Written by Derek Tonkin

As we shall see later, the UK in practice uses the name “Myanmar” rather more, probably very much more, than it ever does “Burma”. Etymologically, both names are derived from a common source: a labial ‘m/b’ followed by the nasal ‘m’.

By HANNA HINDSTROM

The British government has defended its plans to offer military training to the Burmese army, despite revelations that the course may cover the “art and science of war” and “border security” management.

Speaking to DVB on Thursday, the UK’s new ambassador to Burma, Andrew Patrick, described the training as an “important” part of Britain’s re-engagement with Burma and insisted that it would not help the combat ability of the armed forces.

“It’s important that we have a relationship with the Burmese military, because in the UK we have a military that’s respected, strong and part of the democratic system,” he said. “So it’s useful to show senior members of the military here what that looks like and give them a chance to see whether it’s helpful here in Burma.”

By DVB

Burmese opposition leader Aung Suu Kyi on Saturday said the 2015 elections in her country will not be democratic without constitutional changes.

“The constitution must be amended,” the Nobel laureate said as she met European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels. “If the constitution is not amended, the 2015 election cannot be free or fair.”

Burma will hold parliamentary polls in 2015, with the new parliament then choosing a president, and Suu Kyi has said she wants to run for the presidency.

The current Burmese constitution, crafted under the former military regime, blocks Suu Kyi from becoming president as it excludes anyone whose spouses or children are foreign nationals from holding the post.

By Chit Su

Since her release from prison in 1999, Myanmar writer and doctor, Ma Thida (Sanchaung), has dreamt of a day when Myanmar writers would be able to join colleagues around the world and establish an internationally recognised forum in which to develop creative literature and critical thinking.

Her dream came true last month with the founding of a new PEN International centre in Myanmar. The centre, with 23 active members, will serve as an NGO for writers and for advocacy and education about literature, helping aspiring writers from all backgrounds in Myanmar.

The effort to open the PEN Centre was nearly 15 years in the making and came about through the persistence and steadfast effort of Dr Ma Thida.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

U Sein Win, a journalist who championed press freedom in Myanmarand endured three stints in prison, died on Thursday in Yangon, Myanmar. He was 91.

By SAMANTHA MICHAELS / THE IRRAWADDY

RANGOON — The mornings were full of walking, says Khin Mar Shwe, a nurse near Burma’s biggest city, recalling her days as a midwife under the former military regime.

She was a young woman then, and would begin a few days every week walking from village to village in Taikkyi Township, knocking on doors to find expectant mothers who required assistance.

“Early, at 8 am, I would start my journey, and I would return at 4 pm, depending on the distance between villages,” she tells The Irrawaddy. “In the evening if a mother was about to go into labor, I would stay overnight.” The midwife, who has since become a nurse, was responsible for covering six villages, some about four kilometers apart. Sometimes she would ride by bicycle, and she almost always traveled alone.

By NYEIN NYEIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma’s Ministry of Labor has announced plans to start issuing regular passports to Burmese migrants in Thailand from next month.

The passports, which are the same as those issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Rangoon, will replace temporary passports that are valid only in Thailand.

The goal of the new policy is to treat migrant workers like other Burmese citizens, Kyaw Kyaw Lin, the labor attaché at the Burmese embassy in Bangkok, told The Irrawaddy.