The Irrawaddy
Friday, June 25, 2010
Today's Newsletter
EC Favoring Pro-junta Ethnic Parties
By SAW YAN NAING
Burma's Election Commission is singling out ethnic parties with ties to the ruling regime to run in this year's election while rejecting others, say observers.
Junta Interrogates Political Prisoners on Election
By ZARNI MANN
The Burmese military junta is interrogating political prisoners about their opinions of the upcoming election and their future political intentions.
Political Parties Want to Educate the Public
By KO HTWE
Officials at some registered political parties say they expect the election will be unfair, but they will participate to help educate the public about the political process.
Business
Burma Increases Airport Tax as Tourism Jumps
By WAI MOE
Burmese authorities will double the airport tax for foreigners and increase it six times for Burmese citizens by July, two months after a new visa on-arrival was unveiled to boost tourism.
Burma Authorizes Sale of More Mobile Phones
By NAYEE LIN LATT
An additional 130,000 mobile phones will be offered for sale in Burma by the end of this year, bringing the total number of mobile phones in the country to about 600,000.