaar, Sales Price: 350 Lakhs, Pls contact owner : 226855/226822 (ext: 134)

HousingforRent
BAHAn , 0.25' acres, 2 Story Building, 5 MBR, Garden,2 Entrance gate Semi Funished, Phone, Generactor, Good Electricity Sutiable for office, US$ 3600 per month (Nego:) UWisara Rd, 40x73' 2 1/2 Story Building, 3 MasterBedRoom, new house, Fully aircon, Phone, US$ 2500 per month (Nego:) Inya Rd, 0.5acce Nice Colony Style Building, Big Garden, 3MBR US$ 3500 per month (Nego:) Pls Call 0973206789 MAyAnGone, (4M) May Kha (Ady) Rd, 2 storey building situated on the Inya Lake bank, 3 large bedrooms with bathrooms attached, spacious living - dining room, spacious family room, spacious kitchen, garden with beautiful landscape with lake view, 2 car garages and servant quarter. To let to foreigners only. ph: 512197 between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. ( 1 ) y A n K I n , Pyinnyawaddy Condo, 1700 Sqft, (R.T) Ph, A/C, 6.5 Lakhs. (2) Ayeyeik Tha Condo 2000 Sqft, 2MB, 1BR, 8 Lakhs AYT: 09-518-8320, 09507-4096. SUpeRB location for TRUCKS parking in downtown area. 5 minutes drive from Hle Dan Junction. 15 minutes drive to Hlaing Thar Yar, airport.

Training
oFFICe SeCReTARIAL Training Course, Business English, Job Interview Skills & Event Management for Group & Individuals, Pls contact: Hnin Yu Zin (M.Sc, MBA) Ph: 226855, 226822 (ext:13

Housing for Sale

BAHAn, 40 x 60 ft plot at Kaba Aye, Two storey house include. Selling price - 2300 lakhs (negotiable). Tel: 663326, 09-731-97531, 09-431-26571, 09-43141971. THInGAnGyUn, Thumingalar Housing Comples, Land (84ft

Expert Service
AUSTRALIAn VISA Specialists : Student visas, Guardian visas, Tourist visas. EduLink Australia : 01-500-464, 09-73162586. AIRCon & Electrical Engineering Services (Installation,Repairing & Servicing) August Engineering Service. Tel; 09-731-10321 , 586509 Email; aes. august@

Travel
SAw nAy SAn Car Rental Service : All kinds of cars available for down town as well as highway trips. Pls contact : Khin Thandar Cho. Ph: 09-512-5047 , 09-730-47476.

Want to Buy
ADSL, WiMax, McWill, MPT IPStar . Contact : 245 415.

Employment
Embassy
THe eMBASSy of the Republic of Korea is seeking qualified applicants for economic Researcher (1) post. Requirements: University Degree in Economics or Engineering or any other related areas: Preferably job experience in the related areas(e.g energy, mining, electric power); fluency in both spoken and written English (fluency in Korea is asset); must be a computer literate. Interested applicants should send their applications with their updated CV to Embassy of the Republic of Korea : 97, University Avenue Rd, Bahan. Ph: 527142~44. THe eMBASSy of the Republic of Korea is Looking for qualified Barer to work at Ambassadors residence. The applicant must have good communication skill and self-motivated. Please send the updated application form, CV and criminal clearence recommen-dation to Embassy attention to Admin. For detail information, please call 527142~144. worker @ Cleaning Service (1M) S$1000+ Housing, General worker @ Soya Bean Factory (1M) S$1000+ Housing, Pls contact : 116, Ground Flr, 42 St, Botataung. Ph: 256963, 09 8610435 15 January, 2012.
th

Local Position
A D M I n I S T R AT I V e officer Selection criteria - University degree. MS Office skills (Photoshop and other graphic design is an advantage). Excellent customer service skills. Able to use email and internet effectively. English (written & oral) is an advantage. Experience in working with foreigners an advantage. Please send a letter of application to info@ edulinkaustralia. com. Tell us about your skills, work experience, personal interests and ambitions. Letters may be written in English or Myanmar, and should be no longer than one page. Applications must be received by 15 th January 2012. Strategic Synergy Co. Ltd., 26C, Thiri Mingalar St, 8 Ward, Kamaryut. Ph: 500464, 09-731-62586. Email: strategicsynergy. mm@ gmail. URGenTLy Require 2 office staffs , Male/ Female : University graduate, Age under 30, Computer literate, Skill in English, Must have good communication skill is a plus. Shwe Pyi Hein (SPH) Co., Ltd. & B2 Group Co., Ltd : 200, Damathukhakyaung St, Hlaing, Ph: 01521214, 09-43026996, 09-5147543. Email : sphautomobile@gmail. com GoLDen peARL Travel Service Co.,Ltd is seeking Tour operator (M/F) 1 Post : Any graduate. 5 years experience in Tourism Industry. Good command in English. Good communication skills. Good computer skills (Microsoft Office and Internet Surfing). Pls submit your application & CV (in MS Word format with your recent photograph to admin@ gpearl travel. com by 17 th January 2012. Pls also indicate your salary expectation & earliest availability. 41D Airport Lane 2, 10 Mile, Sawbwagyigone Ward, Insein. Tel : 664025, 09-730-94403 www. gpearltravel.com, www. tourmyanmar.org (1) SALeS Service Officer - M/F 5 posts : Age between 20 to 30 . Must have pleasant personality. Can speak English. Can work under pressure. Must have graduate degree. Experience in sales fields. (2) Junior service technician M 2 posts : Must have pleasant personality. Age under 30. 2 years experience. AGTI Mechanical/ Electrical. (3) Driver - M 1 post: Must have pleasant personality. Good communicative skills. 2 years experience. Can drive within Yangon area very well. Can apply within 1 month with personal details, C.V, color photo with relevant docu-ments to: Rm 501, 5th Flr, FMI Center, Bo Gyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan. exeCUTIVe Assistant : To provide professional support to the company CEO through effective communication prioritization & organization of internal and external affairs. Liaise between company d e p a r t m e n t / o ff i c e s , managers. Manage appointments, travel schedules, invitations, meetings, meeting minutes. Accompany on domestic and foreign trips as required. Arrange travel (flights, hotel bookings, visas, etc.). Manage budget

INGO Position
MALTeSeR Int'l is looking for Laboratory Technician 2 Posts : Mong Lar & Kyaing Tong, Eastern Shan State: Qualified laboratory technician with previous work experience (minimum 2 years) in public health, preferably in HiV / AIDS and STIs clinics; supervision, data collection & reporting; Good communication skills and ability to facilitate training; Interest and motivation to work in remote area; demanding work environments with minimum available basic facilities; Previous experience with a humanitarian organization (INGOs) in the region; Computer literate in MS Office Package. Myanmar, English, Shan (or) local languages spoken in project sites. Pls submit application incl. CV, 2 photos, copies of educational certificate, National ID, and references to 60 Tharyarwaddy St, Bahan, Yangon. Email: hr.co.malteser @ gmail.com Deadline of Application: 15 th January, 2012 CARe Myanmar is looking for Accountant for its office in Yangon. The position will be based in Yangon, with some possible travel to CARE sub-offices. Experience/ Skills: B.Com or LCCI level 3 or equivalent University degree in related field. 3 years experience in an accounting role. Competence in using information technology including Excel spreadsheets, word-processing, and power point software. Experience in computerized accounting system is an advantage. Pls send an application letter outlining their claims against the matching indicators, along with a current C.V., passport sized photograph, clearance certificate from police station original and copies of any references or testimonials to HR Manager. CARE Int'l in Myanmar : 17A, Pyi Htaung Su St, Sayarsan Rd, Sayarsan northwest ward, Bahan. Email: recruitment @ care.org. mm. not later than 17th January 2012. MALTeSeR Int'l is looking for an efficient, motivated & experienced person to fill the position of a HIV Manager 1 Post : Pang Kham, Wa Special Region 2, Northern Shan State & Mong Lar, Special Region 4, Eastern Shan State: Qualified medical doctor (SAMA) with strong work experience (minimum 4 years) in clinical / management experience in HIV / AIDS & STIs programmes; supervision, data collection & reporting; provide supportive supervision; Excellent writing, communication & reporting skills; Excellent knowledge of English and Myanmar. Pls submit application incl. CV, photo, copy of educational certificates, references to 60 Tharyarwaddy St, Bahan, Yangon. Email: hr.co.malteser@gmail. coml Closing date :

& financial transactions. Qualifications: University degree, Fluent in English, Excellent interpersonal skills & ability to liaise effectively with high level & foreign clients, government officials, Strong ability to take initiative/exercise to CEOs instructions, seek clarification when faced with uncertainty. Computer proficiency . Valid passport, travel within Myanmar and & abroad, Familiar with travel services and booking procedures. Pls send an application letter along with a current C.V, no later than 21 January 2012, to thandaster@ gmail. com

photos and cover letter together with copies of educational certificates and testimonials to Inter Consulting Co., Ltd :30(B-1), Rm 601, 6th Flr, Yadanar Innya Condo, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan, (Opposite of Fruit Market). Tel: 09731-05353, 09-73105340, Email: hr@ icononline. net. Closing date : 29, February 2012. (1) DepUTy General Manager (Sales & Engineering): Doctor (M / F), 10 years experience of Pharma-ceutical (medicine), Medical Equipment sales and distribute in Myanmar. 5 years experience of the management of sales staff and

UN Positions
THe UnITeD Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is seeking suitably qualified Myanmar nationals for the following vacancy: (1) national project Officer (SC-8) GLO J71- Treatnet & DDR Project - Duty Station: YangonUniversity degree in public health, medicine, or social sciences or related field, Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the area of drug demand reduction/ drug dependence treatment and rehabilitation. (2) national project Coordinator (SC-9) XSPK26& MMRJ94/ J95 Projects - 2 Posts : Duty Station: Taunggyi/ Hopone/ Loilen, Southern Shan State - Masters Degree or advance university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field, 5 years of relevant experience in the management of integrated rural development projects such as food security, livelihood, health. Candidates should clearly indicate the Post Title in their applications. Application must include a cover letter, current CV, copies of relevant academic qualification certificates, and a recent passport sized photograph. Applicat0ion should be address to UNODC, 11A, Maylikha Rd, Ward-7, Mayangone, Yangon, Closing Date: 20 January 2012.

Overseas
SInGApoRe Job : S pass Air con Technician (1M) S$1200 + Housing, Sale Girl @ Cloth Shop (1F) S$1100 + S$200 for Housing, General worker @ Malay Food Factory (2M) S$1000+ Housing + Duty Meal, General worker @ Eating House (1M) S$1000 + Housing + Duty Meal, Driver @ ISLE Catering (1M) S$1100 + 200 for Housing + Duty Meal, Sales Assistant @ Fashion Shop (1F) S$1200, Air Con Technician (1M) S$1500 + S$200 for Housing, General

we ARe currently seeking Accountant: Able to finalize full Set of Account. Ensure timely monthly management reporting. To manage cash flow and bank reconciliation. Compliance to external audit & tax submission. Ensure compliance to SOP from various locations. Degree in Finance/ Accountancy or equivalent qualification. 2 years experience in related field. Good command of spoken & written in English & Myanmar. Experience with accounting software package. Results oriented and performance driven with strong analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. Multitasking, good communication, administrative,planning & organizational skills are essential. Ability to excel under work pressure. Pls submit CV with 2 recent photos, copies of relevant qualifications, labor registration, and copy of NRC to Myanmar Agri-Tech Ltd. Rm-504, 5th Flr FMI Centre, 380, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan. InTeR Group of Companies is a leading management consulting company based in Singapore is seeking for Myanmar Assistant Accounts executive: 2 years experience in full set of Accounts preparation. B.Com/ ACCA Level 2/ LCCI Level 3 with relevant experience. Proficient in MYOB software. Excellent Microsoft Excel/ Spread Sheet skills. Willing to travel overseas. Receptionist cum Admin Assistant: Minimum Diploma holder. 3 years experience in handling customers or in guest service. Computer literate and familiar with Office Applications. Pls submit detailed resume with one recent passport

engineers. Good skill of computer (IT). More than 5 years experience of tender procedure to the authority & UN Agencies, etc. Fluent speaking/ writing in English. (2) Sales & Marketing Staff: Nurse or Experienced Sales Person (Female), Favorable condition: Marketing experience of Pharmaceutical (medicine), medical Equipment and basic skill of English conversation. Age under 28. Attn: Daw Aye Myo Khine, Call: 393051, 394824, 252154, Myanmar Yutani Co., Ltd. F13-15, Aung San Stadium (North Wing), Mingalar Taung Nyunt. (1) CHIeF CooK : Age around 30 & above. Degree holder. To be able to make Menu. To be able to manage Cost Control. Smart at Myanmar and Chinese Foods. Experience should be 5 years and above. Prefer computer skill is additional. (2) Cook : Age around 30 & above. Degree holder. Specialist in Myanmar & Chinese Food. Experience should be 2 years and above. (3) Service Crew : Age around 25 & above. Degree holder. Hardworking. Polite & Good social skill. The salary will provide with Singapore $ and willing to work 10am to 10pm & 6 days a week. Candidate should have related certificates and experiences recommendation letters. Contact Ma Lorreta @ Ma Khin Khin Win, 1/A, Pyay Rd, Near the Tadar Phyu Bus Stop, Hlaing , Yangon. Ph: 512305, 512307, 536837, Ext339, email : contact @ paradise.com. mm BeAUTy Paradise Manufacturing & Industrial Co., Ltd. is seeking (1) IT net working - M/F- 1 Post : Any Graduate, Age under 35, 3 years experiences in related Field. Good interpersonal & communicat-

ion skills and good personality. Can be able to run IT Software. (2) Brand Supervisor -F 1 Posts: Any Graduate, Age under 30, 1 years above experience in cosmetic field. Good personality. Able to plan & implement branding. Able to travel (3) Brand Manager - F 1 Post : Any Graduate, Age under 35, 3 years expereinces in related field. Good interpersonal & communi-cation skills, leadership skill & good personality. Able to plan, imple-ment marketing activities & report back. Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Power Point). Able to travel, (4) Chief Accountant - M/F 1 Post : B.Com, C.P.A, Age under 45, 3 years experiences in trading cosmetic Field as C.A level. Good interpersonal & communication skills, leadership skill & good personality. Can be able to manage Accounting Software. Pls submit 1/A, May Aye Myaing Chan, 51/2 Mile, Pyay Rd, Hlaing, Ph: 512307, 512305. SeRVICe enGIneeR M 2 Posts : BE/ AGTI (EP/MP) : 3 years experience, Age under 35 , Computer Literacy, Good Personality. Address: 37, Kabaaye Pagoda Rd, Inya Lake Hotel Complex, Mayangone P.O, Yangon. Tel: 657024, 657697 (Direct), 662866 (Ext: 1718-1721), Fax: 657024, 657697, Email: hansecare@ myanmar. com.mm we ARe well known International Law Firm looking for Junior Lawyers (M/F) : Age 25~35, LLB, at least higher grade pleader 2 years experience. Must have good English skills (Intermediate Level) for Foreign firm specializing in business law Computer skills (Microsoft office) Submit CV to suhlaing 07@gmail.com Tel: 556692, 556407. TeACHInG Positions Available! The Montessori Education Group is the leading provider of Independent Education, offering continuous care for children and students as a pre-school specialist. As such, we specialize in preparing young people as individuals, with the aim of nurturing the best aspects of all of our students. Renowned Int'l Montessori Education Group is looking for several pre-school teachers for its new pre-school facilities in Yangon Required qualifications & skills. Passionate about children. Good in both spoken and written English. Pre-school teaching qualification and experience. CCA knowledge is preferable. Good interpersonal skills. Submit the application to A Lister Co., Ltd,: 307, Shwe Hin Thar Tower (B), 6 Mile, Pyay Rd, Yangon, Myanmar in a closed enveloped or by email to secretary. alister @ gmail.com, mmtci@ singnet. com. sg, tci @ singnet.com. sg, mmtci @ ingnet. com.sg. THe HoTeL@Tharabar Gate, Bagan is seeking IT Technicial 1 post : experienced & knowledge of WiFi, Networking & server administartions are essential. Position is appointed for Bagan & need positive attitude & willingness to learn more. English Language proficiency, good personality & experienced in related field is a must. Pls send CV with 1 recent photo,

labour registration card, NRC coppy, character recommen-dation of police station & relevent certificates to Rm 201, 202 Summit Parkview Building, 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon or mail to win.ayeaye@ gmail.com or hrm@ tharabargate. com FACToRy Coordinator Male Age 30 to 45 years with at least 5 years experience in industry. Must have knowledge of MS Word & Excel and speak some English. Must be able to work independently. Good salary for the right candidate. Duties include: Liaison between office and factory. Procurement of materials. Export of companys products. Pls call 383395 to arrange for an interview. Office Clerk - General - M/F (2) posts : Must have at least 3 years working experience, Should preferably have some accounting knowledge. Must have knowledge of MS Word & Excel and speak some English. Artperson for Ceramics - M/F (2) posts : Preferably a graduate of the Yangon fine Art School or National Cultural University. Must have some working experience. Should be computer literate. SAVoy HoTeL is urgently looking for (1) night Auditor - 1 post must have at least 2 years Night Audit experience. (2) F&B Supervisor - 1 post must have high knowledgeable both in Bar & restaurant nature, good leadership skills and 2 years experience in international hotels. (3) Chief engineer -1 post must have at least 5 years experience. (4) Baker - 1 post. (5) Receptionists - 2 posts (6) waiter/waitress - 1 post. For Position 5 & 6 must have at least 1 yr experience in hotel fields. Application letter by email to operations @savoyhotel-yangon. com or 129, Dhammazedi Rd, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 526298, 526289. THe Chinthe Track is currently looking for (1) Sales & Reservations Manager - M/F, Age around 30. Able to work under stress. (2) Reservations & operations Staff : M / F, Age around 22. For 1 & 2 : Fluent in English spoken & written. Other foreign language is a benefit. Well organized. Able to work together in a team. On-the-job experience in reservations of at least 2 years. (3) IT Supervisor - M /F, Age around 28. Good knowledge of English (spoken & written). Well organized. Able to work tegether in a team. Onthe-job experience in IT of at least 3 years. Pls submit a full & updated resume including a recent passport photo to : finance @ focus-asia. travel.Applications can also be sent by regular mail or by hand to : The Chinthe Track. C/O Daw Thin Thin Htaik, Finance & HR Manager, Sedona Hotel, Level 2 Latha Rm 1, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yangon, We regret to inform that telephone applications will not be considered. ABC Asia Beverages Co., Ltd. is seeking (1) Sales & Admin Supervisor (Grade 4) (Location - Yangon/ Taunggyi). M 2 posts : Any Graduate, Age 25-35. Have a Diploma or certificate in Sales & Marketing. 2 years sales experience. Possession of driving license prefer. Good

computer know-ledge/ English skill verbal/ written commu-nication. (2) Sales Supervisor (Grade 3) (Location Yangon/ Naypyidaw). M 1 posts : Any Graduate, Age 25-35. Have a Diploma or certificate in Sales & Marketing. 2 years sales experience. Possession of driving license. (3) Marketing Supervisor (Grade 3) (Location - Magway). M 1. Any Graduate, Age 25-35. Have a Diploma or certificate in Sales & Marketing. 2 years sales experience. Possession of driving license. Good computer knowledge/ English skill. (4) Sales Representative (Grade 2) (Location Naypyidaw/ Magway/ Pyay). M 3 posts : Any Graduate, Age 2030. Have a Diploma or certificate in Sales & Marketing. 2 years Sales Experience. (5) Driver (Grade 2) (Location - Head Office/ Yangon/ Naypyidaw). M 2 posts : High School, Age 20-35. Have good personality. Have red driving license prefer. Have motor vehicle maintenance knowledge. Pls submit a detailed CV & supporting documents , full resume indicating qualifications transcript, labor card copy, (2) recent photos, police & quarter authorized original recommendation letters and working experiences transcript to HR Department :(5/6), Corner of Bayint Naung Rd & Ayeyeikmon 1st St, Hlaing. Ph: 09-730-9753, 682093, 682337, dhha@ hcwisky.com we ARe one of the leading Technologies Companies, dealing in Security Product, Technology & Solutions across the country is seeking Sale executive M/F 3 Post: 2 years sale experience. Age 20-30, any Graduate or Dip in IT or Computer Technology Equivalent. Interest in IT & Electronic Security marketing will be advantage Basic PC skill & English, Proficiency would also be advantage. (2) M & e Technician - M (5) Post : AGTI (Electrical/Electronic) (or) equivalent. 2 years experience in engineering and M & E Installation. Basic PC skill and IT knowledge would be advantage. Age 20-30. Salary will commensurate with experience. Pls send application attached with a passport-size photograph, academic Certificates and other relevant documents. 72, Shwe Hnin Si Lane (6), A1 St, 5th Ward, 9 Mile, Mayangone, Tel: 650979, 662191. UnITeAM Tours & Travel is urgently looking for Travel Consultants - 2 posts : Must have minimum of 2 years experience in a travel agency & tourism field (incl. quoting offers, hotel-, ticketing - & transportation bookings & other services of the daily work routine). Accountant - 1 post : 1 year experience. Diploma in accounting level and knowledge in finance is required. Importanceofgoodverbal & written communication skills in English. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel & E-mail systems). Must have ability to handle customers professionally at all stages of their travel. Attractive salary package & development possibilities are offered. Application letter & resume by e-mail: info@uniteamtravel-myanmar.com

The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, fax: 246159 Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. tel: 515275, 526144, fax: 515273, email: bdootygn@mptmail.net. mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. fax: 507483. email: Administ.yangon@ itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 317/319, U Wizara Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 526985, 524285, fax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 549609, 540964, fax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @mptmail. net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 221280, 221281, 224025, 224097, 221926, fax: 227019, 228319 Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 222886, 222887, fax: 222865, email: egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 212178, 212520, 212523, 212528, 212532, fax: 212527, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 548951, 548952, fax: 548899 email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant Street, Yangon. tel: 391219, 388412, 243972, fax: 254086, 250164, 388414, email: indiaembassy @mptmail. net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn @indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang.mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 512642, 510205, fax: 510206 South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 527142-4, 515190, fax: 513286, email: hankuk@ kore mby.net.mm Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 220248, 220249, 220251, 220230, fax: 221840, email: mwkyangon@mptmail. net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, Yangon. tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) fax: 221147, email: pakistan@ myanmar. com.mm Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 558149-151, fax: 558154, email: yang onpe@mptmail.net.mm Russian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. tel: 241955, 254161, fax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mm Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943Yangon. tel: 515282, 515283, fax: 504274, email: serbemb@ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 559001, fax: 559002, 559922, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. tel: 222812, fax: 221509, email: slembassy. yangon@gmail.com, info@slembyangon.org, www.slembyangon.org Thailand 94 Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. tel: 226721, 226728, 226824, fax: 221713 United Kingdom 80 Kanna Road, Yangon. tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, 370863, 370864, 370865, fax: 370866 United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Yangon. tel: 536509, 535756, 538038, fax: 650306 Vietnam Building No. 72, Thanlwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. tel: 511305, fax: 514897, email: vnemb myr@ cybertech.net.mm Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951 UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison Officer Rm (M1212~1220), 12 Fl-A, Traders Hotel. 223, tel: 242 393, 242811. fax: 242594. IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: 252560 ext. 5002 UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: 252361, 252362, 252498. fax: 252364. UNDCP 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 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., BHN tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: 375527~32, fax: 375552 email: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar. UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: 666903, 660556, 660538, 660398, 664539, fax: 651334. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org www. unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, 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: 657011~6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000. WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel:250583. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Township. Ph: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. fax: 227995. Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. tel: 243639, 243640, 243641. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 535205, 524387. email: winnerinnmyanmar @gmail.com Yangon YMCA 263, Mahabandoola Rd, Botataung Tsp. tel: 294128, Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600, 543367 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

Charted Certified, Certified Public Accountants. tel: 09-5010563. drtinlatt@matglobal.com

AIR CONDITION
Chigo No. 216, 38 Street (Upper), Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 373472

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872 Golden Aye Yeik Mon Hotel 4, Padauk Lane, 4th Word, Aye Yeik Mon Housing, Hlaing. tel: 681706. Hotel Yangon No. 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Mayangone. tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. Orchid Hotel 91, Anawrahta street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon, . Tel: 399930, 704740, 293261. E-mail: orchidhotel@myanmar. com. mm.

ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (NAy PyI TAw)

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-8, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi TawTel: 067-420778, E-mail freshaircon@gkmyanmar. com.mm. URL: http:// www.freshaircon.com General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906

Reservation Office (Yangon) 262-264, Pyay Road, Dagon Centre, A# 03-01, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 95-1-501937, 536255, 09-520-0926.
The Oasis Hotel (Nay Pyi Taw)

ASTROLOGER
Saya Min Thoun Dara Astrologer No(2), Maha Wizaya Pagoda North Stairway, Dagon Tsp. tel: 296184

Tel: 95-67-422088, 422099

BARS ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

No. 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. info@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com Panorama Hotel 294-300, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 253077. PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com Website: parkroyalhotels. com. Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Seasons of Yangon Yangon Intl Airport Compound. tel: 666699. Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152 Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880. Easy Expat Accommodation Specialist in Yangon. Tel: 09-730-33776. Espace Avenir No 523, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 505213-222. Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630. MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: 650933. fax: 650960. Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. fax: 525002. 50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

Green Garden Beer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Traffic Control Branch tel:298651 Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112. HOSPITALS Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811. Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131. ELECTRICITY Power Station tel:414235 POST OFFICE General Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: 662811. YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722 RAILWAYS Railways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com

The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residences 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 951-256355 (25 lines). fax: 951-256360. email: gmer@ mptmail.net.mm, www.grandmeeyahta.com

Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

mt QuiCk guide
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DRINKING WATER
Alpine Parami Road, Kapasa 4 shophouse, Mayangone. tel: 666258 Everyone needs a MIRACLE once in thier lives. Bio Disc energised water promotes yourhealth and lifestyle. enquires551616, 725228 The Uranium Dance Studio Pearl condo Bldg (C), 2nd flr, Bahan Tsp. tel: 09731-42624, 09-514-0404.

MyanMar tiMes
MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun 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: info@ myanmarbook.com

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

24 hours Medical centre No. 330, Yangon International Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. 24 hour Call Centre : (951) 218 445 Clinic : (959) 4921 8159 Office : (951) 218 446 Fax : (951) 218 389 PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013

A Little Dayspa No. 475 C, Pyi Road, (Between Sweety Home & Shwe Kant Kaw Silk) Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831.

La Source Beauty Spa 80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut. tel: 512 380, 511 252. Sedona Hotel, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 666 900 My Way Diamond Condo, Bld(A), Rm (G-02), Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 52717, 09 51 70528

FITNESS CENTRE
Espace Avenir 523, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Tel : 505214, 505222, 505213 FIT Club Rm 101~3, Marina Residence, 8, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, tel : 650634, 650651 ext:102

CAFS

DUTY FREE
La Brasserie (International) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-730-37772. Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanayetharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-6803505, 02 34455, 36748, 71878.

GENERATORS
Heavy Equipments & Genset

Traders Hotel, 5th Floor Tel: 242828,Ext: Coreana. Sedona Hotel, Mandalay Ground Fl. Tel: 02-36488, Ext: Coreana

Qi Foot Spa At Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951-662866, 662857 Ext: 1725

SR 22/1, Next to the Pearl Shopping Centre, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 544 297, 549 527, 700 777 , fax: 558 044. email: eros@ mptmail.net.mm. www.erosspa.com

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com Strand Caf 92, Strand Rd, Yangon. Tel: 243377. fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm. www.ghmhotels.com Traders Caf Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519

Duty Free Airport Shopping Yangon International Airport Arrival / Departure. tel: 662676 (Airport). office: 90B/1, Inya Road, Kamayut Township. tel: 512534, 500143-5.

PARKROYAL Fitness & Spa PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

EDUCATION CENTRE
MHR Business & Management Institute 905, 9th floor, Modern Iron Market(Thanzay Condo) Lanmadaw St. tel: 707822. NELC (Nelson English Language Centre Young Learner & Adults No 53, Dhamayon Street, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp. tel: 534287 NLEC 82 Anawrahta Rd, Corner of 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 250225. RV! Centre Yangon RV Management Services Co., Ltd. Tel: 535433, 541886, 242410, 250388 Ext: 333. email: ask@ rvcenre.com.sg The British Council 92, Strand Rd, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 254658. Mr. Betchang No.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th flr, Sanchaung Tsp, tel: 095041216

Winning Way No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Thayar Tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

24 hours Cancer centre No. 330, Yangon International Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

HAIR

Zen Wellness Care No.62 (A), Room-3, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: +951-252939.

Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com Saw Peter Foot Reflexology Oil Massage, Body Massage, Foot Massage. Any time you want at your place. tel : 09-431-56459, 09-518-8047.

BATTERY

CAR DEALER
ISO 9001:2008 (QMS)

The Yangon GYM Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Health Club. Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: 951 242828 Ext: 6561

Hair Clinic @ Asia Pacific Cut, Colour, Treatment, Perm, Styling, Make up + hair up. Opening hours: Tue to Sun 9 am - 6 pm, 81, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Mu Mu Win, 09-431-64128.

Proven Technology Industry Co., Ltd. No. FS 14, Bayintnaung Rd, Shwe Sabai Yeik Mon, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-951-701719~20, 527667, 531030, 531041, 530694. Fax: 527667, 531030. http//www. toyobatterymyanmar.com.

HOME FURNISHING

Piyavate Hospital (Bangkok) Myanmar Represent ative (Head office) Miba Gon Yee Business Group, No.506, 5th-fl, Yuzana Twin Tower, (No.8, Pangyan Tower) Cor of Dhama Zedi & Bargayar Rd, SCHG Tsp. Tel: 500600, 500800, 500900. Fax: 539799. hotline: +9595018777. piyavate@ myanmar.com.mm www.piyavate.com
Shimmering Gold Services Co., Ltd.
VICToRy FoR LIFe

MTG Motors Trading Co.,Ltd No.H, Hlaing Yadanar Housing, Yangon-Insein Road, Hlaing Tsp. tel: 503590, 514165

FLORAL SERVICES
22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363. Home Plus Trading Co., Ltd. No. 457, Aung San Stadium, Mingalartungnyunt Tsp. tel: 394888. Fax: 393008.
BANGKOK, THAILAND

CHOCOLATE

Inya Day Spa

BOOK STORES

ENTERTAINMENT

16/2, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 537907, 503375.

Room - 4021, 3rd Floor, Taw Win Centre. Ph: 8600111 (Ext:4021), 09-803-2581.

Innwa Book Store No. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387

G-A, Ground Floor, Pearl Center, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon. Tel: 09 500 6880 Email: chocolateheaven. sale@gmail.com

Dance Lessons Mon-Fri 12:00 to 23:00. Sat-Sun 10 am to 8 pm Fun dancing Friday nights with Filipino musicians 4, U Tun Myat St, Tamwe. Tel: 01-541 550

Floral Service & Gift Shop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 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. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm

HEALTH SERVICES

VEJTHANI MYANMAR REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE No.125(C), West Shwe Gon Dine Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. 01-3449977. Hot Line: 09-507-1111, 01-555448, 555998. vejthani@myanmar.com.mm www.vejthani.com

Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 548022, 542979, 553783, 09-8030847, 09-730-56079. Email: asiapacific. myanmar@gmail.com.

LEGAL SERVICE
U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. uminsein@mptmail.net.mm

MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION

Agent Office, 5th Floor, Junction Centre (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw Township, Yangon. Myanmar. Ph: 09-731-56770, 09-5117584, Fax: 01-516313, myanmarmeditour@gmail. com Bumrungrad Intl Rm 238, Summit Parkview Hotel, Dagon Tsp. tel: 723999, 211888. Ext: 8238.

Foral Service & Gifts shop No.2, Corner of Khay Mar St & Baho Rd (Near Asia Royal Hospital), Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. email: yangonflorist@ myanmar.com.mm. Tel: 01-510406, 09-73184714.

Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

Media & Advertising

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon. Telefax : 01-203743, 09730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

No. 365/367, Bo Aung Kyaw st (Upper), IHBC, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 392484 , 389824, 09803-0166. Fax: 392590. Email: radiant.aesthetics @gmail.com. Web: www. kembanganradiant.com

FURNITURE
NatRay Co., Ltd. Rm 807, La Pyayt Wun Plaza. tel : 01-370833, 370836

Acupuncture, Medicine Massage, Foot Spa Add:No,27(A),Ywa Ma Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 01-511122, 526765.

Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior Decoration Corporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profile Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Corporate diary/ email newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning for any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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PLEASURE CRUISES
Black Canyon Coffee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 0980 21691, 395052. email: blackcanyon@yangon. net.mm. Eugenia 47, Manawhari Housing Estate, Baho Road, Ahlone Tsp. tel: 227346. Feel Myanmar Foods 124, Pyi Htaung Su Yeik Thar Street, Dagon Tsp. tel: 725736. Mesamis French Restaurant No.5, U Htun Nyein St, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 656611, 09-431-35406. Email: info@ mesamisyangon.com Tiger Hill Chinese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6253 Traders Gourmet Corner Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel : 242828 ext : 6503 Traders Gallery Bar Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6433 Traders Lobby Lounge Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6456

mt QuiCk guide
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MyanMar tiMes

ILBC 180, Thunandar 9th Lane, Thumingalar Housing, Thingungyung.tel: 562401.

Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com

No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing, New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 951-549451, 557219, 540730. www.yangon-academy.org

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

PAINT

TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

No. 105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road. between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Tha (Halpin) and Manawhari Road/Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 09-730-29973, 09-731-08608. Tel/Fax: 538 895. H/P: 09 5409469, 09 8032909.
goldengalon@mptmail.net.mm

ILBC IGCSE SCHOOL No.(34), Laydauntkan Road, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 542982, 545720, 549106,545736,400156 Fax: 541040 Email: info@ilbc.net.mm www.ilbcedu.com ISM Intl School W 22/24, Mya Kan Thar Housing, Hlaing Tsp. tel:530082, 530083. International School Yangon No.20, Shwe Taung Kyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 512793. Kangaroo Child Care 55, Aung Min Gaung 1st Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 501 568, 09 504 7732. MAA Learning Centre 377, First fl, Shwe Bon Thar St., Pabedan Tsp. Yangon. Tel: 250501, 250502.

SOLAR SYSTEM

The Brightest AC CFL Bulb 21, 9th street, Lanmadaw Tsp. Ph: 212243, 216861, 216864. spsolarstation@gmail.com www.spsolarstation.com

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

PUMP

MTG Pumps & Machineries No.H, Hlaing Yadanar Housing, Yangon-Insein Road, Hlaing Tsp. tel: 503590, 514165.

Italian delicatesse & Ice-cream No.150, Dhamazadi Rd, Bahan Tsp. (Monunent Book Shop) Open Daily 9:00am to 7:00pm. Italian Ice-cream, Pasta, Pizza & Bar (2) G/F, City Mart, Myaynigone Centre. tel : 508469, 508470 ext. 113 Open Daily 9:00am to 10:00pm.

REMOVALISTS

Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Floor Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township. tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm

House of Memories Piano Bar & Restaurant Myanmar Cuisine & International Food 290, U Wizara Rd, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. tel: 525 195, 534 242. e-mail: houseofmemories 9@gmail.com

Pansweltaw Express Cafe: No.228, Ahlone Road, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm 309, 3rd fl, Ocean, East Point Shopping Center, Pazundaung Tsp. Tel: 397900 Ext:309. (2)Ground Fl, Ocean North Point Shopping Center. Tel:652959, 652960, Ext: 133. www. pansweltaw.com E-mail: pansweltaw@ myanmar.com.mm

PEB Steel Buildings 60 (A), Halpin Road, Yangon. Tel: 01-218223, 218224. Fax: 218224. marketing@pebsteel.com. mm www.pebsteel.com.mm

Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-535783, 527705, 501429. Fax: 95-1-527705. Email: salesikon@myanmar.com.mm Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 651 200, 652963. Pick n Pay Hyper Market Bldg (A,B,C), (14~16), Shwe Mya Yar Housing, Mya Yar Gone St, Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 206001~3, Fax: 9000199 Sein Gay Har 44, Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 383812, 379823. Super 1 (Kyaikkasan) 65, Lay Daunt Kan St, Ph: 545871~73 Super 1 (Shwe Bonthar) 397, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan. Ph: 250268~29 Victoria Shwe Pone Nyet Yeik Mon, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel : 515136.

TRAVEL AGENTS

1. WASABI : No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 666781,09-503-9139 2. WASABI SUSHI : Market Place by City Mart (1st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) Junction Mawtin (City Mart)

SUPERMARKETS
Asia Light 106, Set Yone Rd., Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp. tel: 294074, 294083. Capital Hyper Mart 14(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. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) 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 Branch) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Chinatown Point Branch) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Junction Maw Tin Branch) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) IKON Mart IKON Trading Co., Ltd. No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung P.O (11111), Yangon,

Admissions Office: No. 44, Than Lwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 535433, 09-850-3073. Email: rviacademygn@ rvcentre.com.sg Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916.

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Htoo Travels 209/c, first flr, Shwe Gonedaing Rd, Bahan. Tel: 548554, 548039.

Phoenix Court (Chinese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Kandawgyi (Royal Lake) Park, Yangon. (opposite of Eye Hospital) Ph: 556837, 556838. Fax: 556875. E-mail: whitericeyangon@gmail.com www.whiterice-myanmar. com

NO.13, Rm-3/4, Kyaung Lane, Myaynigone(N), Tel: 501971, 516955, 516977, email: miracle_ tour@ myanmar.com.mm Sun Far Travels & Tours 27, Ground flr, 38th st, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 380888.

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm.

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Shiki-Tel (Japanese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Signature Near U Htaung Bo Round, about Bahan Tsp. tel: 546488, 543387.

LANGUAGE
Bilingual Language Centre Teaching Myanmar to Non-Myanmar No.7 (Gournd Floor), Thu-Kha-Main Street, Myaynigone, San Chaung. Tel: 09-500-6431, nyalinphyu@gmail.com

Summit Intl Learning Centre No.248, Ahlone Rd, YGN. Ph: 222661, 725718 www.silceducation.com

WATER HEATERS

No. 142, Ground Floor, 46th Street, Botahtaung Township, Yangon. Tel/Fax: 202466. Tel: 398669, 09-511-7876. wwmservices@myanmar. com.mm

Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

SKY VIEW Restaurant No. 255, Rm 1504, 15 Flr, Olympic Tower, Bo Aung Kyaw Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Tel : 386539, 392886.

SCHOOLS

95, Anawrahta Rd, Pazundaung Tsp. tel:296552, 293754. 336, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. tel: 526456. New University Avenue, 551521, 551951, 553896. U Wisara Rd, tel: 524599, 501976.

The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 251033, 09-730-25281.

Same as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address

Water Heater

RESTAURANTS

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon The Ritz Exclusive Lounge Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244 TB Bar & Restaurant The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residences (Second Flr) 372, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 385101, 256355. 256356 Fax: 385101

24 hours open. 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon Tsp, inside Thamada Hotel. tel 243640, 243047, Ext: 32.

Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-512-7795 operayangon@gmail.com www.operayangon.com

ASIA Language & Business Academy (All classes are taught by native English-speaking teachers), No-66 Shwedagon Pagoda Road Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel:720966, 384055, http://www.alba-edu.com

WEB SERVICES

Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net

Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com

Yangon International School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.net Yangon International School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: 687701, 687702

World-class Web Services Tailor-made design, Professional research & writing for Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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January 9 - 15, 2012
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Olympics at risk from shadowy fixers: Britain

LONDON Fixing now poses the biggest threat to the integrity of the Olympics, the British minister for the 2012 London Games told The Sunday Times newspaper, citing illegal Asian betting rings. Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said fixing had overtaken drugs cheats in terms of the threat posed to the reputation of the games. You cannot underestimate the threat this poses because the moment that spectators start to feel that what they are seeing in front of them is not a true contest, that is when spectators stop turning up and the whole thing falls to pieces, he told the weekly broadsheet. He said he thought betting authorities in Western countries were well set up to spot illegal activity but criticised the lack of regulation in Asia, both on the Indian sub-continent and in the Far East. Robertson cited the recent cricket corruption scandal, in which three Pakistan players were jailed in Britain for their part in spot-fixing, prearranged elements in a match which betting rings can make money on. The issue is not of betting syndicates in this part of the world, the minister said. It is in illegal betting syndicates on the Indian sub-continent and elsewhere, where huge sums of money change hands. He said spot-betting was the biggest threat, with syndicates wagering huge sums on more easily fixed elements within matches, rather than on the outcome of whole contests. At some stage over the next two or three years, we will have some other sort of betting scandal in some sport. I just hope it is not at the Olympics, Robertson said. For the first time in the history of the games, a dedicated intelligence unit will be created to crack down on attempts to bribe athletes and irregular betting patterns. From page 44 township. But in my mind implementation is not easy at all. All the clubs in the MNL are owned by superrich people. Football clubs promoted from the semi-pro league will find it difficult to compete with the rich clubs, he said. The issue of ownership creates a vast divide between those at the top and those coming in. If the clubs need investment for more facilities, both the rich owner and the fans can help contribute. But the semi-pro league clubs are not owned by a rich boss and they dont have a large fan base. Even if these clubs play outstandingly, in the long run a question of budget might way heavy on their chance for survival, Ye Thi Ha said. Kyaw Lin Oo, a fan from Dagon Seikkan The unit will be headed up by Britains Scotland Yard police headquarters and work with the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Interpol to track suspicious gambling activity, The Sunday Times said. The government is also set to fast-track through laws to allow Britains gambling commission to share intelligence with Olympic officials and foreign investigation agencies, it added. However, it was the organisers of the games that had to admit on January 4 to mistakenly overselling tickets for synchronised swimming sessions, leading to thousands being offered tickets to other events. Some 10,000 tickets were meant to go on offer in the second round of sales for four of the sessions in the aquatics centre but 20,000 were made available due to human error, organisers revealed. Officials contacted around 3000 ticket-holders and offered them access to more prestigious events including the mens 1500m athletics final that they had previously applied for unsuccessfully. As a result of finalising the seating configurations in our venues and reconciling the millions of Olympic and Paralympic ticket orders against the seating plans for around 1000 sporting sessions, we have discovered an error in seats available in four synchronised swimming sessions, said a London 2012 spokesperson. In December we contacted around 3000 customers who had applied for tickets in the four sessions during the second round sales process and we are exchanging their synchronised swimming tickets for tickets in other sports, added the spokesperson. The extra tickets will come from a batch of one million contingency tickets that will go on sale in May after seating plans for the venues have been finalised. AFP township, felt this years new clubs, Chin United and Mawrawadi would face tough times. No doubt the teams will compete hard. But the new teams may be biting off more than they can chew. They have no experience, and now there is the challenge of relegation at the end of the season. They are going to have to play hard, Kyaw Lin Oo said. But not all fans felt the move was bad. Myint Aung, a fan from Kyautada township felt the decision would bring in greater competition. It is good to have a twotiered league system as it will improve the performances. MNL declined because the teams at the bottom didnt try as hard, he said. Having system of promotion and relegation will make all the teams work to escape the drop, making the league more competitive and exciting.

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar (centre) watches Australias Ricky Ponting (left) attempt a catch as wicketkeeper Brad Haddin looks on during the second cricket test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6. Pic: AFP

Clarke bowls Tendulkar to rub in a record 300 runs

SYDNEY Australia beat India by an innings in the second test in Sydney on January 6 after Sachin Tendulkars dismissal precipitated a collapse for the visitors. The big breakthrough came 30 minutes after lunch when Tendulkar was again thwarted in his chase for his 100th international century with parttime spinner Michael Clarke claiming the prized wicket. Clarke, who became only the sixth Australian to score a test triple century on January 5, capped a magnificent match when he coaxed an edge off Tendulkar to Michael Hussey at slip for 80 off 141 balls. Tendulkars dismissal triggered a clatter of wickets with VVS Laxman (66), MS Dhoni (2) and Virat Kohli (9) following in the next seven overs to expose the tail end to the Australian bowlers. At tea on the fourth day, India were 351 for eight with Ravi Ashwin on 27 and Ishant Sharma on one and still trailing by 117 runs with defeat looming. Tendulkar looked in good nick as he unfurled his glorious strokemaking but fell in the 79th over when he was drawn forward to Clarkes spin and got an outside edge off wicketkeeper Brad Haddins gloves to Hussey at first slip. With him went Indias remote hopes of denying Australia victory and a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series after losing the opening Melbourne Test by 122 runs. India have never won a series in Australia. Tendulkar has been stranded on 99 Test and one-day international centuries since scoring 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in March. His last Test century was 146 against South Africa in Cape Town a year ago. Ben Hilfenhaus clipped Laxmans off-stump with a magnificent swinging delivery and then caught and bowled India captain Dhoni two overs later for two. Kohli looked a little unfortunate to be given out leg before wicket off James Pattinson for nine to leave the tourists seven wickets down and into their tail. Zaheer Khan hit out lustily with five fours and a six in his 35 off 26 balls before he was caught by Shaun Marsh off Siddle nearing tea. Earlier, opener Gautam Gambhir was dismissed for 83 when he was caught at point by David Warner off the second ball of Peter Siddles first over of the day. India were always looking down the barrel after conceding a massive 468run first innings lead following their mediocre 191 on the first day. Captain Clarke declared Australias first innings at 659 for four with seven and a half sessions left to bowl out India. AFP

Mystery man sparks Khan complaints

LONDON Britains Amir Khan took to Twitter on January 5 as he stepped up his complaints over his world title defeat by Lamont Peterson in Washington last month. He told his followers on the social networking site he was particularly concerned by the presence of an unknown man in a hat at ringside, who he claimed was talking to bout supervisor Michael Walsh, in contravention of a rule that states no one should speak to officials while a fight is in progress. Khan lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titles to Peterson in a close points decision, with referee Joe Cooper taking two points away from Khan for pushing. Without that deduction, Khan would have kept his titles and there was further controversy over the unusually long delay that ensued between the final bell and the announcement of the judges scorecards. Khans appeal against his defeat is due to be heard later this month. In the meantime the 26year-old expressed his latest concerns with a series of tweets and links to video footage of the fight. Sat on the main judges panel at the front on the right hand side 3rd to the end ... From round 6 all the way through to round 12 this guy starts to interfere with what Michael Walsh is doing and they are both not watching the fight, watch the video and have a look for yourselfs [sic], Khan posted. No one is allowed according to the rules to touch hold the scorecards or even talk to the judges on commission during the fight. There are three judges in a fight and all have different colour slips, and at the end of evry round they get passed on to the WBA, IBF and DC commission. This pic shows here in round 6 the guy wearing the hat clearing picks up one of the judges white slips and if you watch the video slides it down and towards him. Khan added: Again in round 8 and round 9, cleary not watching the fight at all and not allowing Michael Walsh to watch too. This time in round 11 hes seen here clearly picking up a yellow judges slip ... Strictly againts the rules. I want Michael Walsh to come out and speak out about what was going on, its only right and fair to do so. The question is ... Who is this guy? And what was he doing? Im sure someone out there knows. AFP

A man caught talking to a line judge during the world title fight between Amir Khan (left) and Lamont Peterson. Pic: HBO

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January 9 - 15, 2012
into the goal via the underside of the bar. Events might have unfolded differently had the visitors taken the games first real chance after just seven minutes when Jordan Henderson played a clinical through ball for Stewart Downing only for the winger to be denied by Joe Harts sprawling body. But, as in that instance, Liverpools best opportunities would be limited to the counterattack and, even before the goal, Reina had been forced to save at the foot of his post from Edin Dezkos shot on the turn. After his error for the opening goal, Reina was soon tested again when Agueros intelligent chip had the goalkeeper back-pedalling to make a solid catch and, in the 22nd minute, Dzeko maintained the pressure with a shot which deflected off Glen Johnson and passed inches wide, with Reina wrong-footed. Liverpool finally found their feet around the midway point with Charlie Adams 18-metre free-kick beating the City wall and forcing Hart into a diving save and, moments later, Henderson struck a ferocious 22-metre drive that flew just past Harts righthand post. Liverpools general attacking play improved after Kenny Dalglish introduced Steven Gerrard and former City forward Craig Bellamy as 57th minute substitutes. Liverpool were handed brief hope when Barry brought down Daniel Agger and, after a first half caution for fouling Jay Spearing, was sent off. However, within a minute, City moved further in front when Martin Skrtel checked Yaya Toure in the Liverpool area, conceding a penalty that Milner converted emphatically. AFP

MyanMar tiMes

City go clear in Liverpool win

By Ian Whittell MANCHESTER Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League as a comfortable, if eventful, 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Eastlands maintained their incredible home form. First half goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure were followed by the 72 nd minute dismissal of City midfielder Gareth Barry for a second bookable offence. But within 60 seconds, James Milner had extended Citys lead from the penalty spot against a Liverpool side that was without Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, his club having decided before kick-off not to appeal the eightmatch suspension handed to him for racially abusing Manchester Uniteds Patrice Evra. After 10 minutes, City took the lead at a home stadium that had been virtually impregnable in 2011, the team having collected 52 points out of an available 54 in home league games during the calendar year. Milner robbed the ball from Dirk Kuyt on the left and found David Silva whose touch opened the path for Aguero to unleash an 18 metre shot that should have presented the Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina with no problem, only for the Spaniard to allow the ball under his body and into the goal. Reina made amends for his earlier error when he spectacularly tipped a Vincent Kompany header over his crossbar from a Milner corner. However, from the resulting Silva flag kick, Liverpools marking was found wanting and Yaya Toure was allowed the space to guide an unstoppable header

Wenger rages at referee in costly defeat

LONDON Arsene Wenger blamed referee Lee Probert following Arsenals dramatic 2-1 defeat at Fulham and claimed his team have been unfairly denied penalties in four of their last five Premier League games. The Frenchman believed his side should have been awarded spot-kicks against Manchester City, Aston Villa, QPR, and then early in the loss at Craven Cottage on January 2 when Gervinho appeared to be caught by former Gunners defender Philippe Senderos. Arsenal took the lead through Laurent Koscielny but were forced to play the closing stages with 10 men after Johan Djourous dismissal, with Fulham taking advantage through goals from Steve Sidwell, a former Gunners midfielder, and Bobby Zamora in the final five minutes. The referee influenced the game completely the wrong way in my opinion, said Wenger after a defeat which, combined with Chelseas 2-1 win at Wolves also on January 2 dropped his side into fifth place in the table. We cannot influence that, added Wenger, whose remarks about Probert could land him in disciplinary trouble with the Football Association. We had a good first half. In the second half, we were more tired and in the last 10 minutes we lost the game because we were down to 10 men. Arsenal could have secured the points well before the late drama if Probert had awarded a penalty for Sendeross trip on Gervinho in the 13th minute. I am surprised, Wenger said. You want the right decision. He added: We had a penalty in the last game [against QPR], a clear handball. We had a penalty at Man City, we had a penalty at Villa Park. You should not ask me. I dont know. Swiss defender Djourous first booking was for a slide on Mousa Dembele and his second, which led to an automatic dismissal, came when he fouled Zamora. The first yellow card was not a yellow card, the second yellow card was a foul for us, Wenger said. It was 100 percent a penalty for us in the first-half. It was bad for us, the fact we didnt take our chances in the first-half and it made the difference, added Wenger in a rare admission Arsenal had contributed to their defeat before saying Fulham had conspired to get Djourou dismissed. When Djourou got the first yellow, every time they went down to get him the second yellow and he did nothing at all. I saw it coming because when [Karim] Frei came on, the game was all [about] look for the second yellow card for Djourou and in the end, he got it. Djourous suspension gives Wenger another headache as Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos and Thomas Vermaelen are all injured, leaving Arsenal short of full-backs. He has done well, we are short, we have lost three leftbacks and two right-backs. What can you do? You cannot buy 10 full-backs, Wenger said. AFP

Liverpool players walk back to the half-way line after conceding a second goal during their Premier League match against Manchester City on January 3. Pic: AFP

Spurs could be well set for title bid: Redknapp

By Steve Griffiths LONDON Harry Redknapp admits Tottenham could be on the verge of mounting the clubs first serious challenge for the Premier League title. Redknapps side kept up the pressure on leaders Manchester City and secondplaced Manchester United with a hard-fought 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane on January 4. The north Londoners are six points behind City, but could move within three points of the leaders with a victory at home to Everton in their game in hand on January 11. Redknapp stopped short of declaring that Tottenham can win the title, but he believes they should be regarded as a threat to the two Manchester clubs. I dont know about a title winning team but we are there and thereabouts. We have to keep believing and keep going. Pic: AFP You never know, nothing is in impossible, Redknapp said. Its been a great first half of the season. Considering we lost the first two games to have the points we have is great. We are in there and have a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season. After an FA Cup third round tie against League Two minnows Cheltenham, Redknapps team turn their attention to the crucial clash with Everton. If Tottenham are to run City and United close in the title race, that is the kind of fixture they must win and Redknapp pointing to the surprise results over the Christmas period warned his players to guard against complacency. You arent going to rip teams every week. Youve only got to look at some of the results over the holidays, he said. Blackburn won at Man United, Sunderland beat Man City and Fulham beat Arsenal. There are no easy games for anyone in this league. Weve got some tough games coming up. Everton will come here and be hard to beat, thats a really difficult one. Most of the successful sides in Tottenhams history are better remembered for grace rather than graft but, while Redknapps current crop can undoubtedly play a bit, they proved they can also roll their sleeves up and grind out a result against obdurate opposition. They kept cool despite the provocation of some ferocious Albion tackles and pieced together an incisive attack that ended with Jermain Defoe bagging the winner with a typically predatory finish in the 63rd minute. It was very important to get the win and keep up there, Redknapp said. It was a hard night because they set up to be difficult to beat. For sure I was worried if we would get a goal. They were sitting in deep. Redknapp was relieved Defoe was able to break the deadlock and insisted the England striker wont be sold during the January transfer window even though this was his first league start for a month. Jermain has always been a goalscorer. Theres no chance he will be leaving, he is under contract, said Redknapp, who could be without William Gallas and Sandro for several weeks after the pair sustained calf injuries. Albion boss Roy Hodgson showed his respect for Spurs by admitting he sent out his side in defensive mode and he has no doubts Redknapps men are good enough to win the title. They are serious contenders for the title. They have proved that, Hodgson said. They win their matches and put pressure on City and United to win their matches. It is a well organised side so I wouldnt bet against them. AFP

Tottenham Hotspurs Jermain Defoe (left) shoots in the EPL game agianst West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane Park on January 3.

tImESsPORt
By Jason Mellor NEWCASTLE Manchester United missed a chance to draw level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League as they slumped to a stunning 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on January 4. The returning Wayne Rooney couldnt inspire Sir Alex Fergusons side, as they suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time in 10 months to leave them in second place, three points adrift of leaders City, who they face in the FA Cup at the weekend. Newcastle, who pull to within a point of sixth-placed Liverpool, savoured their first victory over the defending Champions for a decade at the 19 th attempt thanks to stunning goals in each half. The first, came predictably, from their in-form striker, Demba Ba, the second expertly curled home by their French midfielder Yohan Cabaye barely 90 seconds after the re-start. Uniteds misery was capped in stoppage time by Phil Jones own goal. It proved to be a frustrating return to action for England forward Rooney. He had been restored to the side after reputedly incurring a 20,000 fine for breaking a club curfew over the Christmas period but he failed to add to his impressive record against these opponents, his streak of six goals in as many games at St James Park coming to a halt. Perhaps its something to do with the north-east of England when it comes to upsetting the title contenders, with Manchester City having been beaten by neighbouring Sunderland in their recent trip to Wearside. Where Martin ONeills side had been somewhat fortunate to inflict a single goal defeat on the blue half of Manchester, Newcastle were good value for their victory. Crucially they gained an interval lead, as Ba signed off in style in his last appearance for at least a month as the 26-yearold heads off on African Cup of Nations duty for Senegal.

January 9 - 15, 2012

United stunned as Magpies soar

MFF eyes pro-league with two-tiered system

Aung Si Hein THIS years Myanmar National League (MNL) football season will be played with a difference. The Myanmar Football Federation has decided to implement a two-tiered system in 2013 in a bid to turn the league professional, relegating two teams from this years crop. Going into the 2012 season, the league has already swelled by two extra teams, Chin United FC and Mawrawadi FC, taking the number to 14. But the two bottom teams will be relegated to make up part of a planned second tier for 2013, leaving 12 teams in the top flight. Promotion will only begin the following season when the second league completes its first year. The MFF made its decision based on the desire to establish the MNL as a professional league in line with the global standard. A professional league must have promotion and relegation. As we are now forming a professional league, we must adopt a twotiered system, MFF competition director U Win Thu Moe told The Myanmar Times. The MFF will need to bring in at least eight more clubs this year to join the two MNL relegated teams for a second pro-league in 2013. But U Win Thu Moe remains confident they can recruit the necessary number of clubs from the amateur league, which is also expanding, from 16 to 20 clubs this season. Before we couldnt establish this system as we only had a few football clubs but now we can with the increasing numbers of clubs, he said. Out of this years amateur league clubs, MFF will pick those able and willing to join a semi-pro league, which are likely to include ACE FC, MEC FC supported by the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) and the Ministry of Defense FC. A danger for the new clubs rests on the increasing costs of turning pro, as seen with the financial struggles faced by Rakapura FC in 2011. The MFF has pledged financial aid to bump up each clubs budget. MFFs president U Zaw Zaw will sanction each MNL club K20 million this year. Depending on the income received from our sponsors, MFF will continue supporting every club, but the amount cannot yet be verified, he added. For 2012 season MFF has secured K500 million from its title sponsor, Myanmar Brewery and a further K500 million from the official broadcaster MRTV-4. Despite such optimism from MFF, football fans remain skeptical the plans can be pulled off. You can see that MFF is making this twotiered system so that Myanmar clubs can enter the AFC champions-league because that system is compulsory, said Ye Thi Ha, football fan from Mingalar Taungyunt More page 42

Newcastle Uniteds Ivorian midfielder, Cheik Tiote (left) vies with Manchester Uniteds Ryan Giggs during their English FA Premier League football match at St James Park on January 4. Pic: AFP In front of a near-capacity crowd of 52,299, the hosts produced plenty of eye-catching football prior to deservedly breaking the deadlock, but Bas 15th of the season in the 32nd minute owed everything to route one. Goalkeeper Tim Krul launched a booming free-kick from the edge of his box, which was flicked on by Shola Ameobi as the Newcastle forward beat Jones leap outside the visitors area. Ba reacted first, turning in an instant to send a looping firsttime volley into the top corner from 16 metres. It was the first Premier League goal conceded in six appearances this season by Anders Lindegaard, the Manchester United keeper who came in for young Spaniard, David De Gea, one of four changes made by the visitors from the side to suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in their previous game. Having been caught out for Newcastles first goal, Jones was again at fault as the hosts earned themselves valuable breathing space, doubling their advantage in memorable style immediately after the re-start. On a largely forgettable evening for the England defender, he was caught flatfooted to foul Bas surge towards goal 27 metres out. Cabaye did the rest, with a sumptuous freekick which found the net via the underside of the bar. It might have been different had not Simpson cleared off the line from Rooney before the hour, the forwards last significant contribution before his substitution. The third goal duly arrived, in somewhat comical fashion, as the contest edged into stoppage time, Jones rounding off a wretched personal display by heading another long Krul freekick past Lindegaard into his own net. AFP