Myanmar Monitor Weekly

Foreign Affairs

US eases economic sanctions on Myanmar
The US has lifted more of its economic sanctions on Myanmar, removing ten state-owned companies in the banking, timber and mining industries from the blacklist, as show of support for ongoing political reform in the country. Despite the election in November and the following smooth transfer of power, there’s no reward here for the Myanmar military as army companies and dozens of individuals who’ve made millions from military contracts are still sanctioned.
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Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong to visit Myanmar in June
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will officially launch the Singapore-Myanmar Vocational Training Institute when he visits Myanmar in June, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan announced on 18 May at a dinner commemorating Singapore and Myanmar’s 50 years of diplomatic ties. Located in Yangon, the institute will help train Myanmar youth in practical and employable skills.
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UN urges Myanmar to treat LGBT community in a dignified manner
Mr. Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS country coordinator has urged the Myanmar government, legislative bodies and people, not to discriminate against the LGBT community and to treat them in a dignified manner. Discrimination against the LGBT community occurs in healthcare services, workplaces and society, according to the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.
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Politics

Myanmar takes legal action against protesters
Myanmar police has begun legal action against five protesters over a rally on 14 May, in which several activists and students marched through Yangon in a rare gesture of religious solidarity. The move came as rights groups raise concerns about efforts by the new pro-democracy government to amend draconian laws on demonstrations.
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Economy

 
Myanmar expands aviation capability
Myanmar is expanding its aviation capability with a new airline and the construction of an international airport. The new carrier, to be named Asian Blue Aviation, is a joint venture (JV) between Japan’s full-service carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Myanmar-based Golden Sky World. The construction of the new international airport at Hanthawaddy is scheduled to start late this year, and will be 49% funded by a US$0.75 billion ODA loan from the Japanese government.
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