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Dr Win Naing, spokesperson for the Germany-based Forum of Burmese in Europe, told The Irrawaddy that the EU’s possible about-turn “indicates a relaxing of the EU policy towards Burmese military leaders.”

 

The possible reversal of the strict visa ban follows other events which appear to point to a softening of the EU’s position on Burma, such as the opening of a Burmese embassy in Brussels, the opening of the European Community Humanitarian Office in Rangoon and the commission of a report by researcher Robert Taylor, who is seen by many as an apologist for the Burmese military regime.

 

EU foreign ministers addressed the visa ban at a General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting in Brussels, during a discussion to try and find a solution to the issue of Burmese ministers participating in the various ASEM [Asia Europe Meeting] meetings to be held in Europe in 2006. It is hoped ASEM might be a stage on which to engage the regime in human rights and democracy discussions. 

VOA to End Thai Broadcasts

 

The US government-funded global radio and television broadcaster, Voice of America, has decided to drop all Thai-language broadcasts, citing budget restraints and new goals, the DPA news agency reported. In addition to the Thai service, broadcasts in Croatian, Georgian, Turkish and Greek will be totally eliminated from VOA radio and television programming, according to the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA was founded in the throes of World War II, in 1942, and currently delivers more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 100 million people in 44 languages.
 
In November, 2005, the British Broadcasting Corporation decided to stop its Thai-language service, based on the results of a survey showing that few Thais actually listened to it. Currently Thailand has upwards of 400 radio stations with more than 70 based in metropolitan areas. Most stations broadcast in Thai language only although some offer English language programming with native English-speaking presenters.

 

Rap Song Offends Muslims in Thailand

 

Muslims in Thailand have lodged complaints about a Thai rap song that includes a verse from the Koran, claiming it insults the Islamic holy book. Nithi Hasan, president of The Council of Muslim Organizations of Thailand said Tuesday that it agreed with complaints received in recent days that rapper Joey Boy should not have used the Koran in his song.  The song, called “Chouy” in Thai, or “Indifferent” in English, was released eight years ago. Although it was not immediately clear why it has suddenly become controversial, an article on a Thai-language website, www.muslimthai.com, said the song, “clearly insults the [Koran] ... the [Koran] strictly forbids the use of its verses in songs.”

 

Joey Boy, whose real name is Abhisit Opasiemlikit, told Tuesday's Bangkok Post newspaper he was shocked to learn of the anger his song had caused and said he had no idea the song had included a verse from the Koran. “Had I known, I would never have sung it. I am sorry,” he was quoted as saying, adding that he would apologize to the Muslim community in predominantly Buddhist Thailand and recall all existing albums. (AP)

Pardoned Cambodian Opposition Leader to Return From Exile

 

Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Tuesday he is ready to return home this week after spending one year in self-imposed exile in France. The leader of the Sam Rainsy Party—the only opposition group in the National Assembly—fled Cambodia in February 2005 to avoid arrest. A court in December 2005 found him guilty of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen by accusing him of being behind a deadly grenade attack on an anti-government demonstration in 1997.

 

The opposition leader and the prime minister have been bitter political enemies for many years. But last week, Sam Rainsy withdrew his accusation against Hun Sen, who in turn asked King Norodom Sihamoni to grant the opposition leader a royal amnesty. The king issued the amnesty on Sunday.  In a speech Monday, Hun Sen said Sam Rainsy’s about-face showed he was wrong.