I have commented before on how the most significant changes technology brings (especially on a long view) are often unforeseen and usually unintended. The same is often true of military and political decisions.
Burmese refugees at Mae La refugee camp are on alert due to a threat of attack by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), according to the vice chairman of the camp.“The DKBA said they will destroy our camp,” said Vice-Chairman Htun Htun, speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.
Many of the refugees have packed clothing and belongings in preparation for a military assault, sources in nearby Mae Sot said. Camp authorities have imposed a curfew of 9 p.m. On all refugee residents.
The DKBA threatened to attack Mae La camp after one of their influential commanders, San Pyote (aka Soe Myint), the head of Battalion 7, was ambushed and killed by an unknown armed group while traveling by longtail boat on the Moei River on June 26.
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Labels: burma, cat, ethics, refugee
We faced a choice during our move that had nothing to do with packing or even the things we own (too many, but that's another story ;).
At the same time, an Internally Displaced People's camp in Burma is under attack by Burmese government forces. Some 4,000 women and children have fled across the river to Thailand and there is a great need for basic supplies. So, assuming we have $500 we can spend what do we do? Prolong our beloved cat's life and make the next few years more pleasant for her? - After all we see her every day! Save the lives of a few refugees we may never meet?Labels: burma, cat, ethics, refugee
Phil,I plan to continue to write, and to continue to post the letters here, until I get a reply to comment on...
I wrote to you a fortnight ago, but have had not even a token reply. I fear that means you are too busy worrying about the election.
You should know that I am one voter who cares more about justice than vote-winning tricks. In previous General Elections I have always hoped, prayed, and voted for a Labour government. But since it seems on the issue of Burma and on so many others the Labour Party has lost its vision for a decent society in New Zealsand and for justice and peace internationally this time I fear I may have to vote for change.
I am deeply sad to be deprived of the opportunity to vote for these ideals.
Yours faithfully,
Tim Bulkeley
Labels: burma, nz politics
Labels: burma
Labels: burma, cyclone, karen, nargis
Whatever you do, do NOT just sit there, do something even if it is only to cry a little!pray, yes, but we still can't eat your prayers
While the faith and the spirits of the people I met in Mae La were strong, their current physical conditions are matters of concern. Registration froze two years ago. People who come to the camp--four or five new families everyday--are not given food rations or materials to build huts because they are not registered. They must move in with other refugees and those who open their huts must share what they have with the new-comers. Already, cuts have been made in the amount of food they receive twice a month.
We've been eating less meat, since the kids are leaving home (they are all confirmed and voracious carnivores ;-) among the recipes I've found useful is this warm Noodle Salad from Burma. We watched it being prepared at Borderline in Mae Sot when we did a cookery course there. I wish I had taken a photo of the meal since their version looked a lot more appetising than the one I prepared over the weekend - in a hurry as we were reorganising the kitchen all afternoon :(
Mix rice flour with water to make a creamy paste (if you use courgettes you should add extra rice flour to make the cream thick as courgettes are watery and risk going soggy not crisp in the salad).
The BBC has a report on the welcome announcement that the generals who rule the country they call Myanmar will at last allow humanitarian aid in to the 2.5 million worst affected by the cyclone on May 2. Read between the lines it tells of the perverse priorities and and care behind the generals earlier refusal. I've said before and will say again these men are not stupid, just evil.
Yes it would have been a shame if foreigners should witness the "referendum" they might be confused by the armed soldiers present at polling booths to make sure there was no misunderstanding. They could get the impression that this important referendum designed to ensure the generals' grip on power and dress it with a fine cloak of "democracy" was less than free and fair.
In Thailand UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opened a new base to speed
up aid for victims of the cyclone, which killed 78,000 and left 56,000
missing.
Meanwhile polls closed in the final stage of a controversial Burmese referendum on a new constitution.
The UN estimates that only a quarter of the 2.5 million Burmese affected by the cyclone have received the help they need.
Labels: burma

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