Yaung Ni Oo

Derek Mitchell has met representatives of Parliament, Aung San Suu Kyi, leaders of the opposition and ethnic minorities. Discussions focus on aid in the health sector and education. But there was also talk of economy and cooperation between the two countries. No comment on possible changes to the sanctions.

Activists and environmentalists blame infrastructural and natural resource development. The latter enriches the country’s leadership at the expense of the people. In Karen State, thousands of families are homeless because of a road. Mytisone (Kachin) dam will cause serious damages; the Chinese company that is building it wants seven more.

Myanmar is anchored to the agricultural tradition, but the sector lacks resources and investment. The government imposes types of crops in certain areas, blocking development. NGOs forced to provide qualified personnel, not to aggravate the crisis. The population does not expect "democracy", but higher wages from new government.

During school break, Catholics offer courses, catechism lessons, leisure activities as well as joint prayers. A better education is essential for the development of Myanmar. Full religious freedom is still not a reality and war remains a problem in a number of trouble spots. AsiaNews visits four cities to describe the lives and activities of the faithful.

Rumours about pending wage increases for public servants and military staff provoke spike as the government plans to issue a new 10,000-kyat bill. Strongman General Than Shwe plans to set up a special economic zone along the Chinese model. AsiaNews source says ordinary Burmese fear impact on markets and prices of basic consumer items.

Regime newspaper predicts the “tragic end" of the Democratic leader and her party if they continue to meddle in the issue of sanctions. The Lady and her party discuss how to implement sanctions without affecting the population. The restrictions imposed by the EU and U.S. are bypassed by trading with India, China and Thailand. This does not help the people who are getting poorer. Necessity of opening to the outside world through tourism, education, trade and economy.