Myanmar

Over 70 Bonzi marched peacefully this morning without any incidents. It is the first demonstration since the violent repression in September. Human Rights Watch denounces: the junta forcibly recruits children into its army; the trafficking of children is widespread in the country. The UN is not doing enough.

Yesterday evening the authorities arrested Zarganar in his home, without placing formal charges. Arrested last month for having supported the monk’s protests, he had been freed on October 17th following the UN’s declarations against the junta. On his release the actor had immediately visited some local monasteries.

The authorities have announced the release of a dozen or so detainees and have called the population to registration promising an easy course. Non Buddhists alone – often drawn from the ethnic minorities – encounter difficulties, because they are considered foreigners. It is feared that the regime aims to deny them their rights. First and foremost the right to vote.

Marking the end of the Buddhist fast the military has deployed fake monks to collect all gifts. Monastery leaders meanwhile have urged all of the Bonzi against accepting offers from the authorities, or risk “excommunication”- The Minister for Religions asks the monks to “understand” the need for the repression.

The pro-democracy leader went under escort to a government building to meet junta’s liaison minister. At the end of the visit by UN special envoy for Myanmar Beijing reiterates its policy of non interference in the former Burma. New Delhi and Moscow are opposed to economic sanctions.

With the UN envoy in Beijing, protests take place in front of China’s diplomatic missions in 12 cities around the world to demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose detention symbolises the military regime’s violence. Ahead of the visit by the UN's human rights investigator, Myanmar authorities are getting judges to “fabricate” formal charges against detained activists to justify their arrest. A tired population continues to hope.

A prayer campaign for freedom and democracy has been launched continuing to Sunday. Human rights groups are campaigning for India to recognise the status if Burmese refugees and urging New Dehli to put Human Rights ahead of commercial interests.

Sergio Pinheiro is invited to journey to Yangon mid November, On the 17th the Asean summit begins, whose members were outspoken in their criticism of the recent repression. It is hoped that the exact death toll will be ascertained an the conditions of those still in prison verified.

Curfew ends in big cities. People are relieved but still scared. In the meantime thousands of monks and dissidents remain in prison. UN envoy Gambari is in India to get support for economic sanctions but with little hope. Junta proposes ‘talks’ with Aung San Suu Kyi.

Benedict XVI condemns terrorism carried out for so-called religious reasons and asks that the world’s confessions commit themselves to the fight against intolerance for conflict resolution.

After 14 years of consultation, Myanmar’s generals announce the creation of a committee charged with drafting a new constitution. For many analysts it is only a ploy to lessen international pressure. Monasteries along the northern border continue to be raided with the support of Chinese authorities.

Junta continues its repression as the tourist industry spins into crisis. Higher fuel prices push up food prices, forcing people to live on vegetables alone. The International Trade Unions Confederation warns that EU sanctions are ineffective if they do not include the oil and gas sectors.