Burma regime turns on the lights for ASEAN Energy Ministers but not for Its own People
Joint release by the Burma Rivers Network (BRN), the Shwe Gas Movement (SGM) and the Ethnic Community Development Forum (ECDF).
For more information see: www.burmariversnetwork.org and www.shwe.org
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July 29, 2009, Chiang Mai , Thailand
The ministers attending the 27th ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting (AMEM) today in Mandalay will enjoy unprecedented access to electricity while the rest of the country faces chronic power shortages.
Power supply in Burma’s second largest city has doubled just in time for the meeting, increasing from 5 to 10 hours per day last week while residents in the former capital of Rangoon experience daily electricity blackouts.
Electricity consumption rates per capita in Burma are less than 5% of neighboring Thailand. Yet Burma’s military regime is steaming ahead with plans to export even more energy resources to its neighbors. These include plans for over 20 large hydroelectric dams to power Thailand, China and ASEAN power grid, and trans-Burma oil and gas pipelines to China set to begin in September this year. The revenue from the energy sector is the main source of income for the Burmese generals.
It has been well documented that energy projects have caused environmental devastation and human rights abuses throughout the country.
“Increased fuel prices sparked the 2007 popular uprising in Burma and these energy export projects are making people increasingly angry. This ASEAN energy meeting will only further enrage the people of Burma. The generals are pocketing huge amounts from the projects but we are left in the dark” said Wong Aung from the Shwe Gas Movement
“Energy projects in Burma should be for the benefit of Burmese people and not at their expense. Affected communities have the right to Free and Prior Informed Consent and should be protected through a democratically-elected government as well as international human rights and environment laws. Until then, the ASEAN ministers should refrain from investing in Burma.” said Sai Khur Hseng of the Ethnic Community Development Forum.
Exported natural gas from Burma’s controversial Yadana and Yetagun fields fuels 20% of Thailand’s electricity needs while none fuels its own households. Meanwhile Chinese companies will construct 1,800 kilometer pipelines from the Shwe Gas Project in western Burma across the country to Kunming.
The BRN, SGM and ECDF are alliance organizations monitoring Burma’s energy sectors.
Contact: Wong Aung +66(0) 0873008354 (Shwe Gas Movement)
Sai Khur Hseng +66(0)84... (Ethnic Community Development Forum)
Best regard,
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Mr. Htun Htun
(M): +91-9891-280-954
Email: tuntun.bit@gmail.com
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http://burmacentredelhi.org
http://www.indoburmanews.net
http://www.thaiburmanews.net
http://www.shwe.org
http://www.burmese.shwe.org/
Friday, July 31, 2009
Press Release: Burma regime turns on the lights for ASEAN Energy Ministers but not for Its own People
Thai PM to Visit Myanmar Friday - Government
July 28, 2009: Bangkok, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will pay a one-day visit to Myanmar Friday, the same day as a court there is set to deliver a verdict in the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi, the government said.
But Thailand said that Abhisit - the current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, of which both countries are members - would not "directly" bring up the case during his trip.
"The purpose of the visit is to cement ties and to discuss the crackdown on drugs and migrant workers," Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
"The prime minister will discuss the overall situation but not directly address the Suu Kyi issue," Panitan added.
"Thailand will explain its stance on the demand to free political prisoners (in Myanmar) and push ahead with national reconciliation. Thailand has made the same statements as chairman of the Asean."
Democracy leader Suu Kyi faces up to five years in jail when a prison court hands down judgment Friday in her trial on charges of breaching the terms of her house arrest.
The charges relate to an incident in May when an American man swam uninvited to her house.
The case has drawn fierce international criticism, but Panitan said the Thai premier would reaffirm the Asean stance on noninterference in the internal affairs of member states and its opposition to U.S. and E.U. sanctions.
"Thailand will not interfere with Myanmar's internal affairs, and neither does Thailand agree with sanctions, which are not good for Asean," he said.
Abhisit is set to meet the leader of Myanmar's military junta, Senior General Than Shwe, and Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein during his visit.
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200907280455dowjonesdjonline000150&title=thai-pm-to-visit-myanmar-friday-government
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=================================
Mr. Htun Htun
(M): +91-9891-280-954
Email: tuntun.bit@gmail.com
-----~~------~~~~----~
http://burmacentredelhi.org
http://www.indoburmanews.net
http://www.thaiburmanews.net
http://www.shwe.org
http://www.burmese.shwe.org/
