July 8

 

Although it is not appropriate to compare the birthdays of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and military chief-in-commander Min Aung Hlaing, but one cannot simply gloss over the response of the people.

 

The Myanmar people celebrated the military dictator's 67th birthday by cursing him, throwing and stamping on his photos and waving the longyi as flags.

 

But during the State Counselor 's birthday on 18 June, the people expressed their admiration to the Myanmar democratic icon by wearing flowers in their hair.

 

The junta detained hundreds of those wearing flowers and florists who sell flowers.

 

The Union supreme court hear the charges against State Counselor and President

 

On Wednesday, the Union Supreme Court held the hearings on some charges against State Counselor and President.

 

Among the appeals proposed to court, the convictions of electoral fraud, Article 130(a) and Official Secrets Act.

 

For the Article 130(a), former State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, former President U Win Myint and Government Office Minister U Min Thu were imposed three years of imprisonment.

 

For the charge of State Secrets Act, five people including her and Economist Advisor Sean Turnell were imposed 3 years of imprisonment. But apart from State Counselor, all of her co-accused were released. "The decision will be made in the upcoming trials,” said some people privy to the pleadings.

 

NUG foreign minister Daw Zin Mar Aung attends inauguration of new East Timor government

The inauguration of the new government of East Timor took place on Saturday and the National Unity Government (NUG) foreign minister Daw Zin Mar Aung attended the event. She met with President José Ramos-Horta on Monday.

 

East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and has a pending application since 2011 for membership in the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Currently, East Timor is attending the ASEAN meeting as an observer.

 

During the meeting between Daw Zin Mar Aung and East Timor President José Ramos-Horta they discussed the revolution process in Myanmar and exchanged the portrait of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and some gifts.

 

The meeting enraged the junta that is trying to burnish its international reputation. The junta summoned the temporary officer of East Timor embassy in Yangon and expressed its objections on the meeting.

 

Clashes erupts near KIA headquarters

 

The clashes have been taking place between junta troops and members of the ethnic armed group KIA near Namhsein village, about six miles far from KIA’s main headquarters.

 

The KIA said these battles have happened after the junta added more troops in the area.

 

Namhsein village is located in Waing Maw township, which is home for internal displaced people.

Hundreds of people residing in Namhsein fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

KNU vows to support all anti-junta groups.

 

Newly elected Karen National Union (KNU) chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said Wednesday that his organization would work together with all the opponents of military junta.

 

Since the junta targeted the civilian areas and attacked with air strikes and heavy artillery resulting in many damages, the KNU will protect against any kind of intrusive attack for the sake of Karen people and all people of Myanmar.

 

Today's political condition is exceptional with enormous challenges and it is the right time to gain the good opportunities for their autonomy and self-determination, the KNU said.

 

The junta made restrictions on bars and restaurants

 

The junta directed the KTVs and restaurants in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw not to allow the performances of live bands starting this week.

 

"Subsequently, the members of the bands have to apply for membership in the Myanmar Music Association and the restaurants need to apply for license for inclusion of a band in their operation, the BBC reported.

 

In addition, the nightclubs are prohibited to open not later than 12 pm but no clarification upon these directions have been received yet.

 

After few days of new directives, the young artists have been applying for the membership according to Myanmar Music Association.

 

Junta troops raid Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise office

 

The junta troops raided Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) offic3 in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday and detained some staffs, according to statements from some media.

 

MOGE was sanctioned by western countries since military take over and it is the first time that junta troops raided the MOGE, which is one of its main sources of revenue.

 

The news arose after the junta allegedly tried to withdraw million of dollars which is against the sanctions. During the raid around 20 staffs including the officer were detained and interrogated for several days.

 

Burma Associated Press