The Irrawaddy
Friday, June 11, 2010
Today's Newsletter
Suu Kyi Says Burmese Have Right Not to Vote
By BA KAUNG
Detained Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi tells her lawyer that the country's citizens have a right not to vote.
World Cup Fever Comes to Burma
By WAI MOE
It may be one of the world's least developed countries, but Burma does not lag behind when it comes to passion for the World Cup.
Five Irrawaddy Dolphins Found Dead
By LAWI WENG
Five Irrawaddy dolphins in Burma, out of a total number estimated to be under 100, were found dead last month, with researchers blaming three of the deaths on fishing nets.
Cholera Cases Rising in Mae La Refugee Camp
By KYAW THEIN KHA
Eighty-nine Burmese refugees in Mae La Refugee Camp are infected with cholera and the number of cases is rising.
US Official Raises Concern over Burmese Refugees
By SAW YAN NAING
A US official says he is concerned about the 140,000 Burmese refugees in Thailand who cannot return home for the election this year.
US Says Burma Nukes Would "Tremendously Destabilize" SE Asia
By BA KAUNG
If proven to be a reality, the Burmese junta's alleged nuclear program would "tremendously destabilize" Southeast Asia, says a senior US State Department official.
Karen Language Community Radio to Launch in Australia
By SHAH PAUNG
A group of Karen volunteers in Melbourne, Australia, plan to launch the community radio program in cooperation with 3ZZZ radio. The program will also be broadcast worldwide on the Internet.
Ammonium Gas Pipe Explodes at Rangoon Factory
By THE IRRAWADDY
An ammonium gas pipe exploded in a shrimp-processing factory in Rangoon on Thursday, killing at least four workers and leaving more than 40 people unconscious.
Business
China's Pressure from Rising Labor Costs
By JOHN BERTHELSEN / ASIA SENTINEL WRITER
As a result of the publicity over the suicide of its employees, Foxconn's parent company, the Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision, announced it was raising minimum wages by 30 percent.
Malaysia Woos Foreign Talent
By EILEEN NG / AP WRITER
Malaysia unveils a slew of incentives to woo skilled foreign workers and pledged to spend $72 billion on economic development and other programs under a new five-year growth plan.
Regional
Thai Prisoners Stage Their Own World Cup
By KINAN SUCHAOVANICH / AP WRITER
At Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison, 16 teams of seven players will be battling on a muddy pitch, hoping to lift a World Cup replica trophy.
Opinion
COMMENTARY
Webb's Mission a Lost Cause?
By AUNG ZAW
US Sen. Jim Webb learns the hard way that "engagement" with Burma's military regime is a treacherous business.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"As a victim of racism and a sports fan, I urge all who play or simply watch sport to use the World Cup as a catalyst to call for global action against intolerance and racism."
Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64