The Irrawaddy
Friday, June 4, 2010
Today's Newsletter
Burma's Nuclear Ambitions 'Threaten Regional Security'
By WAI MOE
A new documentary by DVB supports the theory that the Burmese regime is developing secret missiles, including nuclear weapons, with the help of North Korea.
Burma's Military Budget to Increase Significantly
By THE IRRAWADDY
Burma's junta will significantly increase its annual military budget, and is expected to purchase hardware and technology from foreign countries, including North Korea.
Junta Constructing Tunnel in Magway
By YAN PAING
More evidence emerges of the Burmese regime building secret military bunkers around Burma.
Evidence Points to Burma's Nuclear Weapons 'Intent'
By SIMON ROUGHNEEN
There are regional and international security implications arising out of fresh evidence that Burma is seeking nuclear weapons and is in breach of a UN arms embargo on North Korea.
Business
Chinese Premier Departs with Agreements
By KYAW THEIN KHA
The Burmese military government signs a number of contracts and trade agreements with China, concluding Chinese Premier's two-day visit to Rangoon and Naypyidaw.
National Library Goes in Regime's Latest Property Sale
By NAYEE LIN LATT
Burma's National Library and a TV studio complex are among five state-owned buildings reportedly sold to private investors.
Regional
The Press Under Fire, Again
By SIMON ROUGHNEEN
The foreign media have come under fire now of a different sort, with the Thai government and a number of Thai citizens taking issue with what they deem as one-sided coverage.
Obama Shelves Trip to Indonesia
By BEN FELLER / AP WRITER
Grappling with the worst oil spill in the nation's history, US President Barack Obama has abruptly scrapped a trip to Indonesia and Australia for the second time this year.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Webb's Change of Plans Means No Change of Heart
US Senator Jim Webb's cancellation of his planned visit to Burma does not signal a change in his assessment of how to deal with the Burmese junta.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"They [Burmese military rulers] really admire [and want to] copy North Korea. They are trying to get missiles and they want to produce missiles like surface-to-surface missiles. They also want a nuclear bomb."
Burmese army defector ex-major Sai Thein Win.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64