By Aye Aye Win Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Though championed worldwide as a pro-democracy icon, there is something Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to do until Sunday: vote. The 70-year-old smiled but said nothing to waiting reporters as she cast her ballot at a polling station near the lakeside villa that served […]
Jolie, Suu Kyi visit Myanmar female factory workers
AP Wire Service YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Angelina Jolie has joined Myanmar’s opposition leader and democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi, in sitting down with female workers to learn more about their dire conditions. Jolie, who is a special envoy for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, is on a four-day visit to the Southeast […]
Suu Kyi’s iron gate up for auction; minimum bid $200,000
By Aye Aye Win Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The iron gate that stood in front of the home of Myanmar’s formerly imprisoned democracy icon, separating her from throngs of cheering supporters as she made speeches challenging the country’s then-military rulers, is going on the auction block. Soe Nyunt, the current owner, said Monday […]
Obama says ‘Rohingya,’ displeasing Myanmar hosts
By Todd Pitman and Julie Pace Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s minority Rohingya Muslims are among the most persecuted people on earth, and advocates of their cause were hoping President Barack Obama would not only press the issue during his visit this week — they were hoping he would simply say their name.
Myanmar signs trust-building pact with rebels
By Staff The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s government has signed an agreement with a major ethnic rebel group to build mutual trust in an effort to defuse recent tensions between the armies from the two sides, state-run media reported July 13.
‘Godfather of Heroin’ dies in Mayanmar
By Aye Aye Win The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A former drug kingpin and business tycoon once dubbed the “Godfather of Heroin” by the U.S. government has died in his home in Myanmar’s main city, a source close to the family said July 7.
Japan gives Myanmar $504M loan, forgives past debt
By Aye Aye Win The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Japan’s government on May 26 extended its first loan to Myanmar in 26 years and canceled the remainder of the Southeast Asian country’s debt, as Tokyo looks to re-establish strong economic ties with the former pariah nation.
2-child limit for Muslims in part of Myanmar
By Staff The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Authorities in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state have introduced a two-child limit for Muslim Rohingya families in an effort to ease tensions with the Rohingya’s Buddhist neighbors after a spate of deadly sectarian violence, an official said May 25.
Myanmar president frees prisoners ahead of visit to US
By Aye Aye Win The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s president pardoned at least 20 political prisoners on May 17, just ahead of a historic state visit to the United States that will highlight the two sides’ improved relations brought about by the former pariah nation’s democratic reforms.
Myanmar opposition party to hold party congress
By Aye Aye Win THE Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — In another sign of political reform and reconciliation in Myanmar, the country’s biggest party, led by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, will hold its first-ever congress in the country’s former capital next week. “This will be the NLD’s first party congress since the […]